A Bold Comeback in 2027
Infiniti is reportedly staging a striking return to its roots by reviving the Q50 sedan in late 2027. This isn’t just any rebirth—word is that the new model, tentatively called the Q50S, will deliver rear-wheel drive and an enthusiast’s dream: a manual gearbox.
Under the Hood: Twin-Turbo Power
Powering this resurgence is expected to be the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 from the Nissan Z. In its current forms, the engine delivers up to 400 horsepower in Sport variants, rising to 420 hp in the NISMO with an automatic. The new Q50S promises even more, with tuning reportedly pushing output beyond 450 horsepower.
Design & Heritage
Preview visuals shared with dealers hint at a sleek, low-slung silhouette, featuring slim headlights and circular tail lights reminiscent of the iconic Skyline series. Infiniti—the brand behind the Q50—seems to be tapping into nostalgia while delivering a fresh, modern aesthetic.
Embracing the Fun, Not the Practical
One insider reportedly described the new Q50 as “unapologetic and unexpected,” a visceral driving machine that prioritizes emotion and experience over practicality. At a time when many automakers are doubling down on electrification, Infiniti appears to be bucking the trend with a bold, gas-powered statement.
A Targeted Strategy
This move seems aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts—particularly affluent, Gen X and late-millennial males—who grew up appreciating performance sedans like the G35. With few manual-transmission luxury sedans still available, this return to stick-shift RWD could distinguish Infiniti in a crowded luxury marketplace.
Why It Matters
The Q50’s 2024 discontinuation left Infiniti as an SUV-only brand. Reviving the Q50S with a manual option could be a game-changer—offering driving purity, raw power, and a unique proposition in a segment dominated by automatics and electrics.
