2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 Review: A Twin-Turbocharged Disruptor

Introduction: Challenging the Sport Sedan Establishment

The premium sport sedan segment has long been dominated by the German triumvirate of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. For years, rival manufacturers have attempted to crack this lucrative market, with varying degrees of success. Enter the 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400—a vehicle designed to disrupt the status quo by offering raw power, striking aesthetics, and cutting-edge technology at a highly competitive price point.

As the flagship of Infiniti's Q50 lineup, the Red Sport 400 marked a significant turning point for Nissan's luxury division. It introduced an all-new powertrain family that bid farewell to the naturally aspirated engines of the past, embracing the efficiency and torque of twin-turbocharging. But does this 400-horsepower Japanese contender have what it takes to unseat the segment's benchmarks?

The Heart of the Beast: The VR30DDTT Twin-Turbo V6

At the center of the 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400’s appeal is its magnificent engine. Replacing the venerable but aging 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 is the newly developed "VR30DDTT" 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6. This engine is a masterpiece of modern propulsion, engineered to deliver immediate throttle response and relentless power across the rev range.

The numbers speak for themselves: 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque available from a low 1,600 rpm all the way to 5,200 rpm. To achieve these figures, Infiniti utilized advanced turbocharger speed sensors, allowing the twin turbines to spin up to an astonishing 220,000 rpm. A water-cooled intercooler system keeps intake temperatures low, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy loads.

On the road, the VR30DDTT is a revelation. Power delivery is smooth, linear, and virtually free of turbo lag. Paired with a refined seven-speed automatic transmission, the Red Sport 400 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.5 seconds. Whether overtaking on the highway or launching from a standstill, the engine provides a muscular, confident surge of acceleration that rivals much more expensive European competitors.

Driving Dynamics: Steer-by-Wire and Adaptive Suspension

While the engine is an undisputed triumph, the Q50 Red Sport 400's chassis and steering dynamics have sparked considerable debate among automotive purists. This model features Infiniti’s second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS)—a controversial "steer-by-wire" system that eliminates the physical mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front tires under normal conditions.

The DAS system translates steering inputs into digital signals, which then instruct electric actuators to turn the front wheels. The benefits are clear: the system filters out harsh road vibrations and allows for unprecedented customization. Drivers can adjust steering weight and ratio through the drive mode selector. However, some enthusiasts note that this setup lacks the natural, tactile road feedback found in traditional mechanical steering racks. Fortunately, updates for the 2016 model year improved the system's responsiveness, particularly in Sport+ mode, making it feel more intuitive than its predecessor.

Complementing the steering is the Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS). This electronic damper system constantly monitors body roll, pitch, and bounce rates, adjusting damping force on the fly. In Standard mode, the ride is compliant and comfortable, soaking up road imperfections with ease. Toggle the switch to Sport or Sport+ mode, and the suspension stiffens significantly, reducing body roll and sharpening cornering flat-out.

Exterior Styling: Subtle and Sophisticated Aggression

Visually, the 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 strikes a handsome balance between elegance and athletic aggression. Infiniti chose not to clutter the clean lines of the Q50 with gaudy wings or overly wide body kits. Instead, the Red Sport 400 relies on subtle, tasteful styling cues to hint at its high-performance capabilities.

Key exterior differentiators include:

• A unique, aggressive front fascia with a signature double-arch grille.
• Exclusive 19-inch staggered aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires.
• Brushed-finish dual exhaust tips that emit a subtle, sporty growl.
• Distinctive red "S" badging on the front fenders and trunk lid, signaling its top-tier status.

The overall aesthetic is muscular yet mature, making it equally suited for a corporate parking lot or a weekend canyon run.

Interior Comfort and Technology Integration

Inside the cabin, the Q50 Red Sport 400 welcomes occupants with a driver-focused, premium environment. The sport seats are a highlight, upholstered in semi-aniline leather with contrast stitching and featuring power-adjustable side bolsters to keep the driver firmly in place during spirited cornering.

The dashboard layout is dominated by the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system. The upper 8-inch screen primarily displays navigation and backup camera views, while the lower 7-inch touchscreen handles audio, climate control, and vehicle settings. While having two screens offers plenty of real estate, the interface can feel slightly dated and less cohesive compared to the single-screen or dial-controlled systems found in contemporary German luxury sedans.

In terms of safety, the Q50 Red Sport 400 is packed with driver-assistance features. Infiniti’s Predictive Forward Collision Warning can monitor not just the vehicle directly ahead, but also the one before it, providing an extra layer of situational awareness on congested highways.

Pricing and Market Positioning

Where the 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 truly shines is its value proposition. When purchased new, it offered 400 horsepower for a price tag significantly lower than European rivals of similar performance, such as the BMW 340i or the Mercedes-AMG C43. Even on the pre-owned market today, the Red Sport 400 remains an incredibly attractive option for buyers seeking maximum horsepower per dollar without sacrificing luxury amenities.

Conclusion: A Compelling Alternative

The 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is a compelling alternative to the traditional sport sedan establishment. It may not possess the razor-sharp mechanical feedback of a BMW M-car or the opulent interior design of a Mercedes-Benz, but it counters with a ferocious twin-turbo V6 engine, bold styling, and a highly accessible price point. For drivers who prioritize straight-line speed, highway passing power, and distinctive Japanese craftsmanship, the Red Sport 400 stands as a testament to Infiniti's performance-oriented heritage.