The 2015 Infiniti Q60 Coupe represents a pivotal moment in the history of Nissan’s luxury division, serving as the final iteration of the legendary V36 platform before the model’s total redesign. While it transitioned from the G37 moniker in 2014, the 2015 model year introduced specialized trim tiers like the Q60S Limited, refining the naturally aspirated V6 experience for enthusiasts.
The Evolution from G37 to 2015 Q60
To understand the 2015 Q60 Coupe, one must first look at the branding shift that occurred across the Infiniti lineup. In 2014, under the leadership of Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti moved to a simplified "Q" and "QX" naming convention. The car previously known as the G37 Coupe was rebranded as the Q60.
By 2015, the Q60 Coupe had reached its peak maturity. This was not a year of radical mechanical changes, but rather a year of consolidation and "special edition" offerings. This generation of the Q60 is highly sought after in the used market of 2026 because it combines the classic front-midship (FM) platform handling with the last of the high-revving, naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 engines.
The 2015 model year was essentially the "victory lap" for the V36 chassis. It offered a level of mechanical purity—specifically through its hydraulic power steering and optional 6-speed manual transmission—that would be replaced by digital steering systems and turbocharged engines in the 2017 successor.
Technical Specifications: The Heart of the VQ37VHR
The 2015 Q60 Coupe's primary identity is defined by its powerplant. Every trim level featured the 3.7-liter V6 engine, a staple of Nissan’s performance engineering.
Engine and Power Output
The VQ37VHR engine utilizes Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology. This system balances performance and efficiency by adjusting the intake valve opening continuously. For the 2015 model year, the engine produced:
- Horsepower: 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
- Redline: 7,500 rpm
This engine is known for its linear power delivery and distinct exhaust note. Unlike modern turbocharged engines that peak early, the 2015 Q60 requires the driver to wind out the gears to access the full 330 horsepower, providing a traditional sports-car experience.
Transmission Options
Infiniti offered two distinct transmissions for the 2015 Q60 Coupe:
- 7-Speed Automatic: This transmission featured Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and manual shift mode. In the Sport trims, it included solid magnesium paddle shifters mounted to the steering column, not the wheel, ensuring they remained in a fixed position during heavy cornering.
- 6-Speed Manual: Available exclusively on the "Sport 6MT" trim, this close-ratio manual transmission targeted the purist market. By 2015, manual luxury coupes were becoming a rarity, making these specific units highly collectible today.
2015 Trim Levels and Feature Breakdown
The 2015 model year simplified the trim structure to help clear the way for the next generation. The lineup was divided into four primary paths: Journey, AWD, Sport 6MT, and the specialized Limited trims.
Q60 Journey and AWD
The Journey was the entry-level trim but was by no means "basic." Standard features included leather-appointed seating, the Infiniti Intelligent Key with push-button start, and a rearview monitor. The AWD (All-Wheel Drive) model utilized the ATTESA E-TS system, which favored rear-wheel drive under normal conditions but could divert up to 50% of power to the front wheels when slip was detected.
Q60S Sport (6MT and Automatic)
The "S" badge on the 2015 Q60 signified significant hardware upgrades rather than just aesthetic changes. The Sport models included:
- Sport-Tuned Suspension: Stiffer spring rates and shock absorbers.
- Braking System: Large 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers (manufactured by Akebono) with ventilated rotors.
- Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD): Improving traction during aggressive exits from corners.
- Sport Seats: 12-way power driver’s seat with manual thigh extension and power torso/thigh bolsters.
The 2015 Q60S Limited Edition
New for the 2015 timeline was a more aggressive "Limited" tier. This was designed for buyers who wanted the performance of the Sport trim with a "blacked-out" aesthetic from the factory. It featured:
- Midnight Black Grille: Replacing the standard chrome.
- Unique Wheels: 19-inch 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with a "Gloss Black" finish.
- Interior Accents: Red-stitched leather steering wheel and seats, along with aluminum pedals.
- Black Mirror Caps: Further distinguishing it from the standard Sport models.
Detailed Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Q60 Journey | Q60 AWD | Q60 Sport 6MT | Q60S Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | RWD | RWD |
| Transmission | 7-Speed AT | 7-Speed AT | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed AT |
| Brakes | Standard | Standard | Sport (Akebono) | Sport (Akebono) |
| Wheels | 18-inch Alloy | 18-inch Alloy | 19-inch Sport | 19-inch Black |
| Sunroof | Optional | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| Navigation | Optional | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| Differential | Open | Open | Viscous LSD | Viscous LSD |
Interior Technology and the "Studio on Wheels"
The interior of the 2015 Q60 Coupe was often described as "driver-centric." While the infotainment technology began to show its age compared to European rivals of the same year, it offered a tactile experience that many 2026 drivers now find refreshing.
Infotainment and Navigation
The 2015 model featured a 7-inch color display. The hard-drive-based navigation system included NavTraffic and NavWeather (via SiriusXM). One notable feature for 2015 was the inclusion of a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, allowing owners to rip CDs directly to the car's storage—a feature that has since disappeared in the era of streaming.
Bose Studio on Wheels
Infiniti partnered with Bose to create an 11-speaker sound system specifically tuned for the coupe’s cabin dimensions. It included 10-inch subwoofers in the doors. The "Studio on Wheels" branding was accurate for the time, providing high-fidelity audio that compensated for the relatively loud exhaust and road noise inherent in a sport coupe.
Materials and Build Quality
The Q60 utilized "Silk Obi" aluminum interior trim, inspired by traditional Japanese crafts. Higher trims offered Maple wood accents. The build quality of the 2015 models is notably high; these cars were manufactured at the Tochigi Plant in Japan, known for high assembly standards.
Handling and Chassis Dynamics
The 2015 Q60 was built on the Front Midship (FM) platform. By placing the engine's center of mass behind the front axle, Infiniti achieved a near 54/46 weight distribution.
Hydraulic vs. Electric Steering
A major talking point for the 2015 timeline is the steering. The 2015 Q60 used a vehicle-speed-sensitive hydraulic power steering system. This provides a level of "road feel" and mechanical feedback that the subsequent 2017 Q60 (which introduced Direct Adaptive Steering) lacked. For enthusiasts in 2026, the 2015 model is often preferred specifically for this steering rack.
Suspension Engineering
The front suspension is an independent double-wishbone design with aluminum-alloy upper and lower arms. The rear uses a multi-link setup. The use of aluminum components reduced unsprung weight, allowing the suspension to react faster to road imperfections. On the Sport and Limited trims, the dampers were valved more aggressively to reduce body roll, though this resulted in a noticeably firmer ride on broken pavement.
Timeline of Changes: 2014 vs. 2015
While the two years are very similar, there are subtle differences in the 2015 timeline that buyers should note:
- Trim Consolidation: In 2014, there were more individual "Option Packages." In 2015, Infiniti bundled these more tightly into the specific Trim levels (Journey, Sport, Limited).
- Exterior Paint: The 2015 model year saw minor shifts in the color palette, emphasizing metallic finishes like "Majestic White" and "Venetian Ruby."
- Wheel Designs: The 19-inch "Sport" wheels became standard on more of the high-end configurations for 2015, whereas they were strictly part of the Sport Package in 2014.
- The "S Limited" Launch: The most significant change was the introduction of the Q60S Limited, which provided a factory "tuner" look that wasn't available in the 2014 model year.
Safety and Driver Assistance
By 2015, Infiniti had integrated several "Technology Package" features into the Q60, though it lacked the autonomous driving capabilities of modern 2026 vehicles.
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC): Uses laser sensors to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Brake Assist (BA): Detects emergency braking situations and applies maximum pressure.
- Pre-Crash Seatbelts: Tightens the belts if the car detects an unavoidable collision.
- VDC and TCS: Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control Systems were standard across all trims, though the "Sport" trims allowed for a slightly higher threshold of slip before intervention.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the V36 platform generally performed well in crash testing, though the 2015 Q60 specifically is valued more for its structural rigidity and predictable handling than for active electronic interventions.
Reliability and Ownership in 2026
As of 2026, the 2015 Infiniti Q60 Coupe is considered a highly reliable used luxury car. The VQ37 engine is famously robust, often reaching well over 150,000 miles with basic maintenance.
Common Maintenance Items
- Gallery Gaskets: While largely resolved by 2013, early VQ37 engines suffered from rear timing gallery gasket failures. The 2015 models use the updated metal-reinforced gaskets, making them much safer than the 2008–2012 G37 variants.
- Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC): On 6-speed manual models, the internal CSC is a known weak point. Many owners in 2026 replace this with a heavy-duty aftermarket "CSC Delete" kit.
- Dashboard "Sticky" Issues: Some 2015 models can show signs of dashboard material degradation in high-heat climates, though it is less prevalent than in the earlier 2008–2010 models.
Parts Availability
Because the Q60 shares so much with the Nissan 370Z (Z34 platform), mechanical parts are abundant and relatively affordable. This makes the 2015 Q60 an excellent entry point for someone wanting a luxury sport coupe without the high maintenance costs associated with German competitors of the same era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2015 Q60 Coupe the same as a G37?
Yes, mechanically they are nearly identical. The 2015 Q60 is the rebranded version of the G37 Coupe. It uses the same 3.7L engine, FM platform, and interior layout. The main differences are the badging on the trunk and the specific trim levels offered in 2015, such as the Limited Edition.
Does the 2015 Q60 have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
No. The 2015 Q60 was released before these technologies became standard. The car uses a proprietary Infiniti infotainment system. However, many owners in 2026 install aftermarket "GROM" or "VLine" units that integrate CarPlay and Android Auto into the original factory screen.
How many 2015 Q60 6-speed manuals were made?
Infiniti does not release exact production numbers by transmission, but the 6MT (6-speed manual) models are significantly rarer than the automatics. They were only available in the "Sport" trim and generally make up less than 10% of the total 2015 production run.
What is the 0-60 mph time for a 2015 Q60?
A stock 2015 Infiniti Q60 Coupe with the 7-speed automatic transmission typically records a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.2 to 5.5 seconds. The AWD version is slightly heavier but offers better off-the-line traction, resulting in similar real-world acceleration figures.
Is the 2015 Q60 Coupe AWD good in the snow?
The AWD model is quite capable in winter conditions when equipped with proper winter tires. The ATTESA E-TS system is proactive, but because the car has a low ground clearance and a rear-biased torque split, it is better suited for plowed roads rather than deep snow.
Final Recommendation
For enthusiasts and used car buyers in 2026, the 2015 Infiniti Q60 Coupe is the "sweet spot" of the V36 generation. It offers the most refined version of the 3.7L V6 engine and the most updated interior materials before the platform was retired. If you are looking for a balance of modern luxury and old-school mechanical engagement, prioritize the Q60S Sport or the Q60S Limited. These trims offer the upgraded Akebono brakes and limited-slip differential that truly unlock the performance potential of the FM platform. Always verify the service history for regular oil changes, as the VVEL system is sensitive to oil quality.
