The 2016 INFINITI Q50 sports sedan enters its third model year with an array of significant enhancements, starting with the addition of three new turbocharged engines and continuing with new technologies designed to enhance the already strong driving dynamics of INFINITI's best-selling model.
The 2016 INFINITI Q50 is now offered in a range of trim levels, each in a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive – Q50 2.0t and Q50 2.0t Premium, Q50 3.0t Premium, Q50 Hybrid Premium, Q50 3.0t Sport and Q50 Red Sport 400.
Leading the trio of new powerplants is the new, exclusive "VR-series" 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. It is available in two states of tune – 400 horsepower or 300 horsepower – and is a more than worthy successor to the renowned, highly awarded "VQ-series" V6 that has been a mainstay of INFINITI performance models for many years. Both of the new VR-series engines have been developed to provide an ideal mix of drivability, efficiency and performance. Around 85 percent of the parts utilized in the VR-series V6 are different from those used in the previous VQ-series V6.
Complementing the new 3.0-liter V6 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit, rated at 208 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, with peak torque of 258 lb-ft available from 1,500 rpm. This engine, like the 3.0-liter V6, has been engineered to blend responsive performance with enhanced fuel efficiency.
The 2.0-liter engine features a lightweight aluminum block and cylinder head with chain-driven dual-overhead camshafts, die-cast aluminum cylinder crankcase and optimized crank assembly promote further weight savings, reduce friction and improve efficiency. For the first time, the Q50 will offer an idle stop-start system (ISS) in combination with the 2.0- liter turbocharged engine. The engine was developed in conjunction with Daimler and is assembled at INFINITI's engine facility in Decherd, Tennessee.
The 2016 Q50 is also available with an advanced gasoline-electric hybrid, which remains unchanged from the previous year. It features INFINITI's proven Direct Response Hybrid® system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. It combines a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery with an innovative one-motor, two-clutch control. The system's V6 is rated at 302 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the advanced 50 kW electric motor is rated at 67 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system net power is 360 horsepower, providing strong acceleration and lean fuel economy.
Also making its debut on the 2016 INFINITI Q50 is the second generation of INFINITI's industry leading Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), comprehensively modified from the groundbreaking first-generation system. The expanded selection of steering modes within DAS is accessed through the Drive Mode Selector (DMS). Located on the center console, Drive Mode Selector allows the steering response to be selected from six available options: Personal, Standard, Snow, Eco, Sport, and – new for the 2016 Q50 model – Sport+.
The new version of Direct Adaptive Steering works with Active Lane Control to maintain lane positioning against crosswinds and uneven road surfaces. This semi-autonomous capability is a precursor to future steering systems that will form a key building block on the way to achieving fully autonomous driving. The Active Lane Control system uses a camera-based lane marker detection system to help the driver make fewer steering corrections on freeways.
Standard on Q50 models equipped with the new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is INFINITI's new Rack Electronic Power Steering. This system provides a linear and in-control driving experience that can be tuned through the Drive Mode Selector.
The 2016 Q50 also features INFINITI's new Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS). Standard on Q50 3.0t Sport and Red Sport 400 grades, it provides an optimal blend of ride comfort and class-leading response and agility. The shift from a comfort-biased ride to enhanced dynamic response can be made when the driver places the electronically adjustable shock absorbers in either Sport or Sport+ modes (adjusted via the Drive Mode Selector), providing firmer damping control for more agile handling. While in these modes, the suspension is constantly adjusting to provide ideal performance and a flat ride.
As in previous years, the INFINITI Q50 combines distinctive design, engaging performance, world's first technologies and unmatched levels of connectivity and personalization. Its tight, athletic appearance blends low, wide proportions with excellent interior roominess to a class marked by unexciting design.
Inside, the Q50 interior offers a driver-centric cockpit with an array of premium comfort and convenience features. The standard INFINITI InTouch™ communications system includes large dual touch-screen displays (8-inch upper, 7-inch lower) and puts communication with the outside world within easy reach, with integration of hands-free phone, moving map navigation, and entertainment systems*.
All 2016 Q50 models come equipped with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission with available solid magnesium paddle shifters. The INFINITI Drive Mode Selector with Snow, Eco, Standard, Sport and Personal settings is also standard on all models, part of the INFINITI InTuition™ System, an advanced customizable digital environment system that allows drivers to create unique settings for engine, suspension and steering (when equipped with INFINITI Direct Adaptive Steering™) settings.
The 2016 INFINITI Q50 builds on the long list of safety, security and driving aid technologies already found in other INFINITI models, maintaining the car's class-leading position. Among the available systems are and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention®, Backup Collision Intervention®, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention with Active Lane Control™, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and high beam assist technology, and the Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system.
Highlights of the 2016 INFINITI Q50 include:
Design
- Sensuous dynamic styling with unexpected spaciousness
- Low, wide proportions and tight, athletic stance
- INFINITI signature "double arch" front grille, dynamic arch silhouette and Crescent-cut C-pillar
- Distinctive LED headlights, fog lights and Daytime Running Lights, LED rear combination lamps
- Available Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with high beam assist technology
- Available sport front fascia (Q50 3.0t Sport, Red Sport 400)
- Available power sliding and tilting tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, available auto dimming outside mirrors with reverse synchronization mirror angle
- Body-color outside door handles with chrome accents
- Dual chrome exhaust finishers, custom exhaust finisher on Red Sport 400
- Advanced aerodynamic design with 0.26 coefficient of drag (select models) and zero front and rear lift concept
- Nine available premium exterior colors: Chestnut Bronze, Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian, Venetian Ruby, Moonlight White, Hagane Blue and new Iridium Blue
Performance
- Front engine/rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
- 3.0-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve twin-turbo V6, rated at 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, featuring twin water-to-air charge coolers with two water pumps, optical turbo speed sensor, 14.7 psi turbo boost (Q50 Red Sport 400)
- 3.0-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve twin-turbo V6, rated at 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, featuring twin water-to-air charge coolers with single water pump, 9.5 psi turbo boost (Q50 3.0t Premium, Q50 3.0t Sport)
- 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 cylinder, rated at 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque (Q50 2.0t)
- INFINITI Direct Response HybridÔ with intelligent dual clutch control, combining 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control; V6 rated at 302 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, advanced 50 kW electric motor rated at 67 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, Hybrid system net power: 360 horsepower (Q50 Hybrid Premium)
- 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control
- Available steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters
- Drive mode selector switch (Sport, Standard, ECO, Snow, Personal settings)
- 4-wheel independent suspension (front single pivot double-wishbone design/revised multi-link rear design) with extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and front and rear stabilizer bars
- Available Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS) (Q50 3.0t Sport, Q50 Red Sport 400)
- Available Hydraulic Electronic Power Steering (Q50 2.0t)
- Available new rack-based Electric Power Steering (Q50 3.0-liter V6 models)
- Available second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering™ technology for enhanced steering feel and personalized selection of steering effort and gear ratio
- 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution, Brake Assist
- Available Sport Brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers (Q50 3.0t Sport, Q50 Red Sport 400)
- 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with machine-finished surface, 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires
- Available 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 245/40R19 all-season or summer run-flat tires
- Available staggered aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R19 front, 265/35R19 rear run-flat summer tires
- Advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control with Active Trace Control for enhanced dynamic cornering ability
- Available Active Lane Control™ (utilizing world's first Direct Adaptive Steering technology)
- Tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Hospitality
- Driver-oriented layout and a console with warm, asymmetric design
- Ample knee, head and shoulder roominess
- Easy rear ingress/egress provided by wide rear door openings
- Natural contour ergonomic-design front seats for enhanced comfort
- Premium leatherette seating surfaces
- Available leather-appointed seating with power lumbar
- 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar support, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Available 60/40 split rear seat
- Rear center armrest with trunk pass-through
- Available sport-type leather-appointed seats, manual thigh extensions (driver and front passenger)
- Available power torso bolsters (driver's side)
- Available heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Fine Vision electroluminescent instrumentation
- Kacchu aluminum interior trim on center console, instrument panel and doors
- Available Maple wood trim
- Available aluminum-accented pedals (standard on sport grades)
- Available Studio on Wheels® by Bose® audio system with instrument panel three-speaker array (up to 14 total speakers), Advanced Staging Technology®
- Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
- Available Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier
- INFINITI Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, touch unlock door function
- INFINITI InTuition™ – a customizable digital environment for storing and providing various driver settings and driving characteristics to Intelligent Key
- Power front and rear windows with illuminated switches and one-touch auto up/down feature
- Rear passenger personal lamps
- RearView Monitor
- Available Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD)
- HEV sound management technologies, including available Active Noise Control (ANC)
INFINITI InTouch™
- INFINITI InTouch™ with Navigation and INFINITI InTouch™ Services, with lane guidance and 3D building graphics, voice recognition for navigation functions, including one-shot voice destination entry, INFINITI InTouch™ Services with six months of safety, security and convenience services, SiriusXM® Traffic, including real-time traffic information (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately)
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), High Definition (HD) radio
- INFINITI Connection™ with Automatic Collision Notification, Destination Assistance and Drive Zone Monitoring
- Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®
- Voice Recognition for audio, navigation, SMS
Safety Shield Technologies
- INFINITI Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with occupant classification sensor
- Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags
- Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front- and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
- Available front seat driver/passenger Pre-Crash Seat Belts
- Available Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention®, Backup Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention with Active Lane Control™ (utilizing world's first production Direct Active Steering technology)
- Traction control system (integrated with Vehicle Dynamic Control)
- Available high beam assist technology
Models
- Available in 12 models: Q50 2.0t, Q50 2.0t AWD, Q50 2.0t Premium, Q50 2.0t Premium AWD, Q50 3.0t Premium, Q50 3.0t Premium AWD, Q50 3.0t Sport, Q50 3.0t Sport AWD, Q50 Red Sport 400, Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD, Q50 Hybrid Premium and Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD
*Some operations not available while vehicle is in motion.