Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
The Q50 RED SPORT 400 AWD from INFINITI is an ideal, midsize, luxury sports sedans for customers looking for an enthusiastic driving package that elevates your status while tapping into the senses. The vehicle is both beautiful and moves like sprinters from Kingston, Jamaica when you pull from the twin-turbo V6’s energy. In turn, the RED SPORT is docile and obedient when typical, daily driving is needed such as work commutes or kid activities.
During my weekly test drive, I become one with the performance aspects of the Japanese sedan for continuous visceral experiences. The vehicle is super agile through turns thanks in part to the Dynamic Digital Suspension and Direct Adaptive Steering which forgoes a mechanical connection to the wheels for quicker steering inputs. As well, RWD-biased Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) positively enhances the RED SPORT 400’s responsiveness and provides the needed traction in inclement weather. The system evaluates wheelspin and throttle response, and accordingly, disburses up to 50% of torque to the front wheels for optimized grip. Larger performance brakes with red calipers clamp onto 19” aluminum-alloy rims which are wrapped in 245/40R19 all-season run-flat Dunlops.
Stylistically, the INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400 is blessed with a $1,520 carbon fiber package that includes a carbon fiber decklid spoiler and carbon fiber exterior mirror caps. I also respect the more aggressive front fascia, chiseled body, and exclusive RED SPORT 400 exhaust tips and throaty throttle response. In any gear the vehicle roars with passion, especially taking off in 1st and 2nd gear. I was truly amazed at how quick this vehicle is! The 3-liter V6 twin-turbo engine produces 400-horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. Excitement stems from using the 7-speed automatic transmission’s steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Moreover, the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector, located to the left of the tall gearshift lever, lets drivers customize the characteristics of their vehicle. Combined city/highway mileage is 22 mpg.
Step inside the INFINITI and allow the cream semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with Diamond Cut cross-stitching to welcome you to sporty elegance. These sport performance chairs are also 8-way powered, heated, and feature a manual thigh extender. Japanese-inspired Kacchu aluminum trim, metal pedals, power tilt and telescoping steering column, dual climate control, red contrast stitching, tinted moonroof, dual-screen INFINITI InTouch Navigation and Services media system, and the $2,650 Bose Performance Series audio system with 16 speakers and Bose Centerpoint simulated surround complete the design and tech elements of the RED SPORT 400’s cabin. InTouch is far more advanced than what INFINITI used previously but it’s also pretty quirky and the double screen setup can become confusing. Moreover, most of the apps are not profound and were rendered useless for my needs.
Of course, active safety is filtered throughout your ride in the form of an array of advanced technologies such as Lane Departure Prevention and Active Lane Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Backup Collision Intervention, Predictive Forward Collision Intervention, and Forward Emergency Braking to name a few.
Expect a base price of $53,250 for the INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400 AWD in Iridium Blue or five other color options. My vehicle tally came to $59,635 with the aforementioned option packages. It’s a pretty special ride with more than a few special attributes.
