Infiniti q50 Red Sport 400

[Johnnycash]

http://blog.caranddriver.com/check-e...3-0-liter-v-6/






Maybe its because my super cool uncle had 300z 2+2 when I was just a wee lad and I coveted that car ever since, this new direction of infiniti moving towards forced induction and eliminating the growly gas guzzling vq motor definitely has me intrigued! will wait for all of the specs to come out and obviously drive the 400 hp tt version when its available but if its refined and smooth with the torque and hp numbers its boasting I might jump ship...

curious as to the sticker price? but was also kind of waiting to just find a clean used sq5, the 3 liter sc motor is a special powerplant and I dont want to take it for granted.

So any other people coming from other japanese cars consider making a move, im curious to hear your thoughts?

[GRUMPY-S4]

Looks promising!!!!

[BoostEasy]

IMO Infiniti's current styling direction is just marching to it's own beat only they can hear. They've made nice interiors (luxury, not necessarily sporty) but the exterior styling hasn't worked in years IMO.

That said the TT V6 engine does look very nice. The new Toyota turbo 4 and now this both look like great engines with interesting turbo tech. (turbos look a LOT easier to upgrade vs some of the German stuff). The Japanese seemed to have avoided direct injection and turbos until they absolutely had to implement them for eco reasons but it was probably a wise decision given all the problems it caused the Germans when both were first starting to come into vogue.

I think it'll be a nice car, priced just under an equivalent S4 and probably be a great ride but I don't see myself jumping ship anytime soon for a Q50 coupe. Well see. Maybe I'll eat my words...

[adk_audi]

IMO Infiniti's current styling direction is just marching to it's own beat only they can hear. They've made nice interiors (luxury, not necessarily sporty) but the exterior styling hasn't worked in years IMO.

That said the TT V6 engine does look very nice. The new Toyota turbo 4 and now this both look like great engines with interesting turbo tech. (turbos look a LOT easier to upgrade vs some of the German stuff). The Japanese seemed to have avoided direct injection and turbos until they absolutely had to implement them for eco reasons but it was probably a wise decision given all the problems it caused the Germans when both were first starting to come into vogue.

I think it'll be a nice car, priced just under an equivalent S4 and probably be a great ride but I don't see myself jumping ship anytime soon for a Q50 coupe. Well see. Maybe I'll eat my words...

That's a nice Maxima! I kid. But to your point, similar things can be said about Audi, the B9 styling changes are miniscule. For me, I love the styling even though it's 7 years old - I've had 2 b8s, but it's not everyone's cup of tea and if it's not, then it really looks old since nothing has changed with the b9s

[Laxinthe303]

Not enough TQ. It's going to be a dog.

[paulo6]

That's a nice Maxima! I kid. But to your point, similar things can be said about Audi, the B9 styling changes are miniscule. For me, I love the styling even though it's 7 years old - I've had 2 b8s, but it's not everyone's cup of tea and if it's not, then it really looks old since nothing has changed with the b9s

Exactly! B9 evolution in exterior design needs a lot to be desired for me at least ...
Q50 is now an option for me once lease is over in S4 before this 400hp I wouldn't even consider ..but Alfa Giulia might win at the end :)


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[blackfunk]

Not enough TQ. It's going to be a dog.

Not sure if you're serious.

[MrFunk]

Yawn - looks like a mazda 6 to me. Just another "lexus"

[adamkb26]

I like the exterior, but hate the Infiniti interiors. They aren't cool in any way. That model focuses more on luxury than sport per reviews. But it'll be another nice /quick luxury car option.

[Johnnycash]

Imo s4>q50 in the looks department, but when I see the infinitis while I'm out on the road I do consider them to be attractive cars. Also bigger trunk and backseat so a little more utility for family stuff.

There is some pretty cool tech going on in the new engine, and maybe even more potential for tuneability ! I'm thinking they will price the premium trim model in the mid 50k range and that will make it a direct competitor especially if it's getting good reviews!


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[priceprince]

The Q50's looks are starting to grow on me a little bit. But with this new TT engine, I am intrigued, and want to test drive one at least.

[EBS4]

The 3.0 VQ was smoother than my 3.0T at idle and throughout its power band. Loved that motor. The 3.5 in my 350z had more power but is not very refined. Both got far, far, far better mileage than my 3.0T although my S4 is far heavier than the Z or my old maxima. If Nissans new engine is as smooth as the VQ and the Q50 is made sportier I would jump ship.

EBS4

[BernanksBeard]

Hope you don't plan on making it faster than it comes stock. They are bragging about having the most maxed out turbos of any car ever... Doesn't sound impressive to me. I always look at the tuning possibilities before buying a car, and this one appears to have nothing left for tuners.

[AudBoost]

My father has a Q50S and I have to say that the styling of the S makes the car look much better than the standard model. The differences are not huge but enough to make an overall difference. As someone stated earlier the interior is more luxury than sporty. I do enjoy the nice plush seats. I have driven it a few times and the 3.7 liter is pretty peppy but only in the high RPM ranges so I could see this 3.0 TT big a big improvement.

[blackfunk]

Hope you don't plan on making it faster than it comes stock. They are bragging about having the most maxed out turbos of any car ever... Doesn't sound impressive to me. I always look at the tuning possibilities before buying a car, and this one appears to have nothing left for tuners.

Yeah? Because a 400hp tune and no warranty is better than 400hp and a warranty? I mean that GTR and all, totally maxed. LMAO - stop it guys. Nissan makes GREAT engines. Wards agrees with that statement.

[doug97gxe]

that thing is going to be a beast and if they keep manual transmission a lot of people are going to jump ship

[RudyH]

I like the exterior, but hate the Infiniti interiors. They aren't cool in any way. That model focuses more on luxury than sport per reviews. But it'll be another nice /quick luxury car option.

Ditto, I was looking at one for a while but the 3.7L just wasn't cutting it. The interior isn't bad, I could live with it that's for sure. Plus the fact the 400 will likely come out just about where the S4 is being priced at, it's hard to ignore.

There is also an off chance the 6-speed manual might make it...at least it was an option in 2015 still

[JayCar]

One thing to think about... Nissan makes Infiniti and Nissan knows the twin turbo V6. Granted the GTR is a 3.8L, but still Nissan knows that setup quite well.

[AudBoost]

One thing to think about... Nissan makes Infiniti and Nissan knows the twin turbo V6. Granted the GTR is a 3.8L, but still Nissan knows that setup quite well.

[doug97gxe]

One thing to think about... Nissan makes Infiniti and Nissan knows the twin turbo V6. Granted the GTR is a 3.8L, but still Nissan knows that setup quite well.

and that Motor's roots are turbo .. the Turbo version of that motor has been in Japanese Market cars since 1995

[bknewtype]

looks like theres a few variants:

q50 with a 400hp TT
q50 with a 2.0 211hp single turbo
q60 with a 3.0 300hp tt

[BoostEasy]

looks like theres a few variants:

q50 with a 400hp TT
q50 with a 2.0 211hp single turbo
q60 with a 3.0 300hp tt

Yup. This link from C&D quotes Nissan as saying the only real difference in the engines is programming and a turbo speed sensor on the 400HP TT: http://blog.caranddriver.com/check-e...3-0-liter-v-6/

That should mean the 300HP version might have some pretty serious potential gains with a tune. The 400HP TT version perhaps less but there's almost certainly something there, even if it's just more low end and midrange with comparatively less up top. The original BMW n55 engines were like this (less gains up top) but were still a blast to drive because they made absolutely crushing low and mid-range power with decent gains at high rpm.

[bknewtype]

Yup. This link from C&D quotes Nissan as saying the only real difference in the engines is programming and a turbo speed sensor on the 400HP TT: http://blog.caranddriver.com/check-e...3-0-liter-v-6/

That should mean the 300HP version might have some pretty serious potential gains with a tune. The 400HP TT version perhaps less but there's almost certainly something there, even if it's just more low end and midrange with comparatively less up top. The original BMW n55 engines were like this (less gains up top) but were still a blast to drive because they made absolutely crushing low and mid-range power with decent gains at high rpm.

wasn't there a mention of a q50 TT GTR killer? is this it?

[doug97gxe]

Yup. This link from C&D quotes Nissan as saying the only real difference in the engines is programming and a turbo speed sensor on the 400HP TT: http://blog.caranddriver.com/check-e...3-0-liter-v-6/

That should mean the 300HP version might have some pretty serious potential gains with a tune. The 400HP TT version perhaps less but there's almost certainly something there, even if it's just more low end and midrange with comparatively less up top. The original BMW n55 engines were like this (less gains up top) but were still a blast to drive because they made absolutely crushing low and mid-range power with decent gains at high rpm.

thanks for this link.. i stand corrected on my prior post.. looks like this isn't a VQ .. its a VR based off the GTR Motor

[AudBoost]

wasn't there a mention of a q50 TT GTR killer? is this it?

That was the Q50 Eau Rouge which had a transplanted 3.8L from a GTR with a tune to give 550hp and 443ft/lbs.

[bknewtype]

That was the Q50 Eau Rouge which had a transplanted 3.8L from a GTR with a tune to give 550hp and 443ft/lbs.

ah yes, that.

[JayCar]

ah yes, that.

I would have loved that. I love THE GTR performance and shopped them when I was deciding btwn that and the ZR1. I wanted to like the GTR, but that interior is cheap plastic junk.

The Eau would be awesome. GTR engine with better interior. Bring it on! lol

[BoostEasy]

I would have loved that. I love THE GTR performance and shopped them when I was deciding btwn that and the ZR1. I wanted to like the GTR, but that interior is cheap plastic junk.

The Eau would be awesome. GTR engine with better interior. Bring it on! lol

GTR is an interesting car and I liked the idea of the Eau Rouge but I highly doubt the business case for it would have ever been successful.

The GTR is a sledgehammer of a performance car but as you said, the interior is cheap plastic junk and both the used ones I checked out had an odd faint barf-type smell to their interiors. I was way too tall and broad shouldered to fit in the car or it's seats too. So definite no-go from that alone but for the $60k+ they wanted for the used ones and the $100k+ for the new one, I would gladly have went to a Porsche 911 instead. Not as fast but totally outclasses the GTR in areas other than raw acceleration I cared about.

[604bking]

I came from a 370Z, which spared pretty much the same engine and interior with the G37. That engine has horrible torque and is really rough at higher rpm. The car also had little things here and there that would go wrong all the time, annoyed the hell out of me.

As for this new engine, I am intrigued. Good for them on moving to TT. But after owning the S4 I doubt I would go for another Nissan/Infiniti. Now if Lexus starts producing 3.0TT on the other hand...

[RudyH]

On the topic of GTR...
the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...



Being an enthusiast site, likely know the history of the Skyline in rest of the world, and how Infiniti Acura were just rebadged Nissan / Honda's for America.
I guess the R34 was the last of the real Skyline + GT-R's before it became what Nissan made today

[bknewtype]

yea the infiniti skylines were a diff category. 350gt, 370gt. not a gt-r. skyline.

[B8-S4]

I've been waiting for this car for a while!...since the Q50 Eau Rogue! I wish the styling of this car was a bit more aggressive like the Eau Rogue Concept :(. Either way, 400hp TT sounds nice! I've had the G35, G37, and M35 before jumping into my S4. The S4 definitely trumps them all but this model looks promising!

[Johnnycash]

350 lb-ft, arrives at 1600 rpm and plateaus all the way to 5200 rpm. Whether 300 or 400 horsepower, the power peak is 6400 rpm, and we expect max revs to be about 7000 rpm.

thats a hell of a sweet spot for a torque curve, lots of fun to be had in those rpms, this thing is gonna be a hit!

interesting theory on maybe people buying the detuned 300 hp version and then going aftermarket for more gains? I on the other hand would just pony up for the 400 hp and keep full warranty in tact without worrying about the engine.

[tgsweat]

I've been an infiniti fan since i've had my G35 and been hoping for a TT engine from them one day. If they just take a TT engine and throw it in the current body style as is then i would have to pass. The engine is nice and all but they would need to make the car more sporty IMHO. I actually love the way the Q50 looks, but i need to hear more about the transmission and suspension (for example) they would use with it.

[b6onboost]

To me its going to be the same Infiniti story...

As the VQ Q50/G37 has always been priced near A4/328i level, the 400hp TT Q50 Sport is going to approach S4 / 340i price levels. It wouldn't surprise me if the Infiniti offers more straight line performance (stock) and options for the money, but the trade-off is the Infiniti is simply not as nice of a car as its German rivals.

I'm sure Infiniti enthusiasts are drooling, as are those who are afraid of German car reliability, but from my perspective I'd still rather have an S4 or 340i if the price is even remotely close.

[S4'ed]

It's a Japanese car....who cares!

[b6onboost]

It looks like Infiniti will have a Q50 2.0T, Q50 3.0T (300hp), Q50 Hybrid (360hp), and Q50 Sport Red 3.0T (400hp).

Article said the 3.0TT 300hp and 400hp motors are the same, just tuned differently. So the tuner of the bunch seems to be the mid-range model, get one well equipped for $40-45k then tune it up to 400hp. This model lineup definitely makes me think the top 400hp model will be $50k+.

[mgaman]

The front fascia looks okay, I kinda dig it - but it doesn't work well with the rest of the car at all, in my opinion.

In addition Infiniti interiors don't do it for me.

Also: Not it for drive by wire steering. The first version was universally disliked, the newest version is "better" but still not something I'm interested in. I guess someday if all cars go this way I'll have no choice but not interested in video game steering.

[doug97gxe]

thats a hell of a sweet spot for a torque curve, lots of fun to be had in those rpms, this thing is gonna be a hit!

interesting theory on maybe people buying the detuned 300 hp version and then going aftermarket for more gains? I on the other hand would just pony up for the 400 hp and keep full warranty in tact without worrying about the engine.

chances are you won't leave the 400 hp version stock.. so the 300 hp version is a better deal.. kinda reminds me of how the SQ5 and the 3.0T Q5 makes different power stock.. but pulley and tune they are the same

[Johnnycash]

chances are you won't leave the 400 hp version stock.. so the 300 hp version is a better deal.. kinda reminds me of how the SQ5 and the 3.0T Q5 makes different power stock.. but pulley and tune they are the same

honestly though i think 400 hp is good for me, im pretty content right now in stock s4 form, and this is a considerable bump in hp between the two even though torque is similar.

also assuming there are ways to beef the suspension on the q50 similar to what people do on the s4, sways, links, chassis brace etc?