2016 INFINITI Q50 FIRST LOOK

2016 INFINITI Q50 FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Infiniti’s best-selling nameplate receives a freshening and expands its engine lineup for the 2016 model year.

A trio of turbocharged engines for the Q50 mid-size sports sedan now includes an entry-level 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 208 horsepower and 31mpg highway and then at the other end there’s this: the Q50 Red Sport 400 including a 400-horsepower tune of the car’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with red “S” badging, unique exhaust tips and staggered 19” wheels and summer performance run-flat tires.  With boost increased to 14.7 psi, this motor delivers 350 pound-feet of torque and offers the most standard horsepower in the class for a non-specialty model.

It’s matched to a 7-speed automatic transmission with improved logic and hardware, Downshift Rev Matching and magnesium paddle shifters.  Gas mileage is rated at 20mpg city/27 mpg highway on premium.

You can spec a Red Sport in either rear- or all-wheel drive with a starting MSRP of $48,855.  Also making its debut on the 2016 Q50 is the second generation of Infiniti’s steer-by-wire technology known as Direct Adaptive Steering, offering advanced levels of steering feel and feedback now more akin to that of a conventional steering system.  Selectable modes now include a new high-performance  Sport + setting.

The 2016 Q50 also features Infiniti’s new Dynamic Digital Suspension, constantly adjusting the shocks to control body motion when cornering, while revised settings provide an improved balance between confident handling and a comfortable ride.