In a significant move poised to reignite excitement within the automotive community, Infiniti is reportedly preparing to reintroduce a sport sedan to its North American lineup. This new vehicle is anticipated to feature a potent turbocharged V6 engine coupled with a manual transmission, a combination eagerly awaited by performance enthusiasts. This strategic shift represents a return to the brand's core identity, recalling a period when Infiniti's sedans, celebrated for their dynamic blend of performance, luxury, and reliability, established a respected reputation for Japanese premium marques. As the market for traditional sedans has contracted, this announcement offers a beacon of hope for those seeking a more engaging driving experience, promising to infuse renewed vitality into Infiniti's portfolio.
For many years, mid-size performance sedans from Japanese luxury manufacturers have become increasingly scarce. Brands like Acura, with the discontinuation of its TLX, and Lexus, which retired the GS in 2020, have seen their sedan offerings shrink. Infiniti itself has primarily focused on crossovers and SUVs, leaving a void for fans of their classic, driver-focused sedans. However, recent whispers from Infiniti headquarters suggest a new direction, hinting at the revival of a sport sedan that will pick up where the beloved G35 and G37 models left off. This forthcoming model is rumored to be a direct successor to the Q50S, promising a robust powertrain and, crucially for purists, a manual gearbox.
The significance of this development for Infiniti cannot be overstated. Since the Q50's departure from the North American market last year, Infiniti has been conspicuously absent from the sedan segment, a stark departure from its legacy stretching back to the G20's debut in 1990. This gap has been particularly felt by brand loyalists who appreciated Infiniti's ability to offer spirited driving characteristics reminiscent of European counterparts like BMW, but often at a more accessible price point and with lower long-term ownership costs. The G-series lineage evolved significantly, particularly with the 2003 G35's transition to a rear-wheel-drive platform and a powerful 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine. Subsequent iterations, like the G37, further solidified Infiniti's reputation for performance, offering up to 348 horsepower, directly challenging established German luxury sports sedans.
When the G Sedan was rebranded as the Q50 in 2014, and its coupe counterpart as the Q60, the model continued to evolve. Initially retaining the 3.7-liter V6, the Q50 later adopted a more compact, turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, culminating in the Q50S Red Sport 400 variant, which boasted an impressive 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Despite its capabilities, the Q50's sales eventually declined due to a perceived lack of significant updates, leading to its eventual withdrawal from North America. The reported replacement, however, is set to revitalize this segment, leveraging a combustion engine, rear-wheel drive, and the much-desired manual transmission, aligning with the performance heritage that once defined the brand.
This anticipated sport sedan is expected to share its underlying architecture with the Japanese-market Nissan Skyline, a model still sold globally and even in a NISMO trim featuring a 414-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. This suggests that the new Infiniti sport sedan will benefit from a robust rear-wheel-drive platform, with potential for an all-wheel-drive option that maintains a rear-biased feel. Power could come from the Nissan Z's engine, potentially delivering up to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, particularly in a NISMO-tuned variant. Transmission options are likely to include a six-speed manual and a sophisticated nine-speed automatic derived from Mercedes-Benz.
Visually, while the new model will likely retain a silhouette familiar to its predecessor due to shared foundational elements, it is expected to feature a comprehensively updated aesthetic. Design cues may be drawn from recent Infiniti concepts, such as the Q Inspiration Concept and the QX65 Monograph Concept. This could translate into contemporary styling elements like modernized taillight designs with full-width LED light bars, a 'floating' grille, and updated LED headlights, signaling a fresh design language for the brand. The interior is also expected to be re-envisioned, possibly featuring a more driver-centric cockpit and updated technological integrations, aiming to create an immersive and engaging driving environment.
Infiniti's essence has always been intertwined with its sporty sedans. The absence of a performance-oriented sedan has undoubtedly left a noticeable void for both the brand and its enthusiasts. The reintroduction of a compelling, driver-focused sedan is crucial for Infiniti to reclaim its position as a competitive force in the luxury automotive landscape. This move is not merely about launching a new model; it's about reaffirming Infiniti's commitment to driving pleasure, performance, and a distinctive identity. Such a vehicle could attract buyers who are increasingly disillusioned by the over-reliance on technology and the perceived lack of driving engagement in many contemporary cars, seeking instead a purer connection to the road. This strategic return to roots holds the promise of restoring Infiniti's profitability and its reputation as a prestigious Japanese automaker.