2014 Infiniti Q50 Exclusive Designer Edition (2013–2024)
Two specialty versions of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan were produced in association with Gilt City, one designed by Zac Posen and the other designed by Thom Browne, both American fashion designers. The vehicles went on sale on gilt.com December 13, 2013 for $75,000, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The Thom Browne 2014 Infiniti Q50 includes a chrome body finish, red, white and blue stripes from the seats to the floor mats and stitching on the steering wheel. It also features a sterling silver ring encircling the gear-shift handle and a luggage set custom designed to fit in the trunk.
Zac Posen's 2014 Infiniti Q50 includes body color fade from silver in front to charcoal in back, and from matte to shine; red-carpet interior color, shagreen handle and shagreen stick with leather piping.
The vehicles were unveiled in Infiniti of Manhattan dealership at Hell's Kitchen area.
The two buyers also received a $10,000 Gilt.com shopping credit and a style consultation, a Thom Browne Solid Silver Personal Card Case (Browne version) or a Zac Posen Smartphone Clutch (Posen version).[27]
Q50 Hybrid (2014–2018)
Infiniti's Q50 hybrid vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.[28] Power for the Q50 Hybrid comes from the 3.5-liter gasoline engine combined with electric motor. Early European models included rear and all-wheel drive forms.[20] Infiniti discontinued the Q50 Hybrid after the 2018 model year.[29]
Q50L (2014–2024)
The Q50L has a 48 mm longer wheelbase than the regular Q50 to provide more spacious rear legroom. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine matched to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Trim levels for the Q50L sold in China are Comfort, Elegant, Sport, Luxury, and Sport Luxury.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.
Q50 Eau Rouge concept (2014)
Named for the famous corner at Spa-Francorchamps, the Eau Rouge is a Formula One inspired concept car based on the Q50 premium sports sedan, with aerodynamic styling treatments and design elements influenced by Infiniti's partnership with Infiniti Red Bull Racing. Changes include bespoke carbon fiber bodywork (carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts, carbon fiber roof and door mirror casings), 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, a dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler, 20 mm wider wheel arches, red body color with overlaid tinted clear coat, matching carbon fiber door and center console panes, a high-grip sports steering wheel with Formula One-style paddle-shifters.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.[30][31][32]
Q50 Eau Rouge prototype (2014)
Changes from Q50 Eau Rouge concept included a twin-turbocharged 3799 cc (568 PS/600 Nm) V6 from the Nissan GT-R and a 7-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent AWD from the Infiniti Q70.[33] The transmission and drivelines were compromises due to the inability of Infiniti to fit the rest of the GT-R's drivetrain into the prototype.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show,[22] followed by the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed.[34][35][36]
Plans to put the Eau Rouge into production were shelved in January 2015.
Q50 Sound Studio by Bose (2016)
The Q50 Sound Studio by Bose was a limited-edition version for the 2016 model year. It was based on Q50 2.0t and 2.2d (Premium or Sport), and included Advanced Staging Technology digital signal processing circuitry, Centerpoint 2 surround sound, AudioPilot2 Noise Compensation Technology, a navigation system and 14 speakers. This was the first time Bose's Advanced Staging Technology has ever been featured in a car.[38][39]
UK models went on sale in October 2015 as a 2016 model.[40]
Motorsports
On 16 October 2014 it was announced that the Infiniti Q50 would be entering the British Touring Car Championship for the 2015 season under the banner of Support our Paras.[42] At that time, PRO Motorsport announced it would enter two cars in the championship driven by Richard Hawken and Derek Palmer Jr., the son of PRO Motorsport Team Principal Derek Palmer Sr., supporting the charity Support Our Paras through racing, and its long-term goal of developing, training and ensuring an injured Paratrooper graduates through the racing ranks to pilot an Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing car.[43]
Production
Production of Q50 at Tochigi production plant began on 14 May 2013.[44] Production of the Chinese models of Q50L sedan at Xiangyang plant in Hubei Province, China also began in 2014.[11][28][45]
The production of 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder developed by Daimler at the Nissan Decherd Powertrain Plant in Franklin County, Tennessee (US) began 26 June 2014. The engine is also used by Daimler's Mercedes-Benz C-Class at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Alabama.[46]
Production of European models of Q50 began in 2015.[28]
Marketing
As part of the Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype launch, the #InfinitiRaceFace campaign was launched on 23 September 2014, awarding the grand prize winner the opportunity to attend the 2014 Formula One United States Grand Prix race, and also the chance to ride with Sebastian Vettel in the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype for a lap in downtown Austin on 29 October 2014.[50]
2016 model year update
Unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show (Q50 2.0t, Q50 3.0t, Q50 Red Sport 400), the 2016 Q50 featured several updates, including the introduction of second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering with advanced levels of steering feel and feedback, introduction of Dynamic Digital Suspension, Drive Mode Selector with Personal mode, standard RACK Electronic Power Steering on 3.0t models, revised suspension settings provide an improved balance between confident handling and a more comfortable ride.[51][52]
The Q50 Red Sport 400 is based on Q50 3.0t (405PS), with sport styled front fascia, sport brakes with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers, sport-tuned Digital Dynamic Suspension, new rack-based Electronic Power Steering or optional Direct Adaptive Steering, leather-appointed sport seats, aluminum-accented pedals, solid magnesium paddle shifters, Exclusive Red Sport 400 brushed-finish exhaust tips, Exclusive Red Sport 400 19-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels (staggered for RWD models), chrome finished red 'S' exterior sport badging on the trunk and front fenders.
Early models included 2.0t, 2.0t AWD, Hybrid, Hybrid AWD, 3.0t (304/405PS, 304PS models available in Middle East), Hybrid, and 2.2d.[53][54]
Discontinuation
In August 2024, Infiniti announced the cancellation of the Q50 in their North American lineup, with 2024 confirmed to be its final model year for U.S and Canada, after eleven years on sale due to slow sales.[57] The cancellation of the Q50 leads to Infiniti to become a brand selling only SUVs.[58]
