Infiniti to reintroduce the Q50 with Nissan Z’s twin-turbo V6 and rear-wheel drive layout.
Manual transmission option and potential Red Sport trim target performance-focused luxury buyers
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Is this the moment in Infiniti’s history that will be looked back on as the one that changed everything? Infiniti will reintroduce its Q50 sedan in the second half of 2027, reversing earlier plans to replace the discontinued model with an electric vehicle.
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The next-generation Q50 will be built on the same platform as the Skyline sedan sold in Japan and will feature the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine from the Nissan Z sports car. The powertrain currently delivers 400 horsepower, though sources suggest it may be tuned to exceed 450 horsepower (30 more than the Z Nismo) in the upcoming Q50.
Rear-wheel drive will return to the model, and a manual transmission will be offered. Simply being available will change the company’s aura, even if very few are sold. Infiniti is also evaluating a high-performance Red Sport variant for the new lineup.
Infiniti previewed the updated Q50 during Nissan Motor Co.’s U.S. dealer meeting on August 20 in Las Vegas, showcasing the sedan’s coupe-inspired silhouette, slim lighting elements, and circular taillights reminiscent of the Skyline. The vehicle was presented under the Q50S badge.
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The Q50 reboot forms an important part of Infiniti’s goal to reestablish its presence in not only the luxury sedan segment, but as an actual alternative to the German premium brands – a position it once held. The automaker originally aimed to transition to an electric sedan by the end of the decade, but dwindling interest and shifting market dynamics prompted the change.
Executives have framed the new Q50 as a nod to past models such as the G35, hoping to appeal to a demographic of older driving enthusiasts. In other words, those who grew up with the G20, G35, I30, J30, FX, and Q45. The model is also seen as a bridge to bring younger, performance-oriented customers into the luxury market.
The news comes as Infiniti prepares to expand its lineup with new crossovers and SUVs. The QX65 midsize two-row crossover is planned for 2026, along with off-road and performance variants of the QX80.
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While some dealers welcomed the return of a rear-drive sedan with enthusiast-focused features, others raised concerns about the lack of all-wheel drive. “In the Northeast market, I guarantee we would double our business if it was all-wheel drive,” said Ed Lennon, president of Circle Infiniti in New Jersey.
Despite industry trends moving away from sedans, Infiniti executives say the body style remains important for customer acquisition. “Having a sedan in Infiniti’s lineup is super important, especially for bringing younger buyers back into the brand,” said Vinay Shahani, Nissan’s U.S. sales and marketing chief.
We think the return of the Infiniti Q50 sedan will be a serious first step in the right direction. The next step will be to ensure the QX65 does not disappoint as a true FX revival, unlike the dismal QX55. It’ll need a real engine-transmission combo and available real on-road performance chops.
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Source: Automotive News
