It may not be on a potential shopper’s radar like an Audi, Benz or BMW but this luxury sport car from Infiniti deserves attention. Oodles of it. Carrying over from last year mostly with little change, the Q50 is equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbocharged engine blasting off 400 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 350 pounds-feet of torque @ 5200 rpm. Available as a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the lively midsize sedan is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. An independent double-wishbone front and a multilink rear suspension ensure safety for occupants in adverse road/weather conditions. Credit for the superbly accurate steering goes to a power-assist, rack-and-pinion system. Behind the wheels hide large rotors: front four-piston 14 inches at front and rear two-piston 13.8 inches to inspire confidence in the driver. Lest we forget, you can enjoy the Q50 in standard, eco, snow, sport, sport+ and personal modes.
Up front, the double-arch grille and wide hood are surrounded by LED headlights and daytime running lights. Distinct brushed finish exhausts and dual chrome bars deck the rear. If anyone tells you that the Infiniti cabin isn’t on par with its German rivals, point out the gorgeous-appearing Kaachu aluminum trim and maple wood on the instrument panel, center console and door panels. The InTouch infotainment system, which comes with dual 8- and 7-inch touch screens atop each other, is convenient to use. Also standard are eight-way power front leather seats, dual auto a/c, magnesium paddle shifters, 60/40 rear seat, overhead sunglass holder, Bose audio with 16 speakers, aluminum pedals and sill plates with ‘Infiniti’ insignia, and power tilt/telescopic steering column and moon roof. But we could have used slightly more space in the 13.5-cubic-foot trunk area.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, vehicle dynamic and traction controls, front seatbelts with pretensioners, remote keyless entry, rearview camera, zone body construction, blind spot, lane-departure and forward-collision warnings, rear cross traffic alert, auto brakes with pedestrian detection, hill start assist, energy-absorbing steering column, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
The Q50 displays energetic handling, superb cornering skills and a strong steering feel. It is one of the cleverest and coolest choices for a potential sport sedan buyer. And a head-turner ride to boot.
Q50 RED SPORT (AWD)
Tires: P245/40R19 front; 265/35R19 rear
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 189.6 inches
Width: 71.8 inches
Weight: 3,998 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19 gallons
City: 20 mpg
Highway: 26 mpg
Base price: $57,750
Price as tested: $62,355
Web site: www.infiniti.com