Model Tested: 2018 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 AWD
Engine: 3-liter, twin turbo V-6; 400-horsepower; 350 lb·ft of torque
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
EPA Ratings: 19/city, 26/highway, 21/combined
Base Price: $54,000
As Tested: $65,795
Overview: Infiniti’s flagship two-door coupe, the Q60, received a comprehensive redesign for 2017 that not only encompassed styling but mechanical upgrades as well. We drove the Q60 last year on our normal weeklong test drive and again at the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s “Run to the Sun” event — and loved it. The Red Sport — our test driver — is the high-performance version of this beautiful machine.
Walkaround: The 2018 Q60 features beautifully aggressive styling that photography can’t quite do justice to.
The bold “double-arch” grille at the end of the long hood sports a big Infiniti logo dead center, and is flanked by LED “human eye” headlights. The edges are smooth, and the prominent shoulders sleek. Meanwhile, the C-pillar features an interesting “crescent-cut” quarter-window design with chrome trim. Rear styling is simple, with LED taillights wrapped around the fender and a small spoiler molded into the short decklid. Chrome-tipped dual exhausts finish off the aggressive look.
Interior: The Q60’s interior is large and airy, and our test driver’s white interior gave it the feeling of being roomier than it actually is. The driver-oriented dashboard, center stack and center console are all attractively laid out with controls easy to locate and use. All materials are high quality, with soft-touch surfaces. Seating is quite comfortable, although like other vehicles of this type, the rear seat is mostly for looks. The interior is exceptionally quiet, courtesy of lots of sound-deadening material. There are two USB ports and an impressive dual infotainment screen. The Bose premium audio system kicks butt — especially listening to classic rock and smooth jazz.
Behind the Wheel: We got to drive the all-wheel drive Q60 Red Sport over a wide variety of roads — exceeding 100 mph numerous times without even realizing it — while having fun playing with the paddle shifters. It’s smooth and comfortable, with sure-footed handling and braking. The 400-horse twin-turbo V6 delivers strong acceleration with power to spare, even uphill over mountains.
Bottom Line: The 2018 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport is a strong, fun-to-drive, high-performance luxury machine with excellent road manners. If we were in the market, this wolf in sheep’s clothing would definitely be on our personal short list.
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