An extensively overhauled 2016 Infiniti Q50 has been introduced at an exclusive event prior to its official debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show in January. The changes may seem subtle at first, but the real surprise lies under the hood: the enduring VQ engine has finally been substituted, and the fresh power plants are quite impressive.
The variant that stands out the most is the top-of-the-line 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which boasts 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque. Although it falls a bit short of the GT-R-powered Q50 Eau Rouge we were initially promised, the new VR engine is just 25 hp behind the BMW M4.
“The Q50 has been the core of our Infiniti lineup since its launch two years ago. Therefore, it’s fitting that we bring Q50 drivers’ excitement to a whole new level with these advanced VR-series engines,” stated Infiniti Americas Vice President Randy Parker.
This 400-hp variation, known as the Q50 Red Sport 400, features performance enhancements to set it apart from the rest of the lineup, such as staggered 19-inch wheels and adaptive suspension. Customers can also opt for the standard electric power steering or choose the available Direct Adaptive Steering system. The latter is Infiniti’s advanced steer-by-wire setup, which detaches the steering rack and relies on an algorithm to determine when and how much the driver is turning the wheel.
Aside from the Red Sport trim, the 2016 Q50 provides three other engine options: a downgraded V6 with 300 hp and 295 lb-ft.; a hybrid utilizing Infiniti’s previous 3.5-liter V6; and an introductory 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, sourced from Mercedes. The latter engine, derived from the Mercedes-Benz CLA250, is rated at a modest 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. All Q50 models will be equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
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