The 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport has refreshed it’s styling and added technology. Better design engineering, technology, & craftsmanship with lots of safety & connectivity features.
2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0 T Sport
The Infiniti Q50 for 2018 comes in several different ways. The Q50 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; (there’s also a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 that puts out 400 horses); and a Hybrid 3.5-liter V6. Confused yet? It gets better the 2.0-liter comes on two levels of trim: Pure and Luxe, with each available in either RWD or AWD. The 300 horse V6 is available in Luxe or Sport trim in both RWD and AWD. The 400 horsepower V6 is designated as the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 in both RWD and AWD configurations.
2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0 T Sport Pricing
Infiniti’s top-selling vehicle is the Q50, with pricing within the lineup ranging from $34,200 for a 2.0t Pure Q50 RWD to $51,000 for a Red Sport 400 RWD. Add another $2,000 to all models for AWD along with a $950 Destination Charge for all Q50s.
The Q50 Hybrid comes in Luxe trim only and may be ordered as a rear or all-wheel drive. The 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport will be the subject of this review.
Infiniti’s powers that be decided to change the model nomenclature for all Infiniti car models from G and M, replacing them with Q, and with all Crossover and SUVs becoming QX models.
My test 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport sedan?s base price was set at $45,650 which rose to $50,410 after factoring in the following added costs: the 3.0t Sport Essential Package; the Proassist Package; Sensory Package; the Proactive Package; Performance Package; Infiniti Illuminated kick plates; and Destination charges. The exterior was finished in Sunstone Red Liquid Platinum metallic; while the interior is done in Graphite tones with contrasting stitching and metal trim accents for the doors and console.
2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0 T Sport Features
2018 Q50 models connect Infiniti’s refined 7-speed automatic transmission with available solid magnesium paddle shifters for all powertrains. The INFINITI Drive Mode Selector offering Snow, Eco, Standard, Sport, and Personal settings is also standard on all models, part of the INFINITI InTuition? The system is 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.
Other available advanced drivetrain technologies include Infiniti’s steering mode selections, accessed through the Drive Mode Selector on the center console, which allows the level of steering responsiveness to be selected from six available options: Personal, Standard, Snow, Eco, Sport, and Sport+. It is available on all 3.0- liter V6-equipped models as part of the new ProACTIVE Package.
The Q50’s refreshed 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 2018.
There is now a greater differentiation between model grading, the enhanced exterior design continues to display sleek, racy proportions along with the Q50’s iconic athletic stance. The Infiniti ‘zero lift’ philosophy for efficient aerodynamics has resulted in a more pronounced airfoil at the front bumper?s base for the Q50 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.
2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0 T Sport Design
2018 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 (except Q50 2.0t PURE).
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); Advanced aerodynamic design with 0.26 coefficient of drag (select models) and zero front and rear lift concept.
2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0 T Sport Interior
Moving to the interior, the new Q50 cabin?s artistic level has also been enhanced, providing a more comfortable and a more high-tech connected space. The new 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 is new featuring 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.
2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0 T Sport SUMMARY
The sensory pleasure of driving is not a problem with the new Infiniti 3.0t Sport. Defining the proper category in which to place it is another story ? is it a Sport sedan, a luxury sedan, or a blend of the two. I place it in the latter category as it is both sporty and luxurious, not to mention being on the same level as several German competitors as well as some Asian brands.
Whether charging over scenic, twisty back roads or negotiating truck traffic-laden freeways, the Q50 Sport 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 sport sedan in the Sport+ mode and prepare for an e-ticket like ride that’s sure to satisfy one’s motor senses. (pun intended). There’s a lot of really tough competition on the playing field, but its definitely capable of holding its own and it rises to meet the sporting heritage of the Prince R380 one of the first purpose-built Japanese race cars and winners of the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix.
The 2018 Infiniti 3.0t Sport 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. Should you require more, there?s always the Red Sport 400 model.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport
Base Price: $40,650.
Price as Tested: $50,410.
Engine Type and Size: 3.0-liter DOHC, 24-valve, twin-turbo V6
Horsepower (bhp): 300 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 295 @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with manual shift mode and downshift rev-matching.
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with Sport mode and Downshift Rev Matching.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-Wheel Drive.
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, and BA.
Tires: Dunlop Sport Maxx 050 DSST CTT 245/40 RF19 94W x 8.5? mounted on 5-?Tri?-spoke? alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length Overall: 189.6 inches
Width: 71.8 inches
Height: 56.8 inches
Curb Weight: 3,993 lbs.
Turning Circle: 36.7 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 20.0 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.260 – 60 mph: Not tested
