Infiniti Q60 the ultimate custom coupe
In recent years, coupes such as the Infiniti Q60 have undergone a renaissance of sorts to become a basic requirement for an increasing number of premium automotive brands. And there are more all-new or updated models coming soon.
That’s welcome news for buyers who prefer the sportiness of a two-door model in place of the roominess of a four-door sedan. These are folks wanting something that’s noticeably different in personal-luxury transportation. They might not be inclined to race around the streets as their younger selves might have done, but they want to drive something that’s visually stimulating and conveys that certain fits-like-a-glove feeling.
The latest Q60 fits these requirements and when properly trimmed out will also provide plenty of thrills.
The two-door “Q” is the delayed replacement for the previous coupe that departed after 2015. The car’s slinky silhouette is somewhat reminiscent of the Honda Accord Coupe, other than a few extra creases in the bodywork, a subtle hitch in the rear-window pillar and of course a very cool mesh grille with chrome surround that’s one of the car’s most attractive features.
The exterior is matched to an equally sharp-looking cockpit with shiny trim bits and well-bolstered seats in faux or optional real leather.
The driving fun begins with a trio of turbocharged engines to replace the previous non-turbo 3.7-litre V-6. The base engine is an all-aluminum turbocharged 2.0litre four-cylinder from Mercedes-Benz that makes 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. For fuel savings, this engine delivers 11.2 l/100 km in the city, 8.5 l/100 km on the highway and 10.0 l/100 km combined.
Optional is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V-6 that makes 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The higherperforming Q60 Red Sport also uses a 3.0-litre V-6, but it’s rated at 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet.
All powerplants drive the rear wheels through seven-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel-drive is also standard with all three. In normal conditions, the system splits the torque on a 50:50 basis, but if necessary up to 100 per cent can be diverted to the rear wheels or to each of the four wheels.
At a base price of $48,000 including destination charges, the base 2.0t arrives with a variety of luxury content including dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, power moonroof and 19-inch wheels.
Move up to the Q60 3.0t and the content list grows to include a leather-covered seats, navigation system and a premium 13-speaker Bose-brand audio package.
The 400-horsepower Red Sport receives some very specific features such as a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes and model-specific 19-inch wheels. The interior is trimmed with carbon fibre and steering-wheelmounted paddle shifters are included. The Red Sport also gets a Dynamic Digital Suspension with electronically adjustable dampers that continually control ride and body roll.
Optional for Red Sport is Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) that does away with mechanical linkage to the wheels. It can make up to 1,000 steering inputs per second and without any vibrations or “kickbacks” that are transmitted from the road through the steering column.
Drivers can also select from Standard, Sport and Sport+ DAS modes. The default Standard setting maintains a light low-speed steering effort, while Sport and BMW 428 xDrive Coupe Base price: $52,000 Lineup includes potent engines plus convertible and four-door “coupe” styles. Cadillac ATS AWD coupe Base price: $45,300 Hot two-door available with AWD. 464-hp ATS-V is a standout performer.
Sport+ alter the steering ratio to act more directly to steering inputs at speeds above 100 km-h.
Also available is a wide assortment of active safety systems such as an around-view monitor with Moving Object Detection, Backup Collision Intervention and self-leveling and directionally adaptive headlights. Lexus RC 300 AWD coupe Base price: $51,000 Recent lineup addition matches the Q60 in mild and potent powerplants.
The new Q60 is more than a mere replacement for the outgoing model. It’s a clear attempt to appeal to a wide swath of buyers with a wide range of engine and drivetrain combinations plus plenty of luxury and technical options. The Q60 has gone from a one-model-fits-all car to the ultimate custom coupe that can also deliver some thrills.