New generation Infiniti Q50: Manual RWD Sedan returns

Faced with declining sales compared to a decade ago and slowing demand for electric vehicles, Infiniti is considering a strategic shift: developing the second-generation Q50 as a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with a manual transmission option, rather than prioritizing its electric vehicle plans. According to Automotive News, the new model is expected to use a 3.0-liter twin-turbo VR30DDTT V6 engine shared with the Nissan Z, with the ability to tweak it to exceed 450 horsepower. Sales are expected in the second half of 2027. Source: Motor1.

Return to rear-wheel drive and manual transmission: a deliberate "unpractical" decision

In the modern luxury sedan segment, manual transmissions have almost disappeared. Therefore, Infiniti's consideration of bringing back the manual configuration to the new Q50 is a distinct signal, aimed at drivers who value the feeling of a mechanical connection with the car. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration is expected to be standard, in line with the brand's traditional sports DNA.

Tiago Castro, Vice President of Infiniti Americas, described the redesigned Q50 as “unapologetic and unpredictable”; “instinctive” and “unapologetic.” The statement suggests Infiniti is deliberately putting the driving experience first, rather than prioritizing pure functionality.

VR30 twin‑turbo: performance platform and the "450+" horsepower figure

The new Q50 is said to use the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT) that is currently used in the Nissan Z with 400 horsepower. According to sources, Infiniti may tweak the power to exceed 450 horsepower for the second-generation Q50. Although other detailed parameters have not been announced, the VR30DDTT option suggests high performance potential thanks to the twin-turbo structure and good engine response.

The combination of RWD and more power than the Nissan Z promises a distinctly sporty feel, but torque, acceleration, and fuel economy figures will depend on Infiniti's final tuning and have yet to be revealed.

Skyline-evoking design, refined identity

A teaser image of the Q50S has been revealed, showing sharp headlights and round taillights – details reminiscent of the classic Skyline style in Japan. This is a move back to the roots, exploiting the heritage that makes Infiniti attractive on rear-wheel drive sports sedans.

Put EV aside, prepare new Q50: roadmap and context

Infiniti has discontinued the Q50 after the 2024 model year and discontinued the Q60 coupe in 2022. The lineup now has just four high-riding models. Infiniti originally planned to replace the Q50 with a pure electric model, but market changes—including slowing EV demand and the resurgence of traditional performance models—put those plans on hold in favor of a second-generation, gas-powered Q50.

The new sports sedan is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2027, meaning consumers will have to wait a few more years to see the finished product. This will also give Infiniti time to refine the technology, establish the product's position, and complete the supply chain, the source said, sharing the platform with the Skyline in Japan.

Quick summary: what's known and what's expected

Category	Information
Car model	Second generation Infiniti Q50 (US market)
Foundation	Supposedly shared with Skyline sedan (Japan)
Engine	V6 3.0L twin-turbo VR30DDTT (sourced from Nissan Z)
Capacity	400 horsepower on the Nissan Z; Q50 could exceed 450 horsepower (source)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive (RWD) – expected
Gear	Manual transmission option available – expected
Design	Sharp headlights, round taillights reminiscent of Skyline (teaser)
EV Plan	Temporarily put aside to prioritize the new generation Q50 using gasoline engine
Sales roadmap	Expected second half of 2027

Unanswered Questions

Detailed performance specifications (torque, acceleration, top speed) have not been released.
Transmission configurations (manual and automatic), equipment differences between versions are unknown.
Specific interior, amenities and safety technology features have not been announced.
Prices, market configurations and availability have not been confirmed.

Background: Why is the Q50 "traditional" now?

The move to refocus on gasoline performance sedans is being positioned as a response to a market shift. According to sources, EV demand has slowed while traditional performance models have seen a resurgence in interest. In that context, a RWD sedan with a manual transmission and a twin-turbo V6 engine is considered by enthusiasts to be “very welcome” and fits well with the goal of refreshing the Infiniti brand image.

Conclude

The next-generation Q50, if it makes it to production as currently envisioned, would be a return to Infiniti’s sport sedan roots: RWD, optional manual transmission, and a VR30 twin-turbo engine capable of over 450 horsepower. The projected second-half 2027 timeline would allow the company to fine-tune the product to meet the expectations of car enthusiasts – a group Infiniti clearly wants to speak directly to with this comeback.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/infiniti-q50-the-he-moi-sedan-rwd-so-san-tro-lai-10309502.html