Summary
- The Infiniti Q50 is a stylish sedan that hasn't received many updates since 2016, but its design is still appealing and elegant.
- The top-spec Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD comes with a powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
- Despite its lack of updates, the Q50 still has potential for improvement and could benefit from borrowing ideas from the Skyline Nismo.
If you do some digging on the web about the Infiniti Q50, you'll notice that most accept the fact that this Japanese sedan is a looker! The trouble is, that fact has remained unchanged since the car last received an update in 2016. Which isn't bad if one has a different way of looking at things. Because in an era of “who's front grille's bigger?”, the Infiniti Q50's hood swoops down gracefully, into a charming pout that could make you mimic one if you keep looking.
Once you've caught yourself kissing thin air, beyond its face, you will notice that the Q50's low-slung elegance doesn't force your vision into digesting new-age strokes. And when we say that this Japanese compact sports sedan still packs a punch, the reasons to back that statement are all there, under that bodywork. How big a punch is it? The top-spec Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD is powered by the legendary VR30DDTT 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine (also found in the Nissan Z) which develops 400 Horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque! And then, things get even more special when you know that the Q50 has a skyline connection.
What's The Infiniti Q50 Got To Do With The Nissan Skyline?
Infiniti's parent brand, Nissan, and the legendary Skyline, both, need no introduction. The eleventh-generation Skyline (V35) was introduced in North America, masquerading as the Infiniti G35 sports coupe. Over the years, succeeding generations of the Nissan Skyline went on sale in America, wearing the Infiniti badge. For the uninitiated, the Infiniti Q50 in its current guise, is based on the thirteenth-generation Nissan Skyline (V37).
Unlike the Q50 though, the Skyline received cosmetic updates in 2019, for its fascia to appear more similar to the R35 GT-R. It is powered by the same engine that propels the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD and cranks out identical power. However, rubbing salt in the Q50's current situation, a Skyline Nismo has been announced in 2023.
This limited production version is powered by the same engine as the Q50 Red Sport, however, it has been tuned by engineers who are also responsible for tuning the engine which powers Nissan's entry in the GT500 class. Moreover, the twin-turbo V-6 engine now develops an extra 15 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque, from its revised state of tune.
In addition to the extra power, the Skyline Nismo has been equipped with specially-developed performance tires, specially-designed Enkei wheels, specially-tuned suspension and stabilizers, updated brakes, and some changes inside the cabin to add to that exclusivity. So if Infiniti ever decides to add more oomph to the Q50's appeal, the material's all there.
Why Won't Infiniti Update The Only Sedan In Its Portfolio?
Globally, the three-box sedan is no longer the preferred body style when it comes to cars. SUVs and crossovers rule the roost these days, for the practicality they offer, along with their presence. If one has to take a wild guess, it could also be that dogs these days are part of a lot of families, and SUVs are just the right kind of vehicles to furry, ahem, ferry them around. What about cats? Perhaps cats remain true to their nature and just don't care what kind of cars their owners buy. They'll scratch the upholstery anyway.
Jokes aside, the fast-paced electrification of mobility appears to be leaning towards crossovers and SUVs as the body styles of choice. Don't take our word for it. Just look around, and you'll find that there are more electric crossovers on sale than there are sedans.
Is there an update for the Q50 on the horizon then? A collaboration between the Renault F1 team and Infiniti, the Project Black S did offer hope, but it was nothing more than just that. What was it? A Formula One-inspired sports coupe that was fitted with a sophisticated, Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).
This trickery was supposed to enhance the Red Sport 400's engine output by as much as 25 percent before the project was scrapped. As of now, Infiniti appears to be betting on crossover sales to climb the ladder, and they can't be blamed.
Did It Ever Go Racing?
'The Infiniti Support Our Paras' outfit picked the Q50 as its weapon of choice, to go racing in the 2015 British Touring Car Championship. The team aimed to help raise awareness and funds for 'Support Our Paras', the official charity of the British Army's Parachute regiment.
The service crew for the cars consisted of several injured soldiers, and the team's long-term goal was to develop, train, and ensure that an injured paratrooper eventually graduated to pilot one of the team's machines in the championship. All profits generated by the team were to be donated to the 'Support our Paras' charity.
Which Are The Infiniti Q50's Rivals?
If we compare top-spec guises, the BMW M340i xDrive and the Genesis G70 3.3T are two of the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD's major rivals. The BMW is an accomplished, go-to weapon of choice for those buying into this segment. On the other hand, the Genesis sedan presents itself as a more up-to-date choice, which is significantly easier on the wallet.
Specifications And Price
Model | Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD | BMW M340i xDrive | Genesis G70 3.3T AWD |
Starting MSRP | $58,500 | $59,600 | $47,000 |
Engine | 3.0-liter, V6, twin-turbo | 3.0-liter, inline-six, twin-turbo | 3.3-liter, V6, twin-turbo |
Power & Torque | 400 HP; 350 lb-ft | 377 HP; 369 lb-ft | 365 HP; 376 lb-ft |
Transmission | 7-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Drive Type | AWD | AWD | AWD |
What's Not Working In The Q50's Favor?
The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport might entice standing still. However, once inside the cabin or behind the wheel, its age does show up. While a great-sounding engine, a smooth gearbox, and time-tested mechanical components do work in its favor, some things don't:
- A dated cabin layout
- Its steer-by-wire system isn't in sync with the car's purpose of existence
- Cramped rear seat
- Rivals offer far more. Either in terms of badge value, fun-to-drive characteristics, or overall value for money
- Expensive!
Is The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD Still A Good Buy?
Now that's a tough one to answer. However, there isn't just one answer to that question. For anybody who is smitten by the Q50 in its top-spec form, and intends to buy one, brand new, they'd have to hunt for a seriously sweet deal. On the other hand, if a great example can be found at a great price in the used market, the Q50 does present itself as a value-for-money compact sports sedan.
For any amount that one might spend, the Q50 offers an appearance that has, and which will, age with grace. Fitted with time-tested components, if performed, both on paper and in the real world. And down the years, if there's an itch to tweak, there are plenty of ideas to be borrowed from the Skyline Nismo.