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A facelifted Infiniti Q50 will soon challenge the BMW 340i and Audi S4 thanks to a new 298kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine.
A development of the Nissan VQ family now dubbed VR, dual snails help deliver 475Nm between 1600rpm and 5200rpm, while power peaks at 6400rpm. There will also be a low-output version with a single water pump, developing 400Nm and 224kW at the same points on the tachometer.
The boosted 3.0-litre is expected to replace the atmo 3.7-litre currently in the Nissan 370Z (with 245kW/363Nm) and Infiniti Q70/QX70 (235kW/360Nm).
Infiniti hasn’t revealed performance figures for its Q50 3.0t seven-speed automatic, however the petrol-only V6 should weigh considerably less than the 1775kg Q50 hybrid that delivers less power (268kW) but more torque (546Nm). It claims a 5.4-second 0-100km/h.
All Q50 models get revised suspension settings, with changes to front and rear stabiliser bars, and on Sport models standard two-mode (Sport and Sport+) dampers dubbed Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS).
All 3.0t and 3.5h models also get a “next generation” version of Infiniti’s controversial fly-by-wire fully electric steering system. Although rumoured to be canned entirely, the brand instead says, “The system has undergone significant re-tuning to enhance steering feel and feedback.”
There are six steering settings available, including a new Sport+, or drivers can individually mix and match three core modes with three levels of response.
The revised Infiniti Q50 will launch locally in the second half of 2016. High equipment for a lower price than its chief rival 340i ($89,900) is assured, however we also hope the steering and suspension changes in addition to the new twin-turbo V6 make this Japanese mid-sizer a vastly better drive.
