First Infiniti Q50 Built in Japan Amid Celebration

The first new InfinitiInfinitiJapan, 1989 > present31 models
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Q50Infiniti Q50Japan, 2013 > present12 versions
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destined for customers has been built at Nissan’sNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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factory in Tochigi, Japan. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen were on hand to watch the car leave the assembly line.

“The first Infiniti in our new line-up had to reflect the brand’s core values of seductive design, passionate attention to detail, precision in fit and finish, exhilarating performance and a provocative challenge to the status quo. The Q50 certainly does that. This is the first step in the launch of our exciting global expansion plan,” said de Nysschen.

Sebastian Vettel did some of the suspension testing for Q50 and recorded a video for the Nissan dignitaries and employees present where he wished them success in the future.

The Q50 will be offered with three engine options. There is a 3.7-liter V6 carried over from the previous generation with 328hp and 269lb-ft of torque. The second option is a hybrid 3.5-liter V6 with 354hp, and Europe will get a 2.2-liter diesel four-cylinder with 168hp and 295lb-ft. In North America, the only available transmission is a seven-speed automatic, but Europe will also get a six-speed manual as an option.

European pricing has not yet been announced because the cars will not be on sale there until the autumn. In North America, the Q50 will be available in the summer with pricing between $36,450 for a base car with the 3.7-liter V6 and $47,900 for an all-wheel drive version of the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid.

The Q50 is the first of Infiniti’s new generation of models that carry the brand’s new naming scheme with Q for cars and QX for SUVs and trucks. The Q50 had its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in January.