Keeping a close eye on BMW's->ke178 strategies and launches, Infiniti->ke36 is pretty adamant in competing with the Bavarian giant. So, I was simply waiting for Infiniti to launch a model to compete with the 4 Series.->ke3834 Call it coincidence if you like, but Infiniti is working on a new coupe to rival Bimmer's two-door coupe. Confirmed to be called the Q60 and previewed by the 2016 Q60 Concept, the coupe will be designed along the lines of the 2014 Q50 sedan. In other words, the relationship between the Q50 and Q60 can be easily compared to the one between the 3 Series->ke290 and the 4 Series.
Given the fact that the coupe will be a derivative of the Q50, I expect the standard, 3.7-liter, V-6 engine to power this two-door beauty. Likewise, the hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine and an electric motor could make it into the Q60 as well to keep fuel-conscious customers happy. Although Infiniti had nothing to say about the Q60's release date, the fact that the Q60 Concept debuted at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show suggests the production version is closer than expected. My money is on the fall of 2015, but more details should become available in the second half of the year. Until then, read on to find out what the Q60 may have in store once it arrives in dealerships.
Updated 01/16/2015: Based on the recent Q60 Concept, we've created a rendering for the production version which is expected to arrive just in time for the 2016 model year.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Infiniti Q60.
2016 Infiniti Q60
- Make: Array
- Model: 2016 Infiniti Q60
- Engine/Motor: V6
- Horsepower: 330
- Torque: 270
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Update History
Updated 1/25/2013 We have just released the first TopSpeed rendering of the Q60, which you can see above. This is our interpretation of the upcoming model and in no way an official image.
Rendering
When rendering the production coupe, our artist used cues from both the Q60 Concept and the Q50 sedan. He replaced the slim headlamps of the concept with larger ones, as seen on the production Q50, and aligned the front bumper section to the language shared by Infiniti's current lineup. Also, the large grille of the concept is smaller in the rendering. Other production-specific add-ons include revised mirrors, fog lamps, panel gaps and common Infiniti rims. Transforming the concept car into a production vehicle also included replacing the sharp body edges with smoother, Q50-like surfaces.
Exterior
As the rendering above suggests, expect the production Q60 to ditch several conceptual bits. Up front, the brand will get rid of the aggressive split apron, the massive grille and the skinny headlamps. Instead, Infiniti will use more production-friendly pieces, while making sure the coupe boasts a sportier appearance compared with the Q50 sedan.
The waistline will drop from right beneath the windows in line with the front wheel arches, while the shoulders will become less muscular. The Q60's rear fascia will be taken down a notch as well. Forget about the sexy apron and the slim taillights, because both will be gone and replaced by blander parts. The spoiler is likely to remain, although I wouldn't be surprised to see it become less protruding. But despite these changes, the Q60 will indeed become the sportiest member of the Q lineup and a benchmark for future Infiniti cars.
Interior
It's not yet known how much of the concept's interior will make it into the production car, but the well-crafted, high-quality cabin showcased at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show seems doable. Although Infiniti has made significant improvements to its interior lately, the Q60 seems to benefit from even more attention to detail and I wouldn't rule out niceties such as carbon-fiber inserts.
What's very likely to change is the control layout inspired by the Q80 Inspiration. Keeping all those feats would make the Q60 a tad too expensive for its segment. And besides, I don't think Infiniti is willing to dilute its upcoming flagship vehicle by sharing its most unique features.
Drivetrain
Given Infiniti's current strategy, it makes sense for the Q60 to employ the current coupe's 3.7-liter V-6. The unit cranks out 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque as of 2015, but that might change for the redesigned model, with a bit more oomph pumped into the six-banger. However, you shouldn't expect more than 350 horsepower, a figure that would put the Q60 above the BMW 435i.
Whether the Q60 will also receive the Q50's hybrid drivetrain is yet unknown, but I wouldn't be surprised to see such a transfer take place. With its peppy 3.5-liter V-6, torquey electric motor and good fuel economy, the Q60 Hybrid should be quite appealing to customers looking for performance without too many trips to the gas station.
Prices
Considering the current Q50 retails from $40,950 and judging by the upgraded materials and higher levels of performance, I expect the next-gen coupe to cost at least $42,000 before options. However, the sticker is likely to sit below the $43K range, as Infiniti may not want the Q60 to be overpriced against its German competition.
Competition
BMW 4 Series
The new BMW 4 Series, formerly known as the 3 Series Coupe, is arguably the most popular sports coupe of its class. Redesigned for the 2014 model year, the coupe is slightly larger than its predecessor, as well as more aerodynamic and definitely sportier as far as styling goes. Its interior is equally fresh, featuring the same driver-centric layout, but with a significant increase in luxury and connectivity.
Two different engines are available in the U.S., both offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive. In the base 428i, customers get a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 240 turbocharged horses. That might not seem like a lot when compared to the Q60's V-6, but 4 Series' lowered curb weight and excellent dynamics make it both fast and nimble. More oomph comes with the 435i, which boasts a 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 300 ponies. The 2015 4 Series retails from $40,750 in 428i guise and from $46,250 as the 435i.
Audi A5
The A5 may be a little long in the tooth, but its features and performance figures are nothing to scoff at. The German coupe is both elegant and sporty on the outside, while the interior brings together Audi's classic, yet somewhat dated cues, and the company's latest in terms of technology. Luxury is no object in the A5, which packs acres of fine fabrics and perforated leather.
Under the hood, however, the A5 is less impressive, with its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine generating only 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. More power comes with the S5 badge, which is offered with a 3.0-liter V-6 with 333 ponies and 325 pound-feet of twist at its disposal. Pricing for the A5 starts from $40,000, while the S5 fetches at least $52,500 before options.
Conclusion
The Q60 might not receive all of the sexy body lines and cool interior features of the concept car, but it's certainly shaping up as a great replacement for the current G-series coupe in the company's lineup. Looking at the current Q60, the upcoming coupe represents a massive departure in all areas. But will it be good enough against the likes of the BMW 4 Series, the Audi A5 and the upcoming Mercedes C-Class Coupe? That's a question it's too early for me to answer, but Infiniti has plenty of reasons to hope it will move itself closer to its objective in this segment in the next few years.