Infiniti Might Scrap Its EV Plans for a Manual Sports Sedan Instead

Infinit's new performance sedan will be 'unapologetic and unexpected.' The world is healing.

Photo by: Infiniti

By: Anthony Alaniz

Aug 21, 2025 at 11:30am ET

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Infiniti isn't doing so hot. Sales are way down from a decade ago, and there’s more chaos and uncertainty in the industry than ever. But the Japanese automaker has an idea to reinvigorate the struggling brand—and it should excite enthusiasts.

Infiniti is readying a second-generation Q50 for the American market that will allegedly share a platform with Japan’s Skyline sedan and use the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine from the Nissan Z. In the Z, that engine produces 400 horsepower, but one source told the Automotive News that it could make more than 450 hp, which will power the rear wheels and feature a manual transmission. Hell yeah.

"People familiar with the vehicle,” who spoke with the publication, said Infiniti is also considering a second-generation Q50 Red Sport performance trim. Infiniti Americas Vice President Tiago Castro told AN that the redesigned Q50 is "unapologetic and unexpected."

Infiniti discontinued the Q50 after the 2024 model year, leaving the lineup with just four vehicles, all crossovers and SUVs. Infiniti killed its only coupe, the Q60, back in 2022.

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According to the publication, Infiniti had planned to replace the Q50 with an electric vehicle, but due to changing market conditions, the automaker has shelved that plan for a second-generation, gas-powered Q50 instead. It is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2027, so it’s still a few years away. Infiniti showed off a Q50S-badged teaser at its national dealer meeting in Las Vegas.

One source told Automotive News that the car is "visceral" and "not practical." Whatever Infiniti showed supposedly featured sleek headlights and round taillights styled like those on the Skyline. Castro added that this car is "an opportunity to connect back to the roots of the brand."