NEW 2016 Infiniti Q50 With A 400hp Twin-Turbo V6 Releasing This Spring
12-29-15, 08:24 AM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
Originally Posted by dnasians
not sure why this would cause a stir, the is-f is already over 400hp (416hp) and it will probably be in the same price range.
12-29-15, 02:48 PM
#18
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The S4 is meant to compete with the 335i.
04-09-16, 02:54 PM
#19
Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 priced at $48,855, AWD at $50,855
Infiniti's most powerful production model, the new Q50 Red Sport 400, now has a starting price. You'll need at least $48,855 for the rear-drive model or $50,855 for all-wheel drive. (Both figures include the $905 destination charge.) A fully loaded, rear-drive Q50 RS400 with Direct Adaptive Steering, navigation, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and Infiniti's entire alphabet soup of safety equipment, tops out at $57,045. (Again, add $2,000 for AWD).
When it comes to rear-drive competition, the closest base price to the Q50 is the 320-hp BMW 340i. This German undercuts the Infiniti by two grand, $46,795 to $48,855. But the BMW outprices the Q50 as soon as you start selecting options. A 340i with similar equipment to a loaded Q50 Red Sport 400 costs just under $60,000.
All-wheel-drive German competitors also lose out in the price war. Like with the rear-drive models, the BMW 340i xDrive undercuts the Q50 RS400 by around $2,000. Add the options, and the Infiniti becomes a better value. The other two big German rivals, the Audi S4 and Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG start at a higher price and only get more expensive.
Technically the S4 starts cheaper than the Q50, but only with the standard manual transmission. Selecting the S-Tronic dual-clutch model kicks the price from $50,125 to $51,125, and going for the top-end Prestige trim will bump potential Audi owners up to $57,025. Throw on must-have S4 options, including adaptive cruise control, adaptive dampers, and a sport differential and you'll be shell out $64,425 for the Audi. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG is the priciest choice in this group, starting at $51,725, or roughly $900 more than a base Q50 RS400 with AWD. Options, again, are the downfall here. Building a C450 to match a loaded Infiniti will drive the Mercedes' price up to $64,315.
While it occupies something of a weird space relative to these vehicles, it's also worth mentioning the Cadillac CTS VSport. It's the only car in this impromptu pricing comparo that can outgun the Q50, with its 3.6-liter, twin-turbo V6 good for 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It also starts at $60,950, although that includes plenty of standard equipment.
All this means that the Q50 Red Sport 400 represents a relative value. It packs more power than the Germans – 80 more than the 340i, 67 more than the S4, and 38 more than the C450 – and a more comprehensive list of options, too.
When it comes to rear-drive competition, the closest base price to the Q50 is the 320-hp BMW 340i. This German undercuts the Infiniti by two grand, $46,795 to $48,855. But the BMW outprices the Q50 as soon as you start selecting options. A 340i with similar equipment to a loaded Q50 Red Sport 400 costs just under $60,000.
All-wheel-drive German competitors also lose out in the price war. Like with the rear-drive models, the BMW 340i xDrive undercuts the Q50 RS400 by around $2,000. Add the options, and the Infiniti becomes a better value. The other two big German rivals, the Audi S4 and Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG start at a higher price and only get more expensive.
Technically the S4 starts cheaper than the Q50, but only with the standard manual transmission. Selecting the S-Tronic dual-clutch model kicks the price from $50,125 to $51,125, and going for the top-end Prestige trim will bump potential Audi owners up to $57,025. Throw on must-have S4 options, including adaptive cruise control, adaptive dampers, and a sport differential and you'll be shell out $64,425 for the Audi. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG is the priciest choice in this group, starting at $51,725, or roughly $900 more than a base Q50 RS400 with AWD. Options, again, are the downfall here. Building a C450 to match a loaded Infiniti will drive the Mercedes' price up to $64,315.
While it occupies something of a weird space relative to these vehicles, it's also worth mentioning the Cadillac CTS VSport. It's the only car in this impromptu pricing comparo that can outgun the Q50, with its 3.6-liter, twin-turbo V6 good for 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It also starts at $60,950, although that includes plenty of standard equipment.
All this means that the Q50 Red Sport 400 represents a relative value. It packs more power than the Germans – 80 more than the 340i, 67 more than the S4, and 38 more than the C450 – and a more comprehensive list of options, too.
04-09-16, 03:44 PM
#20
Lexus Test Driver
I really like the Red Sport but that is quite expensive 
I've driven the Q50 quite a bit and if it's the same price as the 340, it may not be worth it. Infiniti reliability seems kinda bad these days. If both cars are unreliable, I think I'd pick the BMW.
I've driven the Q50 quite a bit and if it's the same price as the 340, it may not be worth it. Infiniti reliability seems kinda bad these days. If both cars are unreliable, I think I'd pick the BMW.
04-10-16, 05:24 AM
#22
Looks like it's priced right. No excuses for Lexus at this point.
04-10-16, 05:31 AM
#23
The tuning potential on the TT V6 will be a selling point for some buyers. I hope there's a manual version of this TT V6 in the Nissan Z. I have a MKIV Supra and have been waiting for Toyota to bring out something other than FR-S, great car but doesn't meet what I want. A TTV6 6spd Nissan Z would get my interest. Already keeping an eye on the R35 market but I like to row gears.
04-10-16, 07:15 AM
#24
Lexus Test Driver
Originally Posted by evident
Looks like it's priced right. No excuses for Lexus at this point.
04-12-16, 04:57 AM
#25
I feel Infiniti can't charge as much as BMW for a car in the same class. Let's see what the tests produce. If the Infiniti is noticeably faster, then the price will be justified. I've always said the IS350 was more of a 328 competitor as its comparably priced to it vs the 335/340
04-13-16, 05:26 AM
#26
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I think the 2016 Q50S is lacking a bit on build quality....specifically the interior. I also prefer the paddle shifters on the steering wheel as opposed to the steering column.
400 HP doesn't correct those issues. So, I ultimately decided to go with the IS350.
Interesting topic, though. I think the GS-F already address the issue of keeping Lexus competitive in the performance space. Although, the RWD and price tag are large differences.
What's more disconcerting to me is the disappearing manual. I'm coming out of a 2013 Acura TL 6-spd manual AWD. I'll miss having a clutch....
04-13-16, 08:22 AM
#28
Looks are subjective to looker I think the Q50 is a nice looking car, I would take it just based on looks over the 3IS, it has a more mature look in my opinion. The 400HP option is great, once tuners start figuring it out I expect to see impressive numbers that will rival or beat any F models offered by Lexus.
04-13-16, 08:23 AM
#29
some people will say the same about lexus and predator grill.
Q50 was a good car. I almost purchased a Q50S, but opted for the IS350.
now it's going to be a great car w/ 400HP and revisions. Appearance is conservative, but handsome in my opinion.
If Lexus can keep the IS350 as a mid range option and come out with a range topper TT V6 for 2017 that would be awesome. probably a pipe dream.
Q50 was a good car. I almost purchased a Q50S, but opted for the IS350.
now it's going to be a great car w/ 400HP and revisions. Appearance is conservative, but handsome in my opinion.
If Lexus can keep the IS350 as a mid range option and come out with a range topper TT V6 for 2017 that would be awesome. probably a pipe dream.
04-13-16, 08:26 AM
#30
Lexus Test Driver
some people will say the same about lexus and predator grill.
Q50 was a good car. I almost purchased a Q50S, but opted for the IS350.
now it's going to be a great car w/ 400HP and revisions. Appearance is conservative, but handsome in my opinion.
If Lexus can keep the IS350 as a mid range option and come out with a range topper TT V6 for 2017 that would be awesome. probably a pipe dream.
Q50 was a good car. I almost purchased a Q50S, but opted for the IS350.
now it's going to be a great car w/ 400HP and revisions. Appearance is conservative, but handsome in my opinion.
If Lexus can keep the IS350 as a mid range option and come out with a range topper TT V6 for 2017 that would be awesome. probably a pipe dream.