2028 Infiniti Q50 Preview: Rear Wheel Drive Sport Sedan With Manual Gearbox Could Make a Comeback
Table of Contents
2028 Infiniti Q50 Could Bring Back Infiniti’s Performance Identity
Infiniti appears ready to make another attempt at winning over driving enthusiasts. After several years without a sedan in its lineup, the brand is reportedly preparing to bring back the 2028 Infiniti Q50, and this time the formula looks much more exciting.
Rear wheel drive, a manual transmission, and a performance focused setup could help Infiniti reconnect with buyers who remember the G35 and G37. If everything goes according to plan, the new Q50 is expected to arrive in 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle.
For a brand that has spent the last few years focusing mainly on SUVs, this could become one of its most important launches in recent history.
Why the New Infiniti Q50 Matters
Sport sedans are no longer as common as they were ten or fifteen years ago. Many manufacturers have shifted their attention to SUVs because they sell in much higher numbers.
Infiniti, however, seems to believe there is still room for a premium sports sedan that focuses on driving enjoyment.
The return of the Q50 could help the company in several ways:
- Bring former Infiniti owners back to the brand.
- Attract enthusiasts looking for a rear wheel drive sedan.
- Improve Infiniti’s performance image.
- Offer an alternative to buyers who do not want another SUV.
While the Q50 is unlikely to become Infiniti’s highest volume model, it could play a big role in rebuilding the brand’s reputation.
Rear Wheel Drive and Manual Transmission Return
One of the biggest talking points is the expected return of a manual transmission.
The previous generation Q50 was only available with an automatic gearbox. Offering a manual option would immediately separate the upcoming model from its predecessor and make it one of the few premium sports sedans still available with three pedals.
Rear wheel drive is also expected to remain part of the package, staying true to the formula that made the G35 and G37 popular among enthusiasts.
For drivers who still enjoy shifting gears themselves, this is welcome news.
New Platform Expected
Infiniti has not officially revealed what platform will sit underneath the new Q50.
The previous Q50 shared an older rear wheel drive architecture that also continues to underpin the current Nissan Z. However, many industry observers believe Infiniti will move to an all new platform instead of reusing that aging architecture.
Reports also suggest Nissan is developing a new rear wheel drive Skyline for Japan around the same time. If that happens, both models could share a completely new platform, similar to how Nissan and Infiniti have worked together in the past.
Such a platform could also support future Nissan Z models and possibly additional performance oriented vehicles.
Expected Engine Options
Although Infiniti has not confirmed any specifications, the most likely powertrain is an updated version of Nissan’s familiar 3.0 litre twin turbo V6 engine.
The current Nissan Z produces up to 400 horsepower, but Infiniti could further develop the engine to deliver even more performance in the Q50.
Expected possibilities include:
| Specification | Expected Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0 litre twin turbo V6 |
| Drive Layout | Rear wheel drive |
| Transmission | Six speed manual and automatic |
| Power Output | More than 400 horsepower expected |
| Hybrid Option | Possible for automatic variants |
A hybrid version is also being considered for automatic models. It could improve both fuel efficiency and overall performance while helping Infiniti introduce a dedicated hybrid option into its lineup.
Designed to Appeal to Old and New Buyers
The original Infiniti G35 earned widespread praise when it launched and even won major industry awards. Many buyers who admired those cars in the early 2000s are now in their 30s and 40s.
The new Q50 could benefit from that nostalgia while also attracting younger enthusiasts looking for a modern premium sports sedan.
Infiniti’s recent design language has also received positive attention, and many fans hope those styling elements will carry over into a low, aggressive four door sports sedan.
Expected Price and Launch Timeline
While Infiniti has not officially confirmed pricing, current expectations suggest:
| Details | Expected Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated Price | Around $60,000 |
| Expected Launch | During 2027 |
| Model Year | 2028 |
These details remain unofficial and could change before production begins.
Should Buyers Be Excited?
The return of the Infiniti Q50 certainly sounds promising. Rear wheel drive, a manual transmission, strong V6 performance, and the possibility of a fresh platform are all ingredients enthusiasts have been asking for.
Of course, success will depend on execution. The premium sports sedan segment is highly competitive, and buyers have high expectations. If Infiniti delivers the right balance of performance, technology, design, and value, the Q50 could become the car that helps restore some of the brand’s lost identity.
For now, enthusiasts will have to wait for official confirmation, but the early signs suggest Infiniti may finally be serious about bringing driving excitement back to its lineup.
Sources & References
Official Sources
Infiniti USA
https://www.infinitiusa.com/
Official Infiniti website for the U.S. with information on current models, brand news, and future announcements.
INFINITI Global
https://global.infiniti.com/
Global Infiniti website covering worldwide brand information, design philosophy, and corporate updates.
Nissan Global
https://global.nissannews.com/
Official Nissan global newsroom featuring press releases, future product announcements, and technology updates.
Nissan USA Newsroom
https://usa.nissannews.com/
Official U.S. Nissan media website with product news, corporate announcements, and powertrain updates.
Industry References
MotorTrend
https://www.motortrend.com/
Leading U.S. automotive publication covering reviews, future vehicle previews, industry news, and renderings.
Car and Driver
https://www.caranddriver.com/
Trusted U.S. automotive magazine known for in-depth reviews, testing, and future vehicle coverage.
Road & Track
https://www.roadandtrack.com/
Automotive publication focused on performance cars, sports sedans, and enthusiast vehicles.
Motor1 US
https://www.motor1.com/
Reliable automotive news website covering new vehicle launches, spy photos, and industry developments.
The Drive
https://www.thedrive.com/
U.S. automotive news outlet covering performance cars, engineering, and industry updates.
Carscoops
https://www.carscoops.com/
Automotive news website featuring future models, renderings, and manufacturer developments.
Autoblog
https://www.autoblog.com/
Well-known automotive publication covering reviews, industry news, and vehicle previews.
Edmunds
https://www.edmunds.com/
Trusted resource for vehicle specifications, comparisons, pricing, and expert reviews.
Technical Reference
SAE International
https://www.sae.org/
Engineering organization publishing technical information related to automotive technology and powertrains.
