Did you really read the entire title of this car? Whatever happened to the days of just year, make, model? It seems like manufacturers these days add in more letters and numbers into their models to out-do one another. Anyway, rant over. We’ve wasted enough time looking at the ridiculously long name of this car. It’s a good thing then that this 2019 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 is a fast car.
Performance
Engine – Under that sculpted hood is a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 400hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Even though the Q60 weighs in at just over 1,700 kg, the V6 engine has plenty of punch. Throttle response is immediate if you’re in Sport+ mode, and there’s virtually no turbo lag when you put your foot down. Speaking of putting your foot down, it makes a pretty good noise as well thanks to the sports exhaust that is fitted to every Red Sport 400 from the factory.
The downfall though is a hit to your fuel economy. Even when you drive economically in a city, you’ll be struggling to hit the claimed 12.5 L/100km (18.8 mpg) fuel economy figure. I’ve been averaging closer to 14 L/100km (16.8 mpg) during my time with the Q60.
Transmission – Mated to the engine is a 7-speed automatic transmission. I have no complaints about this transmission as it is smooth when changing gears in normal driving situations and when you’re wanting for some fun, it’s fast and it even blips the engine on the downshifts. I’m very pleased to see that Infiniti did not fit the Q60 Red Sport 400 with a CVT.
Braking – 4-piston calipers on the front axle stop the car with ease. Very little brake application is required under normal driving and it feels solid when performing an emergency brake. As well, automatic emergency braking is standard on the Q60.
Handling – Putting the power down is no problem because the Q60 Red Sport is only available with AWD. Better yet, it can shift most of the power to the back wheels so it feels more like a rear-wheel-drive biased vehicle.
However, the biggest problem that the Q60 has in terms of handling is the steering wheel. Infiniti has developed a system called Direct Adaptive Steering and what that means is that there is no physical connection between the steering wheel and the steering rack. There’s nothing there, it’s all just electric motors. So as a result, steering feel is lacking… almost non-existent. The best way I can describe it is… well it’s like one of those console or PC feedback steering wheels for racing games.
It does have one positive though, it is very direct and quick to react to driver inputs. The slightest tug to the right or left and the front tires react immediately.
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Comfort
Ride Comfort – The Red Sport comes equipped with adaptive suspension which is tuned for sporty driving but even so, the ride is superb. It’s firm enough to let you know that you’ve driven over a small rock yet soft enough to not break your back when driving over a pothole.
Interior Space – Up in the front, there is a good amount of space. I’m 6’4” so my long legs don’t feel squished however I could do with just a bit more headroom. The back seats are strictly for small children… or a briefcase. The trunk is a tad on the small side compared to other luxury coupes at 340L or 12 cubic feet.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – Apart from the sports exhaust, the cabin is very well insulated from outside noises. That’s thanks in part to the good build quality but also to active noise cancellation.
Odds and Ends
Gadgets – The 2019 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 starts at just over $65,000 CAD ($59,150 USD). Add on the proActive package, and you’re looking at around $70,000 CAD ($64,493 USD) before fees and taxes. For that money you do get the usual suite of features like heated seats, navigation, sunroof, lane keep system, blind spot sensors, adaptive cruise control, and so on. But as far as I can tell, there’s no ventilated seats, no massaging seats, no heads-up display, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto… basically some nice features that are available on other luxury coupes.
Especially the CarPlay and Android Auto. This infotainment system is old and not very responsive. But I have heard rumors that a new system will be introduced in 2020 or 2021. It can’t come soon enough.
Exterior Design – From every angle the Q60 looks stunning. It somewhat still looks like the concept cars that you see at auto shows. The only thing, or things, that’s letting it down, are the wheels. The size is fine but the offset is all wrong.Thankfully that’s an easy fix were it my car. Just buy a new set of wheels.
Interior Design – The inside is just as stunning as the outside. The white leather and Silver Optic trim complement the red exterior. The only thing that I would change is the dual screen layout. Either make it one tablet style screen or a smaller screen with climate control buttons underneath.
In all, I really like the Q60 Red Sport. It stands out like no other luxury coupe and the engine is fantastic. But the biggest let down is that steering. However, if you are thinking of getting one, avoid ticking off that proActive package which includes this Direct Adaptive Steering when purchasing or leasing your Q60 Red Sport.
Thank you to Infiniti Canada for providing the vehicle. www.Infiniti.ca
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