Bit the bullet and bought another Infiniti...
First, thanks everyone, I've spent a long time eyeing the Q50/Q60 Red Sport since it's introduction.
Second, sorry for the bad typos and weird autocorrects (and thus bad grammar) from my phone.
Finally - I've driven the RS400 in both Q50 and Q60 for quite a while. The Q60 is a sexy coupe (and my first choice), but for some reason, is hardly ever discounted by Infiniti.
I agree with Mike that the DAS option (even in its second generation) is terrible, bordering on dangerous. I drive aggressively, and near the limits of the vehicle, you dont get the tactile feedback that is necessary for safe control. Whatever you do, don't get the DAS if you are going after the Red Sport! Also, for some strange reason, Infiniti ommitted LSD in the standard RWD model! WIth 400hp (more like 450 according to dynos) on tap and shod with crappy run flats stock, traction is a big problem! This is why I elected to get AWD even though I live in sunny California. It makes a big difference between enjoying it and having oh-shnap moments in your car.
Another thing is that the transmission kind of sucks, so you kind of have to go into manual mode and prepare for shifts when you want to ( it's not the direct and responsive as the auto in the IS-F).
The interior is a bit dated as well, especially the gauges, and the quality of materials is not on par with Lexus.
However, the V6 twinturbo is definitely worth it. It hardly has any turbo lag and hits hard when you stomp on the gas. This is basically what you are paying for with the money. For those that want to save a few bucks, you can get the standard 3.0T non RS model (since they use all the same powertrain parts) and modify it to Red Sport levels, but for me having a "factory tune" was worth it.
I'm a big Toyco/Lexus fan (and we still have our RX350), but I really hope the success of the Q50/Q60 especially the Red Sport line wakes up Toyota / Lexus to offer something competitive. Their whole lineup, for all the exterior flash, leaves a lot to be desired from a powertrain standpoint.
Second, sorry for the bad typos and weird autocorrects (and thus bad grammar) from my phone.
Finally - I've driven the RS400 in both Q50 and Q60 for quite a while. The Q60 is a sexy coupe (and my first choice), but for some reason, is hardly ever discounted by Infiniti.
I agree with Mike that the DAS option (even in its second generation) is terrible, bordering on dangerous. I drive aggressively, and near the limits of the vehicle, you dont get the tactile feedback that is necessary for safe control. Whatever you do, don't get the DAS if you are going after the Red Sport! Also, for some strange reason, Infiniti ommitted LSD in the standard RWD model! WIth 400hp (more like 450 according to dynos) on tap and shod with crappy run flats stock, traction is a big problem! This is why I elected to get AWD even though I live in sunny California. It makes a big difference between enjoying it and having oh-shnap moments in your car.
Another thing is that the transmission kind of sucks, so you kind of have to go into manual mode and prepare for shifts when you want to ( it's not the direct and responsive as the auto in the IS-F).
The interior is a bit dated as well, especially the gauges, and the quality of materials is not on par with Lexus.
However, the V6 twinturbo is definitely worth it. It hardly has any turbo lag and hits hard when you stomp on the gas. This is basically what you are paying for with the money. For those that want to save a few bucks, you can get the standard 3.0T non RS model (since they use all the same powertrain parts) and modify it to Red Sport levels, but for me having a "factory tune" was worth it.
I'm a big Toyco/Lexus fan (and we still have our RX350), but I really hope the success of the Q50/Q60 especially the Red Sport line wakes up Toyota / Lexus to offer something competitive. Their whole lineup, for all the exterior flash, leaves a lot to be desired from a powertrain standpoint.
AMS is one of the most respected, if not the most respected worldwide, tuning company for the GTR. Enjoy!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,582
Likes: 392
From: PA
Congrats!
haha They tried to do that to me when the 350Z first came out...I always took my Maxima to the dealer until 60k. The car was barely 2, and the salesman said, "Why would you want to leave with that old car?" Meanwhile the 350Z's were marked up over list (nuts)...
Used to be a huge fan of the VQ, but not a fan of Nissan anymore I guess...brother's was lemoned but that was a Frontier not a G35/G37....
haha They tried to do that to me when the 350Z first came out...I always took my Maxima to the dealer until 60k. The car was barely 2, and the salesman said, "Why would you want to leave with that old car?" Meanwhile the 350Z's were marked up over list (nuts)...
Used to be a huge fan of the VQ, but not a fan of Nissan anymore I guess...brother's was lemoned but that was a Frontier not a G35/G37....
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,582
Likes: 392
From: PA
On Sunday, this GLC 43 AMG parked next to us, and it had 285's in the rear. It looked like the real deal to me! Meaning, if it's not a real AMG, it looked it. M235, M sport, vs. M2, I get that. But MB may be a little less obvious....
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 74
From: FL
The lines are blurred. I saw that C430, do you even AMG, bro? T shirt, so I guess I always said, C430 is not an AMG.
On Sunday, this GLC 43 AMG parked next to us, and it had 285's in the rear. It looked like the real deal to me! Meaning, if it's not a real AMG, it looked it. M235, M sport, vs. M2, I get that. But MB may be a little less obvious....
On Sunday, this GLC 43 AMG parked next to us, and it had 285's in the rear. It looked like the real deal to me! Meaning, if it's not a real AMG, it looked it. M235, M sport, vs. M2, I get that. But MB may be a little less obvious....
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: FL
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 12
From: The Woodlands, TX
exactly, which is why you see a million of them (320, 328, 340, 330, 428. 440, etc, etc) running around which is not a good thing IMO.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,224
Likes: 256
From: New York
Thats a reason why BMW has resources to update its engines that go in these cars every 3 years, constantly improving performance and fuel economy.
If they were slow sellers, they would not generate the economies of scale to invest in that R&D.
Since 2006, the 3.0 inline 6 turbo has been updated from N54 to N55 to B58(now) and new one is coming next year I believe.
Lexus had had the same 3.5 V6 with no update.
Its like people that complain about too many M cars being sold....Demand is good and gives the company incentive to continue to build and improve the product.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,582
Likes: 392
From: PA
On the Infiniti front, since I saw the ad, I was looking at that big SUV, and it seemed to be packed with features as a base car....
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 12
From: The Woodlands, TX
Why is it not a good thing?
Thats a reason why BMW has resources to update its engines that go in these cars every 3 years, constantly improving performance and fuel economy.
If they were slow sellers, they would not generate the economies of scale to invest in that R&D.
Since 2006, the 3.0 inline 6 turbo has been updated from N54 to N55 to B58(now) and new one is coming next year I believe.
Lexus had had the same 3.5 V6 with no update.
Sorry, I just don't like driving the same car as everyone else.
Sure high demand is good thing but some companies are like, screw it, it's selling why should we improve it (significantly).
Last edited by bagwell; Feb 1, 2018 at 10:43 AM.
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