The INFINITI Q60, especially in its striking red guise, represents a bold statement in the premium sports coupe market. This model year, particularly the 2017 edition, showcases INFINITI’s commitment to blending expressive design with exhilarating performance. The taut, muscular lines of the Q60 exterior hint at the power within – a potent twin-turbo V6 engine. Lower and wider than its predecessors, the Q60’s design philosophy, termed ‘Powerful Elegance,’ gives this sports coupe a confident and athletic stance, projecting motion even at a standstill.
Dynamic enhancements are at the heart of the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400. The lightweight and advanced V6 engine is a standout feature, complemented by the sophisticated Direct Adaptive Steering and a digital suspension system. This combination of features aims to deliver a driving experience that is both engaging and refined.
The high-performance 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, part of the exclusive ‘VR’ powertrain family, is a product of INFINITI’s extensive expertise in six-cylinder engine development. Available in both 400 hp and 300 hp versions, this engine is engineered to provide increased power and torque while maintaining efficiency. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 208 hp is also offered, but the V6, especially the 400 hp variant in the Red Sport 400, is the performance highlight.
Power in the Q60 is delivered to the rear wheels as standard, providing a classic sports coupe driving feel. An optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is available for those seeking enhanced stability and control in various driving conditions. The 2017 Infiniti Q60 is designed to offer a balanced ride, combining comfort with agile handling. INFINITI’s Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS) plays a critical role in achieving this balance, offering responsive handling, agility, and improved ride comfort through new electronic and adaptive dampers.
INFINITI’s second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) system further enhances the driving experience by providing high levels of feedback and more direct steering responses. This ‘steer-by-wire’ system replaces traditional mechanical linkages with digital components, aiming to improve steering feel and driver feedback. The electronic connection ensures an instantaneous response between driver input and the system’s reaction. A refined Drive Mode Selector allows drivers to customize the performance of both DDS and DAS to match their preferences and driving style.
Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI, stated, “INFINITI has always been at the forefront of daring design and pioneering technology – and the Q60 again offers both. We believe the Q60’s qualities and core strengths – the way it looks and drives – will appeal to buyers in the premium sports coupe segment.”
The world premiere of the 2017 Q60 marked a period of growth for INFINITI. As INFINITI experienced record global sales in the first half of 2016, the Q60 was poised to maintain this momentum and re-establish the brand’s presence in the competitive sports coupe segment. The Q60 is part of INFINITI’s broader strategy of model renewal and diversification, introducing new technologies and powertrains.
INFINITI has a strong heritage in the sports coupe category, with models like the G35 and G37 setting benchmarks for engaging dynamics and striking aesthetics. The third-generation Q60 builds upon these foundations, engineered with the same principles of combining performance and visual appeal.
Francois Bancon, INFINITI Vice President Product Strategy, commented, “The new Q60, our third-generation sports coupe, will reinforce INFINITI’s position in the segment. Premium customers around the globe love a sports coupe that offers power, performance and prestige – and the Q60 delivers on all three fronts.”
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 embodies INFINITI’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design philosophy. Its flowing lines and muscular proportions create a sense of motion and power. Signature INFINITI design elements ensure immediate brand recognition. The double-arch grille and crescent-cut C-pillars are key features that contribute to the Q60’s dynamic and distinctive appearance. LED headlights, designed to resemble the human eye, and a deeper set grille further enhance the car’s visual appeal.
Alfonso Albaisa, INFINITI Executive Design Director, explained, “Our ‘Powerful Elegance’ form language makes INFINITI vehicles instantly recognizable, but rather than applying constraints and limitations upon the artistry and creativity of design, it is constantly evolving to retain its fresh and contemporary edge – above all, Q60 brings this philosophy to life.”
Aerodynamic efficiency was a crucial consideration in the Q60’s design, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.28. Features like front fender vents and a specially shaped hood contribute to reducing drag. Models with the V6 engine include an Active Grille Shutter to optimize engine cooling and aerodynamic performance. The door-mounted side mirrors are designed to improve airflow and maintain rear visibility.
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 is available in a range of nine exterior colors, with ‘Dynamic Sunstone Red’ being a standout, new-to-the-range option. This exclusive red color features a tinted clear coat, enhancing the paint’s depth and gloss for a more impactful visual presence, making the “2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400” a truly striking vehicle.
The interior of the 2017 Q60 follows a ‘driver-centric, passenger-minded’ design approach. The cabin architecture is designed to provide each occupant with a defined personal space. The dashboard is focused on the driver, with a center console incorporating twin touchscreens (8-inch upper and 7-inch lower) as part of the InTouch infotainment system. The touchscreen interface minimizes physical buttons, creating a clean and modern appearance.
Alfonso Albaisa further elaborated on the interior design, “Cabin artistry for INFINITI is about a fitted, personal approach. We modeled the Q60’s interior around the concept of a ‘driver’s glove’ – the driver is always comfortable and the cabin is tailored for them.”
Interior trim options for the Q60 include high-end accents and contemporary materials. Depending on the model, options range from white leather with glass fiber accents to darker interiors with black wood, aluminum, or violet carbon-fiber accents. Sport models offer red leather with glass fiber accents, enhancing the sporty feel, especially when paired with the “2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400” exterior.
Despite its coupe profile, the Q60’s cabin offers ample space for passengers. The wheelbase of 2,850 mm (112.2 in) provides generous legroom for both front and rear occupants. The body width of 1,850 mm (72.8 in) ensures ample shoulder and hip space. Headroom is also generous, even with the sloping roofline. The Q60 offers 342 liters (12.1 cubic feet) of cargo space.
The all-new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is a highlight of the 2017 Infiniti Q60, representing INFINITI’s most advanced V6 engine to date. This ‘VR30 DDTT’ engine balances drivability, efficiency, and performance. It is available in 400 hp and 300 hp versions, delivering power and torque across a wide mid-range.
The 400 hp engine variant in the “2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400” produces peak power at 6,400 rpm and 475 Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque between 1,600-5,200 rpm. Despite its power, the Q60 achieves a competitive fuel economy rating. The 300 hp version offers similar torque characteristics and fuel efficiency.
A key technology contributing to this balance is the new direct-injection gasoline (DIG) fueling system. This high-pressure system allows for precise fuel injection control, optimizing engine performance and efficiency. This system makes the V6 engine one of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient, and powerful in its class. A 2.0-liter turbo-charged four-cylinder DIG engine is also available, producing 208 hp for those prioritizing fuel economy.
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 incorporates adaptable chassis technology for an empowering driving experience. The second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) system has been refined to enhance steering feel and feedback. Drivers can select from seven personalized modes to customize steering performance. The system uses digital components to transmit steering input electronically, providing immediate response and filtering out unwanted road vibrations.
Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS), working in conjunction with DAS, monitors body roll, pitch, and bounce to deliver a secure and comfortable ride. Electronically adjustable dampers allow for variable damping force, offering a balance between comfort and agile handling. Both DAS and DDS are available on Q60 models equipped with the 3.0-liter engine. Standard Q60 models feature Rack Electronic Power Steering (Rack EPS), while four-cylinder models come with a speed-sensitive hydraulic electronic rack-and-pinion power steering system.
The Q60 offers multiple customization options through the Drive Mode Selector (DMS), accessible via the 8-inch upper touchscreen. Modes include ‘Standard,’ ‘Snow,’ ‘Eco,’ ‘Sport,’ ‘Sport+,’ and ‘Personal.’ ‘Standard’ mode represents the core performance balance, while ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ modes sharpen steering and handling responses. ‘Personal’ mode allows drivers to customize DAS performance with various response levels. ‘Snow’ and ‘Eco’ modes optimize the car for specific driving conditions. Drivers can also adjust damper settings with DDS in each mode.
The Q60’s seven-speed automatic transmission is designed for responsive and direct acceleration. Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) adjusts gear selection based on road conditions and driving behavior. In ‘Sport’ mode, the transmission holds gears longer for enhanced performance. The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system enhances stability in low-grip conditions, distributing torque between front and rear wheels as needed, or sending up to 100% of power to the rear wheels in optimal conditions.
Technological features in the 2017 Infiniti Q60 prioritize comfort and convenience. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have been minimized through improved suspension insulation, stiffer cross-members, and vibration-damping wheel spokes.
The Q60 is available with a new 13-speaker Bose® Performance Series sound system, tailored to the cabin acoustics. This system provides an immersive audio experience. New high-back, high-bolster seats are designed to provide optimal spinal support, reducing spinal curvature and improving upper body support.
INFINITI’s InTouch infotainment system, upgraded with a faster processor, allows for personalization of the interior environment and stores profiles for multiple drivers. InTouch can memorize over 200 settings, including driving modes, seat positions, and audio preferences. In select markets, a Telematic Control Unit (TCU) enables remote control of car functions via a smartphone app, offering features like remote engine start, car locator, and vehicle health reports.
Comprehensive safety features are integrated into the 2017 Infiniti Q60. Active safety technologies monitor for potential hazards and assist drivers in avoiding collisions. These include Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention, Forward Emergency Braking, and Back-up Collision Intervention. The Q60 is equipped with six airbags as standard and includes features like Adaptive Front Lighting System and Active Lane Control.
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 is manufactured at INFINITI’s Tochigi, Japan, facility. The plant underwent significant upgrades to accommodate the Q60’s unique design and manufacturing requirements, particularly for its bold lines and sharp angles. New production processes were developed, such as a hybrid resin-skin trunk lid, to meet the design specifications. A dedicated paint booth was added for the exclusive ‘Dynamic Sunstone Red’ color, ensuring high-quality application and finish. Highly skilled ‘Takumi’ artisans are employed on the production line to ensure premium quality and craftsmanship.
The 2017 Infiniti Q60, especially in “Dynamic Sunstone Red,” successfully reignites INFINITI’s presence in the sports coupe segment. It combines striking design, exhilarating performance, and advanced technology, making it a compelling option for buyers in the premium sports coupe market.
