Infiniti Q50

Q50 sedan (2013–)

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). The production Q50 design was frozen in June 2011, after being designed by Joel Baek under Shiro Nakamura.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 North American International Auto Show, followed by 2013 Canadian International Auto Show, 2013 Geneva Motor Show (with Hybrid and 2.2d), 2013 Dubai International Motor Show, Auto Guangzhou Motor Show in China (with 2.0-liter (214PS) turbocharged engine from Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz), Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong.

North America models went on sale in Summer 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles, along with other major global markets begin in summer 2013. Early US and Canada models include 3.7-liter V6 (333PS), 3.5-liter Hybrid (364PS), each in a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All- Wheel Drive and in a selection of trim levels, including Sport models.

US models went on sale in August 2013.

Early Canadian models include 3.7-litre V6 (Q50 RWD, Q50 Sport RWD, Q50 Premium AWD, Q50 Premium AWD Navi, Q50 Premium AWD Navi + Deluxe Touring and Tech, Q50 Sport AWD, Q50 Sport AWD Deluxe Touring and Tech) and 3.5-litre Hybrid (Q50 Hybrid Premium RWD, Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD, Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD).

The European models went on sale in autumn 2013 (depending on country). Early models included 2.2d and Hybrid. 2.0 RWD (211PS) model was added in autumn 2014.

In China the 2014 Q50 3.7L was sold as an imported vehicle, until production in China could begin. 2.0 RWD (211PS) model was added in spring 2014, and the Q50 Hybrid also joined the line up.

Middle East models was set to go on sale in spring 2014 as 2014 model year vehicles. Early models include 3.7-litre V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid, both in rear-wheel drive.

Australian models went on sale in February 2014, launching with the 2.2d diesel and 3.5 petrol hybrid models. The petrol 2.0 turbo is expected to arrive later in 2014.

Hong Kong models went on sale as 2014 model year vehicles.

2014 Infiniti Q50 Exclusive Designer Edition (2013–)

They are versions of 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan produced in association with Gilt City, designed by fashion designers Zac Posen and Thom Browne, with customization by metal crafters in Southern California.

Thom Browne 2014 Infiniti Q50 includes with chrome body finish, red, white and blue stripe from the seats to the floor mats, and stitching on the steering wheel; sterling silver ring encircling the gear-shift handle, luggage designed to fit in the trunk.

Zac Posen 2014 Infiniti Q50 includes body colour fade from silver in front to charcoal in back, and from matte to shine; a clutch that holds a smartphone that was also sold on Gilt, red-carpet interior colour, shagreen handle and shagreen stick with leather piping.

The vehicles were unveiled in Infiniti of Manhattan dealership at Hell's Kitchen area.

The vehicles went on sale on gilt.com in 2013-12-13 for $75,000, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Two of the buyers also received a $10,000 Gilt.com shopping credit and a style consultation, Thom Browne Solid Silver Personal Card Case (Browne version) or ZAC Zac Posen Smartphone Clutch (Posen version).

Q50 Hybrid (2013–)

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. 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.

Q50L (2014–)

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.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.

The Chinese model was set to go on sale in 2014.

Q50 Eau Rouge concept (2014)

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 fibre bodywork (carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts, carbon fibre roof and door mirror casings), 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, a dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler, 20mm wider wheel arches, red body color with overlaid tinted clear coat, matching carbon fibre door and center console panes, a high-grip sports steering wheel with Formula One-style paddle-shifters.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.

Plans to put the Eau Rouge into production were shelved in January 2015.

Q50 Eau Rouge prototype (2014)

Changes from Q50 Eau Rouge concept included a twin-turbocharged 3799cc (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. 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.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2014 Geneva International Motor Show, followed by 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Q50 Sound Studio by Bose (2015-)

Based on Q50 2.0t and 2.2d (Premium or Sport), it included Advanced Staging Technology digital signal processing circuitry, Centerpoint 2 surround sound, navigation system.

UK models went on sale in October 2015.

Engines

Diesel engine is sourced from Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz).

Motorsports

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.

The team announced they will be entering two cars in the championship to be driven by Richard Hawken and Derek Palmer Jr. supporting the charity Support Our Paras through racing.

The team has also set itself the ultimate 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 in the future.

Production

Production of Q50 at Tochigi production plant began on 2013-05-14.

Production of the Chinese models of Q50L sedan at Xiangyang plant in Hubei Province, China was set to begin in 2014.

The production of 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder developed by Daimler at the Nissan Decherd Powertrain Plant (in Franklin County, Tennessee (US) began in June 26, 2014. The engine is also used by Daimler's Mercedes-Benz C-Class at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Alabama.

Production of European models of Q50 was set to begin in 2015.

The Infiniti Q50 audio system was designed by Bose.

The Q50 Eau Rouge production was reported to be cancelled due to high cost.

Marketing

As part of Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype launch, the #InfinitiRaceFace campaign was launched between 2014-09-23 and 2014-11-2, where a grand prize winner will get the chance to attend the 2014 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix race, and an Infiniti event on 2014-10-29 where the winner would also rode with Sebastian Vettel in Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype for a hot-lap in downtown Austin.

Q50, Q50 Red Sport 400 (2016-)

Changes to Q50 includes introduction of second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering with advanced levels of steering feel and feedback, introduction of Dynamic Digital Suspension (standard on 3.0t models), 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 comfortable ride.

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.

The vehicles were unveiled in 2016 Chicago Auto Show (Q50 2.0t, Q50 3.0t, Q50 Red Sport 400), followed by 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The vehicles went on sale in 2016. Early models included 2.0t, 3.0t (304/405PS, 304PS models available in Middle East), Hybrid, 2.2d.

US models went on sale as 2016 model year vehicles. Early models included 2.0t, 2.0t AWD, Hybrid, Hybrid AWD. 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.