Infiniti refreshed its Q50 lineup for the 2018 model year. Coinciding with the refreshed look of the Q50 is the introduction of a new global grade (trim) naming structure: Pure, Luxe, Sport and Red Sport 400. Option package content and naming has also been upgraded.
The 2018 Infiniti Q50 is offered in a full range of trim levels, each in a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive — Q50 2.0t Pure and Q50 2.0t Luxe; Q50 Hybrid Luxe; Q50 3.0t Luxe, Q50 3.0t Sport and Q50 Red Sport 400.
The new exterior design of the Q50 retains its sleek proportions and athletic stance, while establishing greater visual differentiation between model versions. Interior refinements blend artistry with innovation, with further elevation of levels of craftsmanship.
The new Q50 features a choice of four different powerplants, including the exclusive VQ-series 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. It is available in two states of tune — 400 horsepower or 300 horsepower. Both of the VQ-series engines were developed to provide an ideal mix of drivability, efficiency and performance.
While smaller in capacity than the previous 3.7-liter VQ V6, the new VQ adopted a series of innovative technologies to deliver a more engaging driving experience, including a direct-injection gasoline fueling system. The high-pressure direct-injection gasoline system allows for more precise injection of fuel into the combustion chamber, delivering the exact amount required for smooth engine acceleration, depending on throttle position and engine speed.
The engine also features lightweight aluminum construction and low mechanical friction — providing smooth, durable and highly responsive performance. Chief among the engine’s weight-saving elements is the adoption of spray bore coating for the engine block and integrated exhaust manifold for cylinder heads. Not only does this make the engine lighter, but this also aids in cooling as heat can dissipate more effectively.
One of the engine’s many other significant features is the adoption of an integrated exhaust manifold, built into the cylinder head, which positions the catalytic converter closer to the exhaust point. This results in a shorter flow path for the hot exhaust gases, allowing the catalytic converter to heat up almost instantly, improving response, while also reducing emissions from a cold start. Moving the catalytic converter closer to the exhaust point also saves weight by making the engine more compact than before.
The VQ-series power delivery is enhanced through an advanced twin-turbo system, which enables smooth and immediate responses under acceleration. An optimized turbine blade design helps the engine generate greater overall performance, with faster turbine revolution speeds.
The high-output version produces 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm. The standard output version produces 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm.
Complementing the 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 pound-feet available from 1,500 rpm.
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. An idle stop-start system is standard with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
The fourth available powerplant is Infinti’s gasoline-electric hybrid, which features the direct response hybrid system and intelligent dual clutch control. It combines a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum alloy V6 and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery with a one-motor, two-clutch control. The system’s V6 is rated at 302 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the 50kW electric motor is rated at 67 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque.
All powerplants are matched to an advanced seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
The 2018 Q50 offers a wide range of available models and equipment packages. The Q50 2.0t Pure includes standard features such as eight-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, Infiniti InTouch and 17-inch lunar black trim aluminum-alloy wheels.
The Q50 2.0t Luxe adds new 18-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 225/50R18 all-season run-flat tires, power moonroof, HomeLink universal transceiver, chrome bumper finishes and maple wood interior trim. The Q50 3.0t Luxe adds electronic power steering and the 3.0L V6 engine.
Q50 3.0t Sport models add a range of features such as sport-type leather-appointed seats and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R19 all-season performance tires.
The ultra performance 2018 Q50 Red Sport 400 comes with quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, aluminum-accented pedals, dark chrome interior trim, dark metallic dynamic tactile paddle shifters, staggered 19-inch wheels and tires (RWD), custom exhaust tips, sport brakes with red painted calipers, a full range of safety and driver aid technologies and 400 horsepower.
The 2018 Q50 2.0t Pure carries a starting MSRP of $34,200, while a top-of-the-line Red Sport 400 AWD will cost more than $61,000.
Servicing the 2018 Infiniti Q50
Infiniti provided two maintenance schedules that may be used, depending upon the conditions in which vehicles are driven.STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months:- Replace engine oil
- Replace oil filter
- Inspect brake lines and cables
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Inspect transfer fluid and differential gear oil
- Inspect propeller shaft and drive shaft boots (AWD only)
- Inspect stop lamp switch and brake pedal position
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 18 months:
- Replace in-cabin microfilter
- Replace intelligent key battery
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months:
- Inspect EVAP vapor lines (3.0L engine)
- Inspect engine compartment (2.0L engine)
- Inspect V-belt (2.0L engine)
- Inspect fuel lines
- Replace brake fluid
- Inspect steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
- Inspect exhaust system
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months:
- Replace air cleaner filter (3.0L engine)
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months:
- Replace air cleaner filter (2.0L engine)
- Replace spark plugs (2.0L engine)
Every 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 48 months; thereafter, inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months and replace if damaged:
- Inspect drive belts (3.0L engine)
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km):
- Replace spark plugs (3.0L engine)
At 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months; thereafter, replace every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 60 months:
- Replace engine coolant (3.0L engine)
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months:
- Replace engine coolant (2.0L engine)
SEVERE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
If the vehicle is mainly operated under severe driving conditions — repeated short tips of less than five miles (8 km); repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures remaining below freezing; operating in hot weather in stop-and-go traffic; extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or door-to-door deliver use; driving in dusty conditions; driving on rough, muddy or salt-spread roads; or using a car-top carrier — more frequent maintenance must be performed.Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or six months:
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Inspect steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
- Inspect propeller shaft and drive shaft boots (AWD models)
- Inspect exhaust system
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months:
- Replace brake fluid
