Infiniti Plans To Reboot The Q50 Sedan Like It's 2003 Again
Infiniti is preparing a surprising comeback for the Q50 after discontinuing the sedan last year.
Key Points
- Infiniti is reviving the Q50 for 2027 as a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan, reversing earlier plans to replace it with an EV amid slowing demand for electric cars.
- The new Q50 will use the Nissan Z’s twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 with around 400 horsepower, offer a manual transmission, and target rivals like the BMW 3 Series.
- Dealers who previewed the car suggest a Red Sport version is in the works, while all-wheel drive could be added later to broaden its market appeal.
Originally, the brand planned to replace it with an EV, but that course is reversing in response to chilly electric demand. Instead of a battery-powered replacement, Infiniti will resurrect the Q50 as a rear-drive, performance-oriented sedan with a manual transmission and Nissan Z power under the hood.
According to a report from Automotive News, dealers who previewed the car at a recent Las Vegas conference called it a return to Infiniti’s enthusiast roots, drawing comparisons to the G35 that helped redefine the brand in the early 2000s.
The report suggests the car will borrow structure from Nissan’s Skyline platform while sharing its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with the Nissan Z. That engine produces 400 horsepower in its current form, with the possibility of even higher-output variants, including a Red Sport edition.
The car is expected to arrive in the second half of 2027, offering rear-wheel drive as standard and the potential for all-wheel drive in certain markets. Positioned against compact sport sedans like the BMW 3 Series, the revived Q50 would be a literal 180 from Infiniti’s prior plan of electrifying everything to rebuild its image.
Performance sedans are an increasingly narrow niche, but the promise of a rear-drive Infiniti with three pedals and 400 horsepower suggests the brand could be listening to the enthusiasts who have been asking it to go back to what made it relevant in the first place.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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By manual they mean pull the stick to R N D and S.
Give me a two door coupe with a naturally aspirated v6 and a manual transmission.
Keep it simple, sell it for $40k and it will be a big hit.
Problem nowadays is that the fun cars are no longer affordable for most of us that want to buy one. Like the Mustang...
The Dodge Charger two door coupe just needs a manual with a naturally aspirated 325hp v8 to make us boomers happy and able to buy one.