Infiniti Revives the Q50 as a Driver-Focused Sedan Featuring Nissan Z Power and a Manual Transmission | Carscoops

      The Japanese brand may still have a soul, and the reintroduced Q50 seeks to demonstrate this.

      Infiniti is bringing back the Q50 as a rear-wheel-drive sedan powered by a twin-turbo V6 sourced from the Z model.

      A manual transmission will be available, along with rear-wheel drive, and possibly all-wheel drive in the future.

      This shift in strategy indicates a move away from comprehensive electric vehicle plans due to declining demand.

      While many automotive manufacturers eventually face difficulties, few have fallen quite as publicly as Nissan and Infiniti. Both have acknowledged that their model offerings have become outdated, a fact supported by the statistics. However, their solution does not involve a futuristic advance but rather a return to previous models.

      Reports indicate that a new Q50S is on the way, seen as a spiritual successor to the beloved G35. If accurate, this could greatly excite driving enthusiasts.

      Infiniti discontinued the Q50 last year, initially planning to replace it with an all-electric sedan later this decade. However, with the demand for electric vehicles decreasing and incentives diminishing, the brand has altered its direction. Instead of fully committing to electric vehicles, it is reviving the Q50S featuring a gasoline engine, a manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive, expected to debut in the latter half of 2027.

      A Recognizable Approach

      Presented privately to dealers at a conference in Las Vegas, the upcoming sedan is reported to combine the framework of Nissan’s Skyline with the engine of the Nissan Z, according to AutoNews. It remains unclear whether this refers to the current Skyline, which is Japan’s version of the discontinued Q50, or a new generation model. Could Infiniti be planning a redesigned version of the discontinued Q50? It’s certainly a possibility.

      Regardless, this combination suggests a potent 400-horsepower (298 kW) twin-turbo V6 engine, with prospects for even more powerful variants. The same report, based on discussions with dealers who attended the conference, suggests that a Red Sport variant may also be in development. This indicates Infiniti may be emphasizing the performance aspect.

      It’s important to stress that this will be a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan powered by the Nissan Z engine. Has Nissan and Infiniti responded to calls for a return to the classics? It certainly seems that way. “The new Q50 is an exhilarating car with a twin-turbo engine that roars,” remarked one attendee. “It may not be the most practical, but it’s definitely entertaining.”

      All indications suggest that this will be a relatively compact four-door vehicle. If you think of a BMW 3-Series, you're in the right frame of reference. However, not every dealer appears thrilled about the potentially enthusiast-centric focus of this model.

      “In the Northeast market, I can guarantee we’d double our sales if it were all-wheel drive,” stated Ed Lennon, president of Circle Infiniti in West Long Branch, N.J. His primary concern seems to be profitability rather than enthusiast desires, which is quite understandable.

      The pivotal question now is whether Infiniti (and by extension Nissan) can achieve success with this vehicle. Kia’s Stinger had notable success regarding driver engagement, but its luxury counterpart, the Genesis G70, might be nearing the end of its run.

      Perhaps the addition of a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive is what both brands need to thrive. We certainly hope this marks a turning point in the automotive industry, as there's a clear demand for vehicles prioritizing the driver experience above all else.