2017 Infiniti Q60 coupe finally goes live in Detroit with two VR 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engines – 300 hp/400 hp

After being sighted at a promotional shoot long before the start of the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Infiniti Q60 coupe has finally made its official debut.

On the design front, the Q60 coupe thankfully retains much of the design elements of the Q60 Concept that previewed it. The prominent Infiniti grille is accompanied by a pair of slender headlights that features LED positioning strips, and the fog lamps get an L-shaped chrome element.

Strong muscular lines can be seen on the Q60’s hood, and along the sides of the car up to the rear haunches. The same crescent-shaped “kink” located at the bottom-end of the C-pillar is retained here as well, as seen on the Q50. The rear also retains the same shapely tail lights of the concept, although the uniquely-shaped exhaust tips are now replaced more conventional round ones.

The interior can be specified with an option of either red or white leather, silver glass fibre accents, and aluminium or wood trim, depending on taste. Active Noise Cancellation is fitted to all Q60 models to cancel out the negative engine noise frequencies from intruding into the piece and quiet of the cabin. Other luxuries include Infiniti’s InTuition infotainment system and a 13-speaker Bose sound system.

With this reveal, we finally get to know what powers the attractive-looking coupe. On offer are two petrol engines – a 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 from Infiniti’s new “VR” powertrain family, and a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill sourced from Mercedes-Benz.

Starting with the 3.0 litre powerplant, the “VR30” engine comes in two power ratings. The first provides 300 hp at 6,400 rpm and 400 Nm from 1,600-5,200 rpm, while the second supplies 400 hp at 6,400 rpm and 475 Nm from 1,600-5,200 rpm.

For those who can make do with less power, the 2.0 litre turbo engine offers 208 hp (5,500 rpm)/350 Nm (1,500 rpm). The mill is also offered on the 2017 Q50 as well, along with the above-mentioned VR30s, a big change for Infiniti’s line-up. A seven-speed transmission (with Adaptive Shift Control) comes as standard, while Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available as an option.

The performance extends beyond the powertrain, as the Q60 also receives Infiniti’s new Dynamic Digital Suspension, which it claims offers best-in-class handling responses and agility, and enhanced ride comfort – thanks to a new set of dampers. There is also Infiniti’s second-gen Direct Adaptive Steering and Drive Mode Selector as well for more personalised handling.

The active and passive safety technologies include Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Braking system, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention.

The Infiniti Q60 coupe is a step towards the future for the company to remain competitive in the premium car market, where Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi are prime members. What do you think of the Q60 coupe? Does it have what it takes to go up against its German competition?

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