“2020 Infiniti Q60 S3.0t Red Sport 400 AWD”
A Sleek, Sexy and Rapid Transit Sport Coupe
OVERVIEW
When Infiniti opted to change the model nomenclature for all Infiniti vehile models from “G” and “M” for cars, they replaced them with “Q” Crossovers and SUVs became QX models. The Q60 designation is followed by the power source indication: 2.0t represents a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder.; 3.0t is for the 3.0-liter twin turbo, 300 horsepower V6; and there’s also a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 that puts out 400 horses. There’s also a Hybrid 3.5-liter V6. The 400 horsepower V6 is designated as the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 in both RWD and AWD configurations. The 2020 Infiniti Q60 3.0t Red Sport 400 AWD will be the subject of this review.
AS TESTED
The Q60 lineup is a 2+2 sport coupe and my test vehicle was the Red Sport S3.0t 400 in an AWD configuration. The base price was set at $59,150 which bumped up to $65,950. After adding the options, which included: a cargo package; the Infiniti Radiant illuminated kick plates, welcome lighting and interior ambient lighting; carbon fiber package; 20-inch 5-chhiseled spoke dual finish alloy wheels and destination charges. The exterior wore a Liquid Platinum metallic finish, while the interior was executed in Graphite tones with Red stitching.
POWER TO SPARE
The Q60 models connect Infiniti’s refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and Downshift Rev Matching and steering wheel mounted solid magnesium paddle shifters. The INFINITI Drive Mode Selector offering Snow, Eco, Standard, Sport, Sport+ and Personal settings is also standard on all models, part of the INFINITI InTuition™ System, an advanced customizable digital environment system allowing drivers to create unique settings for engine, suspension and steering (when equipped with INFINITI Direct Adaptive Steering™) settings, which are accessed through the Drive Mode Selector on the center console.
The 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, twin-turbo V6 with Gasoline Direct Fuel Injection that powers the Red Sport 400 delivers 400 horses at 6,400 rpm along with 350 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm. The longitudinally mounted front engine routes power to all four wheels via ATESSA ET-S® AWD.
SMOOTH AERO STYLING
The Q60’s styling cues coincide with the latest global grade naming structure: PURE, LUXE, SPORT and RED SPORT 400. Option package content and labeling has also been upgraded for 2020.
There is now a greater differentiation between model grading, the enhanced exterior design continues to display sleek, racy proportions along with the Q60’s iconic athletic stance. The Infiniti “zero lift “ philosophy for efficient aerodynamics has resulted in a more pronounced air foil at the front bumper’s base for the Q60 in general, with the Q50 3.0t SPORT and Q50 RED SPORT 400 grades showcasing a more angular front bumper along with wider, lower air intakes, while adding greater visual prominence. 2020 design highlights include: revised standard sport front and rear fascias for 3.0t SPORT and RED SPORT 400 models; revised front grille, headlights and taillights; Black Mirror caps;Infiniti signature double-arch front grille, dynamic arch silhouette and Crescent-cut C-pillar; Distinctive LED headlights, fog lights and Daytime Running Lights, LED rear combination lamps; available Adaptive Front lighting System with high beam assist technology; Standard power sliding and tilting tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade. Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, available auto dimming outside mirrors with reverse synchronization mirror angle; body-color outside door handles with chrome accents; dual chrome exhaust finishers (custom on Red Sport 400); Overall aerodynamic design with 0.29 coefficient of drag (select models) and zero front and rear lift concept.
COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT AMBIENCE
Moving to the interior, the Q60 cabin’s artistic level provides a comfortable and high-tech connected space. The grade structure has enabled INFINITI designers to differentiate each model with its own unique interior flavor.
Significant interior enhancements include unique stitching on premium and soft-touch materials surrounding the instrument panel and a sport-oriented leather shift knob. Seating features Infiniti’s spinal support seats that ensure a comfortable and supportive ride. The steering wheel features molded positions for the driver’s thumbs and INFINITI InTouch™ Services designed to effortlessly bring the car and driver in synch.
Driver assistance technologies include: available Direct Adaptive Steering, Active Lane Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Forward Emergency Braking, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning.
PERFORMANCE
The sensory pleasure of driving poses no problem with the Infiniti 3.0t Red Sport 400. Defining the proper category in which to place is another story – is it a Sport coupe, a luxury coupe, or a blend of the two. I place it in the blended category as it is both sporty and luxurious, not to mention being on the same level as several German competitors as well as other Asian brands.
Whether charging over scenic, twisty back roads or negotiating truck traffic laden freeways, the Red Sport 400 excels on all fronts. The ride quality is comfortable, yet taut and stable even in demanding scenarios. Handling characteristics are athletic and instantly responsive.
Place this Infiniti luxury hot rod sedan in the Sport+ mode and prepare for an e-ticket –like ride that’s sure to satisfy one’s motoring senses. There’s a lot of tough competition on the playing field with the Red Sport 400, but it’s definitely capable of holding its own and it lives up to the sporting heritage of the Prince R380 – one of the first purpose-built Japanese race cars and winner of the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix.
THE FINAL ANALYSIS
The 2020 Infiniti 3.0t Red Sport 400 AWD is an excellent example of Japanese design, engineering, technology and craftsmanship that delivers a complete suite of safety and connectivity features, along with stellar performance qualities. In essence, It is clearly a winner.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Infiniti Q60 3.0t Red Sport 400 AWD
Base Price: $59,150.
Price as Tested: $65,950.
Engine Type and Size: 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, twin-turbo V6 with Gasoline Direct Fuel Injection.
Horsepower (bhp): 400 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 350 @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
Transmission: Seven-Speed automatic with with Sport mode and Downshift Rev Matching, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Front longitudinally mounted engine /ATESSA ET-
S® AWD
Suspension: Electronically controlled Digital Dynamic
Suspension
Front Independent double wishbone with
stabilizer bar.
Rear – Multi-link independent with
stabilizer bar.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front)
with ABS, EBD, VSC and BA.
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE 97 AS 255/35 R20 97 V
mounted on 5-chiseled-spoke machine face alloy
wheels with black painted inners.
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length Overall: 184.4 inches
Width: 72.8 inches
Height: 54.9 inches
Curb Weight: 3,993 lbs.
Turning Circle: 38.1 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 20.0 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 19 mpg city / 26-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.29
0 – 60 mph: Not tested
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