The Japanese brand might still have a soul and the reborn Q50 aims to prove it
Many automakers eventually hit a wall, but few have stumbled quite as publicly as Nissan and Infiniti . Both have admitted their lineups lagged behind the times, and the numbers back that up. Yet the fix they’re reaching for isn’t some futuristic leap forward, it’s a return to their past.
It’s been reported that a new Q50S is on the way, positioned as a spiritual successor to the beloved G35, and if that holds true, driving enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.
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Infiniti pulled the plug on the Q50 last year, originally intending to replace it with an all-electric sedan later this decade. But with EV demand cooling and incentives shrinking, the brand has changed course. Instead of going all in on electric, it’s reviving the Q50S with a gas engine, a manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive, slated for 2027.
A Familiar Formula
Shown to dealers behind closed doors at a conference in Las Vegas, the new Q50S is said to borrow the bones of Nissan’s Skyline sedan and the heart of the Nissan Z. That combination points to a 400-horsepower (298 kW) V6 under the hood, with the possibility of even more power in other trims.
A report from AutoNews , based on conversations with dealers who attended the event, also suggests that a Red Sport version is on the table.
It’s tough to say this loudly enough. We’re talking about a rear-wheel drive sports sedan with Nissan Z power and the chassis of a well-respected Japanese icon. Is it possible that Nissan and Infiniti heard our cries to go back to the good’ol days? It sure sounds like it. “The new Q50 is a visceral car with a twin-turbo that screams,” one of the people who saw it said. “It’s not practical, but it is fun.”
All accounts indicate that this will be a relatively tight four-door. Think BMW 3-Series or perhaps 2 Gran Coupe and you’re in the right ballpark. That said, not every dealer is stoked about just how enthusiast-focused this build could be.
“In the Northeast market, I guarantee we would double our business if it was all-wheel drive,” said Ed Lennon, president of Circle Infiniti in West Long Branch, N.J. He clearly cares more about profits than donuts, but that’s understandable.
The real question now is whether or not Infiniti (and by extension Nissan) can make a success of this car. Kia’s Stinger was a smash success in terms of driver engagement, but even its luxury version, the Genesis G70, might be about to die for good.
Perhaps the inclusion of three pedals and rear-wheel drive is what both need to be successful. We sure hope it’s a revelation in the car world. We could all use more cars that focus on the driver experience above all else. 
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Stephen, affectionately known as Rivers, has gracefully transitioned from being a repair shop manager and… Read full bio

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