- Infiniti is reviving the Q50 as a rear-drive sedan with a Z-sourced twin-turbo V6.
- A manual transmission will be offered alongside RWD and possibly AWD in future.
- The brand’s decision shifts away from full EV plans in response to cooling demand.
Many automakers eventually hit a wall, but few have stumbled quite as publicly as Nissan and Infiniti . Both have admitted their lineups lagged behind the times, and the numbers back that up. Yet the fix they’re reaching for isn’t some futuristic leap forward, it’s a return to their past.
Reports suggest a new Q50S is on the horizon, described as a spiritual successor to the much-loved G35. If that proves true, driving enthusiasts might have plenty to get excited about.
More: New Infiniti Concept Is The FX Successor You’ve Been Waiting For
Infiniti pulled the plug on the Q50 last year, originally intending to replace it with an all-electric sedan later this decade. But with EV demand cooling and incentives shrinking, the brand has changed course. Instead of going all in on electric, it’s reviving the Q50S with a gas engine, a manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive, for the second-half of 2027.
A Familiar Formula
Shown privately to dealers at a Las Vegas conference, the upcoming sedan is said to combine the structure of Nissan’s Skyline with the heart of the Nissan Z, according to AutoNews. It’s unclear whether that means the current Skyline, which serves as Japan’s equivalent to the discontinued Q50, or a next-generation model. Could Infiniti be preparing a reskinned version of the discontinued Q50? It’s certainly possible.
Either way, the pairing points to a 400-horsepower (298 kW) twin-turbo V6 under the hood, with room for even stronger variants. The same report, based on conversations with dealers who attended the event, indicates that a Red Sport version may also be in the works. In other words, Infiniti may be doubling down on the performance angle.
It’s tough to say this loudly enough. We’re talking about a rear-wheel drive sports sedan with Nissan Z power. Is it possible that Nissan and Infiniti heard our cries to go back to the good’ol days? It sure sounds like it. “The new Q50 is a visceral car with a twin-turbo that screams,” one of the people who saw it said. “It’s not practical, but it is fun.”
All accounts indicate that this will be a relatively tight four-door. Think BMW 3-Series and you’re in the right ballpark. That said, not every dealer is stoked about just how enthusiast-focused this build could be.
“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 West Long Branch, N.J. He clearly cares more about profits than donuts, but that’s understandable.
The real question now is whether or not Infiniti (and by extension Nissan) can make a success of this car. Kia’s Stinger was a smash success in terms of driver engagement, but even its luxury version, the Genesis G70, might be about to die for good.
Perhaps the inclusion of three pedals and rear-wheel drive is what both need to be successful. We sure hope it’s a revelation in the car world. We could all use more cars that focus on the driver experience above all else.
