What's the Fastest INFINITI Model?

Hint: Experience a luxurious 400 horsepower.

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Last updated June 27th, 2023

In a lineup of powerful INFINITI models, which is the fastest?

While the INFINITI roster is full of fast vehicles, one stands out from the rest. The 2023 Q50 Red Sport 400 is the fastest INFINITI model.

While the Q50 line is already a showstopper on its own, the Red Sport 400 trim level adds a new layer of sportiness and style for Dayton car enthusiasts. So, if you’re searching for a car that’ll take you the extra mile, look no further.

Before we understand the Red Sport, we need to understand more about its origins. This model truly matches its predecessors' top-of-the-line craftsmanship and aerodynamic design. However, how fast is the Red Sport? Check it out below.

Introduction to INFINITI

The most important thing to know about INFINITI is that it’s more than a dressed-up Nissan. While to some, it retains this reputation. Understanding why people hold that view and why it’s currently incorrect is essential.

INFINITI started selling vehicles in America in 1989 due to the increasing demand for luxury vehicles. Initially, INFINITI cars were sold at Nissan dealerships. This can partially explain the persisting misunderstanding about INFINITI. It doesn’t help that during the beginning years, INFINITI cars were effectively Nissan cars with more features and a slightly different design during the beginning years. 

During the 1990s, INFINITI began focusing on the design of their cars, and through many different models, they came to the design we see today in INFINITI. Elements of the Zen influence prominent in the 1990s can still be seen today in INFINITI. 

As the brand evolved, a focus on performance changed the perception of INFINITI forever. High top speeds and sharp handling defined the brand as a whole. It was in the early 2000s that the formerly dubbed ‘Japanese Lincoln’ became known as the ‘Japanese BMW.’

Performance and Legacy of INFINITI

While INFINITI had been producing some fast cars for some time before the early 2000s, it took off with a leadership change. This came mainly with the release of the INFINITI G35. Fast enough to compete with other luxury vehicles on the market, with sleek INFINITI design, sales took off. 

The G and M series began to define INFINITI as the performance luxury car brand we see today. Combining speed and handling effortlessly, they looked and worked like one would expect of a luxury car. At the time, these were the fastest INFINITI cars produced. However, their top speed couldn’t match the luxury competitors yet. 

In the 2010s, INFINITI partnered with Renault for its engine production. Pushing powerful engines out left and right, INFINITI was on a roll. Cars with top speeds that matched or exceeded competitors were ordinary now.  It was during this time that INFINITI sponsored Renault for Formula One racing. As an established race brand, we again see how INFINITI became the performance luxury brand we see today — producing the fast INFINITI cars that define the brand.

Evolution of the INFINITI Q50

The INFINITI Q50 was first released in 2013. Taking design cues from multiple different INFINITI concept cars, it immediately started pushing boundaries in looks and aerodynamics. While there were plans for another crazy fast Q50 in 2014, the Eau Rogue, they were shelved. It’s a shame it wasn’t produced because it would have been one of the fastest INFINITI cars ever made. This, however, built anticipation and demand for something blazing fast in the INFINITI lineup. Luckily, just two years later, in 2016, INFINITI released the Red Sport. If INFINITI wasn’t pushing performance boundaries before, it definitely was then. It’s all history from there. 2016 changed everything.

Q50 Red Sport 400: The Fastest INFINITI Sedan

The Fastest INFINITI Model

You’ll find a powerful twin-turbocharged V6 engine inside the Red Sport's sleek design. With 400 horsepower, this model is among the most powerful on the market. In just 4.5 seconds, the Red Sport 400 can accelerate to 60 miles an hour. Thanks to its precision-engineered, 3.0L twin-turbo V6, that also makes 350 lb-ft of torque. While you’d think this remarkable momentum would jerk you out of your seat, the smooth behind-the-wheel control provided by the speed-sensitive steering of the 400 guarantees you stay in place. This seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive beast of a machine will surely give you goosebumps — efficiently handling high speeds. That’s necessary, too, with a top speed of 155 mph.

Sleek Style: The Impact of Red Sport Aerodynamics on Performance

Undoubtedly, the Q50 has smoother lines than its other luxury vehicle competitors. This underlies what makes the Red Sport so aerodynamically sound. The design allows the Red Sport to be unencumbered by the friction from the air at high speeds in ways that its other luxury competitors can’t match. This makes the raw power behind the Red Sport go further and can explain its fast 0-60 speeds in ways the horsepower alone can’t.

Striking the Perfect Balance between Speed and Practicality

The Q50 Red Sport 400 is the fastest INFINITI model and has several other perks. While reaching top speeds in your Q50, you’ll also enjoy the comfort and practicality of any INFINITI sedan. Here are some examples of the value you’ll gain with a Q50 Red Sport 400 purchase:

Wi-Fi hotspot

Keyless ignition

Internal navigation system

19-inch dark chrome wheels

These are only a few perks of the Red Sport 400. This model prioritizes speed, comfort, and style, which can be seen in the quality of its craftsmanship.

Other Technology in the Red Sport 400

There are too many high-tech safety features to name in the Red Sport. However, forward collision mitigation matches the industry standard for safety in luxury vehicles. Among other technologies in the Red Sport are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accompanied by touchscreen displays to make your drive easy and comfortable. The 16-speaker Bose Audio system leaves nothing to be desired with concert hall quality sound, accompanied by the quiet road noise due to INFINITI’s careful design

INFINITI and Nissan: Performance and Luxury?

It’s a testament to what INFINITI can produce that Nissan released the GT-R, a fast but not luxury sports car. And no, not a GT-R vibe; it’s proof that INFINITI differentiates itself from Nissan but has the performance and power to compete in the market. While Nissan continues to produce sports cars, their new Nissan Z sounds like a baby GT-R — it’s probably a better bet to go with the INFINITI Red Sport if you’re looking for an engine that purrs with power with a smooth handling style and luxury interior. 

Importance of Speed in the Luxury Car Market

You might be asking, why do luxury cars need to be fast? Can’t I just have a buttery smooth ride with all the essentials, a pristine interior, and a beautiful exterior? The value of speed in the luxury car market is crucial. While not all cars in any brand’s lineup will push the limits of what’s possible, it is essential to know that the brand can push those boundaries. And that INFINITI can with the Red Sport. 

Pushing boundaries of speed is a signal of engineering excellence throughout the brand. If the brand puts that much attention into its top-tier vehicles, it shows throughout the lineup. If you want a reliable, sturdy machine that can do well in all areas, that signal that a brand can produce vehicles that fly is crucial in your buying decision. 

With the existence of the Red Sport, it’s easier for anyone to trust INFINITI, knowing that whichever INFINITI car they purchase it’s sure to carry the same precision engineering found in the Red Sport. Just because it doesn’t have 400 horsepower doesn’t mean it’s not manufactured with the same care and precision as its racing cousin.

Test Drive an INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 400 in Centerville, Ohio

You Deserve Some Horsepower in Your Life

If you’re interested in any INFINITI, it’s worth giving the Red Sport a test drive to see what INFINITI cars can do. The speed-sensitive steering and numerous safety features will keep you safe and secure as you try it out. However, as we’re sure you’d enjoy it, we recommend avoiding the Red Sport’s top speed during test drives. What’s the harm of a bit of adrenaline and the hair on the back of your neck standing up as you feel INFINITI’s power?

If you’re looking for fast and stylish luxury vehicles, there’s no better place to look than Evans INFINITI of Dayton. We’re located in Centerville, Ohio, and we have a wide range of INFINITI vehicles, including the flagship Q50 Red Sport. The INFINITI brand speaks for itself. 

If you want a sedan's practicality but aren’t willing to sacrifice speed or style, we have options for you. Not only do we offer quality vehicles, but we also prioritize quality customer service in every way. Whether you’re coming in to make a purchase, take a model for a test drive, or just ask us questions, we’re here to help.

We’re here to ensure you can handle as much of your purchase from the comfort of your home as you’d like. To that end, check out our finance application to get the details out of the way before you even step into our showroom. You can also use our payment calculator to fine-tune your financing details to your needs. If it’s right for you, we’ve got all you need to know about the INFINITI lease program.