Sub-$80k for 298kW/475Nm Infiniti Q50 Twin-Turbo V6

The Infiniti Q50 sports sedan has gained a new flagship in its line-up – the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6-powered Q50 3.0tt dishing out a potent 298kW and 475Nm in its baddest form.

Priced from $79,900 plus on-road costs, the Q50 3.0tt Red Sport is gunning for the BMW 340i, Mercedes-AMG C 43 and Audi S4 with the company’s most powerful, cleanest and fuel efficient turbocharged V6 engine ever offered. It’s 298kW of power peaks at 6,400rpm, while strong torque of 475Nm is available from 1,600rpm right up to 5,200rpm.

The new V6 is also available in a lower power output version. Fitted to the $69,900 plus ORCs Q50 3.0tt Sport Premium, the V6 produces 224kW at 6,400rpm and 400Nm at 1,600-5,200 rpm.

Both versions drive the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters specially tuned for the hipo V6. Despite the high output, fuel economy remains responsible, with the 3.0tt V6 Sport Premium consuming 9.2L/100km and 3.0tt V6 Red Sport rated at 9.3L/100km.

Also making its debut on the Q50 is Infiniti’s second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering, which has been comprehensively modified from the first generation system after gathering public feedback from around the globe.

The drive-by-wire system has been enhanced with improved levels of steering feel and feedback. Infiniti says the new system not only offers an experience more akin to that of a conventional steering system, but also more options to personalise and tailor the steering system’s levels of response and feel to suit individual’s preferences.

The new Q50 non-hybrid V6 models also features Infiniti’s Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS) for the first time, which is said to give the new sports sedan an optimal blend of ride comfort and class-leading response and agility. For keen drivers, the Q50’s Drive Mode Selector (DMS) can be augmented with ‘Personal’ mode, which permits a bespoke mix of engine, suspension and steering characteristics.

The V6-powered variants in the 2016 Q50 model range are fitted with a raft of comfort-related features. These include:

• 10-way power driver’s seat with adjustable thigh support and lumbar extension
• 8-way power front passenger seat
• Automatic dual-zone climate control with in-cabin micro-filter, digital display, automatic recirculation and rear air vents
• Automatically dimming rear view mirror
• Infiniti Controller mounted on the centre console
• Intelligent i-Key with smart access and enhanced memory (each key memorises the driver’s seat position, exterior mirror positions, steering column position, climate control settings, audio settings and navigation settings, personalising the car for each driver)
• Leather appointed seat trim, steering wheel and shifter knob
• Power-adjustable steering column (tilt and telescopic, with entry/exist assist linked to the car’s i-Key)
• Sun roof with tilt and slide functions

The flagship V6-powered variants are also equipped to the brim in terms of safety features. Standard features on all V6 models include:

• Around View Monitor (AVM)
• Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI; can brake the car to a stop if an object is detected moving behind the car when reversing)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI)
• Forward Emergency Braking (FEB; also known as autonomous emergency braking, or AEB)
• Infiniti Advanced Airbag System (driver’s airbag, front passenger airbag, side impact airbags located in the outer side of the front seats, curtain airbags)
• Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with adjustable speed limiter and Distance Control Assist (DCA)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Moving Object Detection (MOD) to alert the driver of objects behind the car when reversing
• Predictive Forward Collision warning (PFCW; monitors the movement of the car ahead and the next car ahead to help avoid a collision)
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC; also known as electronic stability control, or ESC)

2016 Infiniti Q50 range and pricing