Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
2016-2024
The Q50 Red Sport 400 represents Infiniti's serious attempt at creating a true sports sedan competitor to the German establishment. Its GT-R-derived VR30DDTT engine provides genuine performance credentials while maintaining the luxury and refinement expected from the premium segment.
Quick Take
The Q50 Red Sport 400 represents Infiniti's flagship sport sedan, featuring a potent twin-turbocharged V6 engine derived from the GT-R program. It combines luxury appointments with genuine performance capability, offering steer-by-wire technology and adaptive suspension systems.
Best For
Key Strength
Tuning Powerhouse
Watch For
Polarizing Steering System
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Building on Infiniti's G-series legacy, the Q50 Red Sport carries forward the brand's commitment to driver-focused luxury sedans. The platform benefits from decades of rear-wheel-drive development and the performance expertise gained from the GT-R and Z programs.
Design Philosophy
Infiniti's design approach emphasizes flowing lines and muscular proportions that suggest performance while maintaining elegance. The Red Sport treatment adds aggressive styling cues including unique grille, body kit, and red brake calipers that distinguish it from lesser Q50 variants.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 delivers strong, linear power delivery with minimal turbo lag thanks to its GT-R heritage. The engine provides robust mid-range torque and maintains strong pull through the upper rev range, offering both daily drivability and spirited performance.
Chassis Dynamics
The Q50's rear-wheel-drive platform provides balanced handling with adaptive dampers and optional all-wheel steering enhancing both comfort and agility. The steer-by-wire system, while controversial, offers precise control once adapted to, and the chassis strikes a good balance between sport and luxury.
Sound Signature
The twin-turbo V6 produces a refined growl under acceleration with subtle turbo whistle. The exhaust note is more sophisticated than aggressive, befitting its luxury positioning.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The VR30DDTT engine responds exceptionally well to modifications, with simple bolt-ons and tunes easily pushing 500+ horsepower. The platform has become a favorite among tuners for its robust internals and ECU accessibility.
Few cars deliver 400 horsepower and luxury sedan comfort at this price point. The Q50 Red Sport offers BMW M340i performance for significantly less money, making it an excellent value proposition for power-focused buyers.
Honest Tradeoffs
The Direct Adaptive Steering system lacks the natural feel most enthusiasts expect, despite its technical capabilities. While it can be precise, many drivers never fully trust or enjoy the artificial feedback it provides.
The cabin design and infotainment system show their age compared to contemporaries from BMW and Mercedes. Materials quality is acceptable but not exceptional, and the dual-screen setup feels outdated by modern standards.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for buyers wanting German sports sedan performance with Japanese luxury and reliability. Appeals to those seeking something different from the BMW 340i or Audi S4 mainstream.