We’ve been fans of the Infiniti brand since the first Q45s and M30s hit dealer showrooms for the 1990 model year. From the beginning, Infiniti meant strong engines, solid styling, quality materials and excellent fit and finish.
Over the years Infiniti’s commitment to quality has produced a long list of excellent automobiles. One of our favorites is the attractive and fun to drive Q60 coupe. At one time Nissan built a 300zx 2+2 model, which added tiny rear seats to the Z car. They worked in a pinch but were lacking. Fast forward to 2003 and Infiniti’s G35 Coupe – the Q60’s predecessor – which essentially replaced the Z car’s 4 passenger variant with much improved rear seats. Infiniti’s coupe also shared much of the then new contemporary 350Z’s mechanicals and even a bit of the overall design.
The 2021 Q60 Red Sport 400 takes the formula to the next level, making it hard for us not to appreciate this good-looking and fun to drive sport coupe.
An Engine that Inspires
Infiniti’s top-trim Red Sport is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, rated at 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine features twin water-to-air charge coolers with two water pumps, optical turbo speed sensor and 14.7 psi turbo boost. Every facet of Infiniti’s twin turbo V6 is mechanical perfection, or close to it.
A seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with rev matching sends power to all four wheels. While we aren’t as enamored by the transmission as we are the engine, the gear box does a decent job overall. But it makes us wonder if an updated 8-speed wouldn’t help the brilliant engine shine a little brighter?
How does the Q60S Red Sport 400 drive?
The Q60 features an all-new Dynamic Digital Suspension. The system monitors the coupe’s body roll, pitch and bounce rate making tiny adjustments to assure optimal comfort and balance. Electronically adjustable dampers regulate the dampening force to create a firmer or softer ride.
Infiniti’s rack-based electric power steering is much improved over the years. The one-time feeling of driving by remote control is largely gone. Our Red Sport review vehicle arrived with upgraded sport brakes and rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers. The braking system worked quite well, even in stop and go traffic. The pedal feel was perfect and the car stopped with authority.
Our time with the Infiniti proved the sport coupe’s value time and again. The powerful V6 reminded us of the favorite cars of our youth, including the mighty Nissan 300ZX twin turbo. It isn’t hard to see the Q60’s family tree on full display. The same attributes that made us fall in love with the turbocharged V6-powered sports car that moved the 1990’s needle is alive and well in the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400.
A Sporty Premium Interior
Infiniti’s driver-oriented cockpit layout adds the coupe’s appeal and comfort. The supportive seats are wrapped in leatherette material on base models, our Red Sport featured semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with power lumbar. Red Sport models also feature heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Additionally, our Red Sport model was nicely appointed with genuine matte black carbon-fiber interior trim and aluminum-accented pedals.
Technology for the Real World
Our Red Sport model featured Infiniti’s dual HD display with an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower touchscreen. The infotainment features a great-sounding 13-speaker Bose audio system with CD, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a WIFI hotspot.
Available Navigation includes lane guidance and 3D building graphics.
Active safety features include an around view monitor with moving object detection, blind spot warning, backup collision intervention and lane departure warning. Additional features include Intelligent cruise control, distance control assist and high beam assist. The coupe’s haptic steering wheel alerts the driving when leaving a lane unexpectantly.
Pricing
A base model 2021 Infiniti Q60 start at $41,750. As tested, our 2021 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport costs $67,085. The Q60 represents good value in the segment, something that Infiniti has been good for since day one.