The design of the Q50 continues to follow the designs first shown by the 2009 Infiniti Essence concept and the production 2011 Infiniti M. The Q50 is also the first instance of a hybrid model in Infiniti's entry-level model but was later removed for the 2019 model year.
Q50 sedan (2013–2024)
The design was based on Infiniti Essence (crescent-cut C-pillar, deep body section, asymmetrical cabin layout, interior finishes) and Infiniti Etherea (headlights, three-dimensional double-arch grille, interior finishes).[5] The production Q50 design was frozen in June 2011, after being designed by Joel Baek under Shiro Nakamura.
Early US and Canada models include 3.7-liter V6 (333PS), 3.5-liter Hybrid (364 PS), each in a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and in a selection of trim levels, including Sport models.[14][15][16]
Early Canadian models include 3.7-liter V6 (Q50 RWD, Q50 Sport RWD, Q50 Premium AWD, Q50 Premium AWD Navi, Q50 Premium AWD Navi and Deluxe Touring and Tech, Q50 Sport AWD, Q50 Sport AWD Deluxe Touring and Tech) and 3.5-liter Hybrid (Q50 Hybrid Premium RWD, Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD, Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD).[18][19]
The early European models included 2.2d and hybrid.[20][21] Infiniti's 2.0 RWD (211 PS) model was added in 2014.[22]
In China the 2014 Q50 3.7L was sold as an imported vehicle until production in China could begin.[23][24] The 2.0 RWD (211 PS) model and the Q50 Hybrid also joined the line up.[22]
Middle East models was set to go on sale in spring 2014 as 2014 model year vehicles. Early models include 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid, both in rear-wheel drive.[25]
Australian models went on sale in February 2014, launching with the 2.2d diesel and 3.5 gasoline hybrid models.[26]
Hong Kong models went on sale as 2014 model year vehicles.[13]
Two specialty versions of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan were produced in association with Gilt City, one designed by Zac Posen and the other designed by Thom Browne, both American fashion designers. The vehicles went on sale on gilt.com December 13, 2013 for $75,000, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The Thom Browne 2014 Infiniti Q50 includes a chrome body finish, red, white and blue stripes from the seats to the floor mats and stitching on the steering wheel. It also features a sterling silver ring encircling the gear-shift handle and a luggage set custom designed to fit in the trunk.
Zac Posen's 2014 Infiniti Q50 includes body color fade from silver in front to charcoal in back, and from matte to shine; red-carpet interior color, shagreen handle and shagreen stick with leather piping.
The vehicles were unveiled in Infiniti of Manhattan dealership at Hell's Kitchen area.
The two buyers also received a $10,000 Gilt.com shopping credit and a style consultation, a Thom Browne Solid Silver Personal Card Case (Browne version) or a Zac Posen Smartphone Clutch (Posen version).[27]
Q50 Hybrid (2014–2018)
Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid
Infiniti's Q50 hybrid vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.[28] Power for the Q50 Hybrid comes from the 3.5-liter gasoline engine combined with electric motor. Early European models included rear and all-wheel drive forms.[20] Infiniti discontinued the Q50 Hybrid after the 2018 model year.[29]
Q50L (2014–2024)
Infiniti Q50 L
The Q50L has a 48 mm (1.9 in) longer wheelbase than the regular Q50 to provide more spacious rear legroom. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine matched to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Trim levels for the Q50L sold in China are Comfort, Elegant, Sport, Luxury, and Sport Luxury.
Named for the famous corner at Spa-Francorchamps, the Eau Rouge is a Formula One inspired concept car based on the Q50 premium sports sedan, with aerodynamic styling treatments and design elements influenced by Infiniti's partnership with Infiniti Red Bull Racing. Changes include bespoke carbon fiber bodywork (carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts, carbon fiber roof and door mirror casings), 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, a dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler, 20 mm wider wheel arches, red body color with overlaid tinted clear coat, matching carbon fiber door and center console panes, a high-grip sports steering wheel with Formula One-style paddle-shifters.
Changes from Q50 Eau Rouge concept included a twin-turbocharged 3,799 cc (232 cu in) (568 PS (418 kW; 560 hp)/600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft)) V6 from the Nissan GT-R and a 7-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent AWD from the Infiniti Q70.[33] The transmission and drivelines were compromises due to the inability of Infiniti to fit the rest of the GT-R's drivetrain into the prototype.
Plans to put the Eau Rouge into production were shelved in January 2015.[37]
Eau Rouge prototype
Engine
Q50 Sound Studio by Bose (2016)
The Q50 Sound Studio by Bose was a limited edition version for the 2016 model year. It was based on Q50 2.0t and 2.2d (Premium or Sport), and included Advanced Staging Technology digital signal processing circuitry, Centerpoint 2 surround sound, AudioPilot2 Noise Compensation Technology, a navigation system and 14 speakers. This was the first time Bose's Advanced Staging Technology has ever been featured in a car.[38][39]
UK models went on sale in October 2015 as a 2016 model.[40]
On 16 October 2014 it was announced that the Infiniti Q50 would be entering the British Touring Car Championship for the 2015 season under the banner of Support our Paras.[42] At that time, PRO Motorsport announced it would enter two cars in the championship driven by Richard Hawken and Derek Palmer Jr., the son of PRO Motorsport Team Principal Derek Palmer Sr., supporting the charity Support Our Paras through racing, and its long-term goal of developing, training and ensuring an injured Paratrooper graduates through the racing ranks to pilot an Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing car.[43]
Production
Production of Q50 at Tochigi production plant began on 14 May 2013.[44] Production of the Chinese models of Q50L sedan at Xiangyang plant in Hubei Province, China also began in 2014.[11][28][45]
Production of European models of Q50 began in 2015.[28]
The Infiniti Q50 audio system was designed by Bose.[47][48]
The Q50 Eau Rouge production was cancelled due to high cost.[49]
Marketing
As part of the Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype launch, the #InfinitiRaceFace campaign was launched on 23 September 2014, awarding the grand prize winner the opportunity to attend the 2014 Formula One United States Grand Prix race, and also the chance to ride with Sebastian Vettel in the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype for a lap in downtown Austin on 29 October 2014.[50]
2016 model year update
2019 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Luxe
Unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show (Q50 2.0t, Q50 3.0t, Q50 Red Sport 400), the 2016 Q50 featured several updates, including the introduction of second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering with advanced levels of steering feel and feedback, introduction of Dynamic Digital Suspension, Drive Mode Selector with Personal mode, standard RACK Electronic Power Steering on 3.0t models, revised suspension settings provide an improved balance between confident handling and a more comfortable ride.[51][52]
The Q50 Red Sport 400 is based on Q50 3.0t (405PS), with sport styled front fascia, sport brakes with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers, sport-tuned Digital Dynamic Suspension, new rack-based Electronic Power Steering or optional Direct Adaptive Steering, leather-appointed sport seats, aluminum-accented pedals, solid magnesium paddle shifters, Exclusive Red Sport 400 brushed-finish exhaust tips, Exclusive Red Sport 400 19-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels (staggered for RWD models), chrome finished red 'S' exterior sport badging on the trunk and front fenders.
Early models included 2.0t, 2.0t AWD, Hybrid, Hybrid AWD, 3.0t (304/405PS, 304PS models available in Middle East), Hybrid, and 2.2d.[53][54] US models of Q50 Red Sport 400 went on sale as 2016 model year vehicles, including Q50 Red Sport 400, Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD.[55] In 2019, Infiniti was testing some of its current models at the Spaceport America desert test tracks, such as its Q50 sports sedan and Q60 sports coupe.[56]
Discontinuation
In August 2024, Infiniti announced the cancellation of the Q50 in their North American lineup, with 2024 confirmed to be its final model year for U.S and Canada, after eleven years on sale due to slow sales.[57] The cancellation of the Q50 leads to Infiniti to become a brand selling only SUVs.[58]
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