Infiniti has been in a strange spot lately. After peaking around 2017, the brand’s sales momentum faded and the showroom has basically become a two-SUV story. That is why the idea of a new Q50, confirmed by Infiniti back in October 2024, feels like more than just another model cycle. If Infiniti really wants to remind people why the badge mattered to enthusiasts in the first place, a proper sports sedan is the kind of headline it needs.

The pitch is simple and it sounds like a wish list written by someone who misses the brand’s glory days: rear-wheel drive, lots of horsepower, and a manual transmission. Infiniti built a reputation in the 2000s by mixing luxury with real driver appeal, and cars like the G35 made the case that you could have a sporty chassis and a clutch pedal without giving up comfort. A modern Q50 that leans into that same vibe could be the spark that gets people talking again, even if many of them ultimately drive home in an SUV.

Underneath, this next Q50 is expected to stay fairly close to what came before, likely sticking with the FM platform that also underpins the Nissan Z. That shared DNA could actually be a good thing, especially if Infiniti uses it to deliver the proportions and balance people want in a compact sport sedan. It also opens the door for parts sharing that could help Infiniti keep development costs in check while still giving the Q50 its own look and personality.

The real excitement is what might live under the hood. The most obvious move is Nissan’s VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, the same basic engine used in the Z. Output is expected to land north of 400 hp, and if Infiniti takes inspiration from the Z NISMO’s 420 hp tune, the top Q50 could be seriously quick. There is also the possibility of cheaper variants with a lower-output V6 or even a turbo four-cylinder, but the talk so far has been focused on a performance-first sedan, the kind that finally gives Infiniti fans something to circle on the calendar.

Then there is the detail that really matters to diehards: Infiniti says it is heavily considering a manual gearbox. That is a big deal in a segment that has largely given up on three pedals, and it would instantly separate the Q50 from the usual suspects like the BMW M340i, Mercedes-AMG C43, and Genesis G70 3.3T, none of which offer a stick. If Infiniti can pair a punchy twin-turbo V6 with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed, it is basically serving enthusiasts the exact recipe they have been complaining is disappearing.

Of course, the dream version of this car has to survive the realities of product planning. Pricing will matter, and the Q50 may need to undercut the German establishment while still feeling premium enough to justify its badge. If Infiniti skips the manual, or if this ends up being a lightly refreshed take on the old Red Sport 400 idea, the buzz could evaporate fast. The good news is the timeline is not all that far off, with the new Q50 expected to go on sale sometime in 2027 as a 2028 model, likely landing around $60,000 in its sportiest form, with a base version potentially sliding in under $50K.