| By the Numbers Sticker • $51,805 (as tested) Under the Hood • 3.7-liter V6 Curb Weight • 3,675 lbs. Horsepower • 328 hp Torque • 269 lb-ft. 0-to-60 • 5.2 seconds |
Is Infiniti facing a quarter-life crisis?
It has been nearly 25 years since Nissan’s luxury line debuted with the Q45 sedan, taking aim at pricier German offerings like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Since then, Infiniti has enjoyed success with its smaller G and M lines, as well as several crossovers. However, the company essentially abandoned the upper-most echelon it set out to conquer when it retired the trailblazing Q45 back in 2006.
Now comes word that the 20-something company plans to once again develop a high-end flagship sedan and coupe. In a nod to its original intentions, Infiniti has scrapped its alphanumeric naming system in favor of a resurrected “Q” designation for coupes and sedans. The Q50 luxury sport sedan represents the first new offering under the re-naming campaign.
Available in 10 trim levels (including four gas-electric hybrids), the Q50 is essentially the next generation evolution of the G sedan. The outgoing G37 was a fine looking, if relatively unassuming, luxury sport sedan; the fully redesigned Q50, however, is stunning. Bold and imposing, it appears significantly lower, wider and curvier than its predecessor. It is especially eye-catching from the front, where its long, double-waved hood spills onto an upright mesh grille flanked by menacingly arched LED running lights and piercing headlamps.
Inside, the roomier cabin is awash in sumptuous leather and optional hand-polished maple wood or aluminum trim pieces. The handsome center stack features a new dual touch-screen system that is intuitive and highly customizable through apps and smartphone integration. On the road, the Q50S 3.7 is competent and composed, if perhaps a bit soft in terms of suspension. In Sport mode, its throaty V6 roars to life while its electronic direct adaptive steering – the first of its kind, featuring no physical cRed Alert!
Last month, Infiniti officially unveiled the Q50 Eau Rouge concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A byproduct of the company’s partnership with world-champion Red Bull Racing, it is widely considered a preview of road-going performance-oriented offerings to come. Let’s hope so: With its copious use of lightweight carbon fiber and potential power output of more than 500 hp, this red-hot Q50 could give its Formula One siblings a serious run!onnection between the steering wheel and front tires – provides a pleasingly heavier feel.
Despite the throwback naming convention, this new Q is a future-oriented sport sedan – and an encouraging harbinger for Infiniti products to come, including perhaps those colored by its Formula One racing partnership. Quarter-life, sure; but crisis? Hardly.
Red Alert!
Last month, Infiniti officially unveiled the Q50 Eau Rouge concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A byproduct of the company’s partnership with world-champion Red Bull Racing, it is widely considered a preview of road-going performance-oriented offerings to come. Let’s hope so: With its copious use of lightweight carbon fiber and potential power output of more than 500 hp, this red-hot Q50 could give its Formula One siblings a serious run!
