2028 Infiniti Q50 May Carry Again the Guide Sport Sedan Enjoyable : Automotive Addicts

Automotive

Infiniti has been in a wierd spot currently. After peaking round 2017, the model’s gross sales momentum light and the showroom has mainly turn out to be a two-SUV story. That’s the reason the thought of a brand new Q50, confirmed by Infiniti again in October 2024, looks like extra than simply one other mannequin cycle. If Infiniti actually desires to remind individuals why the badge mattered to lovers within the first place, a correct sports activities sedan is the form of headline it wants.

The pitch is straightforward and it seems like a want checklist written by somebody who misses the model’s glory days: rear-wheel drive, a lot of horsepower, and a handbook transmission. Infiniti constructed a repute within the 2000s by mixing luxurious with actual driver enchantment, and vehicles just like the G35 made the case that you could possibly have a sporty chassis and a clutch pedal with out giving up consolation. A contemporary Q50 that leans into that very same vibe may very well be the spark that will get individuals speaking once more, even when lots of them in the end drive dwelling in an SUV.

Beneath, this subsequent Q50 is predicted to remain pretty near what got here earlier than, possible sticking with the FM platform that additionally underpins the Nissan Z. That shared DNA may truly be a very good factor, particularly if Infiniti makes use of it to ship the proportions and stability individuals need in a compact sport sedan. It additionally opens the door for components sharing that would assist Infiniti preserve growth prices in examine whereas nonetheless giving the Q50 its personal look and persona.

The true pleasure is what may reside beneath the hood. The obvious transfer is Nissan’s VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, the identical primary engine used within the Z. Output is predicted to land north of 400 hp, and if Infiniti takes inspiration from the Z NISMO’s 420 hp tune, the highest Q50 may very well be severely fast. There may be additionally the potential of cheaper variants with a lower-output V6 or perhaps a turbo four-cylinder, however the discuss to this point has been centered on a performance-first sedan, the type that lastly provides Infiniti followers one thing to circle on the calendar.

Then there’s the element that actually issues to diehards: Infiniti says it’s closely contemplating a handbook gearbox. That could be a massive deal in a phase that has largely given up on three pedals, and it will immediately separate the Q50 from the same old suspects just like the BMW M340i, Mercedes-AMG C43, and Genesis G70 3.3T, none of which provide a stick. If Infiniti can pair a punchy twin-turbo V6 with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed, it’s mainly serving lovers the precise recipe they’ve been complaining is disappearing.

In fact, the dream model of this automotive has to outlive the realities of product planning. Pricing will matter, and the Q50 might have to undercut the German institution whereas nonetheless feeling premium sufficient to justify its badge. If Infiniti skips the handbook, or if this finally ends up being a evenly refreshed tackle the outdated Pink Sport 400 thought, the excitement may evaporate quick. The excellent news is the timeline is just not all that far off, with the brand new Q50 anticipated to go on sale someday in 2027 as a 2028 mannequin, possible touchdown round $60,000 in its sportiest kind, with a base model probably sliding in beneath $50K.

Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate fanatic with over 15 years of expertise immersed on this planet of vehicles. Whether or not it’s exploring the most recent developments in automotive know-how or protecting an in depth pulse on breaking trade information, Lloyd brings a pointy perspective and a deep appreciation for all issues automotive. His writing blends technical perception with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions each informative and fascinating for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or beneath the hood, Lloyd enjoys check driving the most recent fashions and staying forward of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive panorama.