The Bargain Japanese Sports Car That No One Talks About

With the Q60, Infiniti found itself in the enviable position of a premium car brand that offered great value for money. The Infiniti Q60 comes from a not-so-long line of luxury sports coupes, powered by potent V-6 engines, and underpinned by the same platform in benchmark sports cars like the Nissan 370Z and more recently, the neo-retro Nissan Z. 

By default, we tend to look at the range-topping variant, which in this case, is the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport. However, the lesser Infiniti Q60 Sport 3.0t offers almost everything the Red Sport 400 model can give you, at a much more attainable price.  

As a car enthusiast always on the lookout for the best deals, I think it is important to put cars like these in the spotlight. So, what makes the mid-range Infiniti Q60 so special? 

Infiniti Q60 Sport and Q60 Red Sport have the exact same engine 

In certain spheres, people refer to the Infiniti Q60 as a “Baby GT-R". Credit for that goes to the VR30 DDTT engine. Both the mid-range Infiniti Q60 Sport and the range-topping Q60 Red Sport feature the exact same engine.

The main difference is in the boost pressure. The 300-horsepower variant works at 9.4 PSI (0.65 bar) while the same twin-turbo setup works at 14.5 PSI (1.0 bar) of boost.  

The more powerful version of the Infiniti Q60 engine features a precise turbo-speed sensor, lacking in the lower variant. Essentially, a turbo speed sensor is utilized to make the most out of the turbochargers without serious problems occurring.

The Red Sport also requires better oil cooling, but these are things that can easily be replaced on the Q60 Sport, for not a lot of money. In addition, you can get, both the Sport and Red Sport model with optional all-wheel drive. 

Infiniti Q60 3.0t Sport performance specifications 

Engine: 3.0-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-6 

Output: 400 horsepower at 6,400 RPM, 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) at 1,600-5,200 RPM 

Transmission and drivetrain: seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive 

0-60 MPH: 5.4-5.2 seconds 

Quarter-mile time: 14.1 at 98 mph (158 km/h) for AWD, 13.8 seconds at 100 mph (161 km/h) for RWD 

Curb weight: 3,745-3,785 pounds (1,700-1,717 kg) 

Infiniti Q60 3.0t Red Sport performance specifications 

Engine: 3.0-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-6 

Output: 400 horsepower at 6,400 RPM, 350 pound-feet (475 Nm) at 1,600-5,200 RPM 

Transmission and drivetrain: seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive 

0-60 MPH: 4.9-4.6 seconds 

Quarter-mile time: 13.2 seconds at 105 mpg (169 km/h) for AWD, 13.2 seconds at 108 mph (171 km/h) for RWD 

Curb weight: 3,882-4,047 pounds (1,761-1,836 kg) 

How much more affordable is the Infiniti Q60 3.0t compared to the Red Sport? 

Infiniti Q60 did not make it to the 2023 model year, meaning the newest examples are from 2022. With the 300-horsepower version of the V-6 engine, the Q60 can be found on the used market at an average price of $26,797.

Prices start at $21,525 for an earlier model year with over 96,000 miles on the clock but can go up to $40,899 for a later model year with low mileage. Anything with a higher asking price than that is overpriced.  

Meanwhile, the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport can be had at an average price of $35,545. Infiniti Q60 Red Sport prices on the used market start at $21,500 for an early model year with over 100,000 miles and can go up to $50,000 for a last-year, low-mileage example.

That said, $45,000 should be the absolute highest you are willing to pay, and only if it is a later model year with not a lot of miles. 

Is Infiniti Q60 Reliable? 

Yes. The Infiniti Q60's reliability score is high, with all specialized outlets reporting above average or high reliability for Infiniti's sports luxury coupe. Here's how the Infiniti Q60 ranks in terms of reliability, according to different outlets: 

Iseecars.com: 7.0/ 10 

Cars.com: 4.9/5 

J.D. Power: 82/ 100 (2018 model year), 84/100 (2017 model year) 

According to RepairPal.com, the annual repair bill for the Infiniti Q60 is $746, which is less than the average for a luxury car. RepairPal.com does not provide a specific reliability rating for the Q60, but judging from the brand's average rating of 3.5/ 5 and what I have learned about the Q60 from experience and other reliability reports, I'd say it's above the brand's average.  

Are there service recalls for the Infiniti Q60? 

There are five service recalls for the Infiniti Q60: 

1. Rearview camera image fails to display image. Model years affected: 2021 Infiniti Q60. 

2. Reduced engine power/ engine stalling due to ECM software error. Model affected: 2021 Infiniti Q60. 

3. Rear seat belts fail to properly restrain occupants in an accident. Model years affected: 2020 Infiniti Q60. 

4. The rearview camera fails to display the image (again). Model years affected: 2018 and 2019 Infiniti Q60. 

5. Engine stalling due to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) allowing for a too-low fuel level in the main fuel tank. Model years affected: 2017 Infiniti Q60. 

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.