Infiniti's Potential Q60S Revival: A Return to Performance Roots

Infiniti’s Coupe Comeback

Infiniti is eyeing a revival of its Q60 coupe, potentially powered by the Nissan Z’s twin-turbo V6 engine. This move comes as the brand shifts focus from electric vehicles back to combustion-powered performance.

Key Features of the Proposed Q60S

Revival of the Q60 coupe using the Nissan Z’s twin-turbo V6.
Sleek design featuring a bold blacked-out grille.
Utilization of a heavily updated Q50 sedan platform.

A Shift in Strategy

Not long ago, Infiniti planned to replace the Q50 with an all-electric sedan, signaling a significant shift towards an electrified lineup. However, this strategy has evolved. Late last year, Infiniti confirmed that the Q50 would return, not as an EV but as a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan dubbed the Q50S. This development raises the question: could the Q60 coupe follow suit?

Design Insights

The previous Q60, produced from 2016 to 2022, shared its platform with the Q50. If Infiniti decides to reintroduce a stylish two-door coupe, it could base the design on the next generation of the Q50. However, early reports suggest that the new Q50S will be more of an extensively redesigned version of the existing model, similar to Toyota’s approach with the Camry.

A Z-Powered Coupe Could Be The Comeback Infiniti Needs — Illustrations by Nikita Chuyko / Kolesa

This platform reuse would not only cut development costs but also provide a solid foundation for designers, potentially speeding up the process while ensuring brand consistency.

Rendering the Future

Nikita Chuyko from Kolesa has released impressive renderings of what a modern Q60S could look like. The original Q60 was already visually striking, and these new illustrations retain its sculpted silhouette with smooth lines. Key updates include a prominent blacked-out grille that enhances road presence, along with large black air intakes and angular LED headlights that stretch across the grille.

Powertrain Expectations

At a dealer conference in Las Vegas last year, Infiniti hinted at the upcoming Q50S, expected to feature the same twin-turbocharged V6 engine found in the Nissan Z, boasting 400 horsepower. This puts it firmly in the performance category.

What truly excites enthusiasts is the potential inclusion of a manual transmission paired with rear-wheel drive. If realized, this combination could make the Q60S one of the most engaging sedans on the market.