The 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport is a luxury sports coupe defined by its striking exterior design, advanced chassis technology, and the introduction of Nissan's VR-series 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Available in 3.0t Sport and high-output Red Sport 400 trims, it delivers between 300 and 400 horsepower alongside available adaptive suspension and intelligent all-wheel drive.
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport Lineup: Defining the Trims
The 2017 model year marked the debut of the second-generation Infiniti Q60, replacing the outgoing Q60 (which was previously branded as the G37 Coupe). While base models utilized a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sourced through a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, the Sport tier elevated the vehicle into true performance territory.
Infiniti split the sports-oriented offerings of the 2017 Q60 into two distinct models: the standard 3.0t Sport (often referred to simply as the Q60 Sport) and the flagship Red Sport 400. Both configurations share identical chassis enhancements and cosmetic upgrades, but they differ significantly in engine output, cooling hardware, and badging.
| 2.0t Base / Premium | 3.0t Premium | 3.0t Sport | Red Sport 400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (208 hp L4 Turbo) | (300 hp V6 TT) | (300 hp V6 TT + Dynamic Chassis) | (400 hp V6 TT + Speed Sensor + High Output) |
3.0t Sport vs. Red Sport 400
Understanding the distinction between the 3.0t Sport and the Red Sport 400 is essential for pre-owned buyers evaluating value and performance.
- 2017 Infiniti Q60 3.0t Sport: Features the 3.0-liter VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 tuned to 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque available from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm. It comes standard with sport-tuned suspension or optional Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS), upgraded sport brakes, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, sport front and rear fascias, and sport seats.
- 2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400: Utilizes an upgraded variant of the VR30DDTT engine outputting 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm. To achieve this additional 100 horsepower, engineers added optical turbine speed sensors allowing the turbos to spin up to 240,000 rpm, dual water-to-air charge coolers with two water pumps, and altered wastegate control policies. Visually, the Red Sport 400 is distinguished by red S exterior badging, brushed satin exhaust tips, and exclusive red-painted brake calipers.
Powertrain and Performance Engineering
The centerpiece of the 2017 Q60 Sport is the VR30DDTT engine, a compact, lightweight 60-degree V6 that replaced the long-running naturally aspirated VQ-series engines (VQ37VHR).
VR30DDTT Twin-Turbo V6 Architecture
The VR30 engine incorporates modern engineering practices aimed at reducing weight, reducing turbo lag, and maximizing thermal efficiency:
- Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG): High-pressure direct injection precise fuel metering directly into the combustion chamber, improving combustion efficiency and cooling the intake charge.
- Integrated Exhaust Manifold: The cylinder heads feature integrated exhaust manifolds. Placing the turbochargers directly adjacent to the cylinder heads shortens the exhaust flow path, allowing turbo spool-up to occur rapidly and reducing turbo lag.
- Bore Spray Coating: Instead of traditional cast-iron cylinder liners, Infiniti applied a thermal arc spray coating to the cylinder bores. This mirror-smooth coating reduces piston ring friction by up to 40 percent while shaving approximately 3.8 pounds from the engine block.
- Water-Cooled Intercooling System: A liquid-to-air intercooler system keeps the intake charge air cool. The 400-hp version incorporates a dual-pump system to handle the increased heat loads generated by higher boost pressures (peak boost sits around 14.7 psi on the Red Sport versus roughly 9.5 psi on the 3.0t Sport).
7-Speed Automatic Transmission and Drivetrain
All 2017 Q60 Sport models transmit power through an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission (JATCO JR710E / JR711E architecture) featuring Adaptive Shift Control and solid magnesium paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. Manual transmission options were not offered on this generation.
Buyers could select between two drivetrain layouts:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Standard configuration featuring a driveshaft composed of carbon-fiber composite material on select builds to minimize rotational mass.
- Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Infiniti’s electro-hydraulic ATTESA E-TS AWD system. Under normal driving conditions, the system directs 100 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels to preserve classic rear-drive handling dynamics. When slip is detected, up to 50 percent of the torque can be redirected to the front wheels.
Driving Dynamics and Chassis Features
Infiniti equipped the Q60 Sport with dedicated chassis hardware designed to balance grand-touring comfort with spirited cornering capability.
Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS)
Standard on the 3.0t Sport and Red Sport 400, Dynamic Digital Suspension replaces standard static dampers with electronically controlled adaptive dampers. The system continuously monitors body roll, pitch, and bounce rates, automatically adjusting fluid damping force within milliseconds to keep the body flat through corners while suppressing harsh impacts over broken pavement.
Through the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, drivers can alter damper stiffness across distinct profiles:
- Standard / Eco / Snow: Optimized for ride compliance, soft damper tuning, and light steering response.
- Sport / Sport+: Firms up the damping rate, quickens throttle response, holds gears longer in the automatic transmission, and increases steering effort.
Steering Systems: Electric Power Steering vs. Direct Adaptive Steering
The 2017 Q60 Sport offered two distinct steering configurations:
- Rack-Mounted Electronic Power Steering (Rack-EPS): Standard on the 3.0t Sport. This linear-ratio electric system provides physical shaft connection between the steering wheel and the front rack, yielding predictable feedback and weighted center-feel.
- Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS): Optional on Sport and Red Sport models, DAS is a second-generation "steer-by-wire" system. Under normal conditions, there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels; electronic control units read steering inputs and actuate a high-speed steering motor. A mechanical clutch remains present as a safety backup. DAS allows drivers to adjust both steering ratio and effort independently across several modes. While praised for eliminating road kickback and bump steer, some traditional driving enthusiasts criticize it for a lack of tactile road feedback.
Upgraded Braking System
To match its straight-line speed, the 2017 Q60 Sport includes a heavy-duty braking package superior to base trims:
- Front Brakes: 14.0-inch ventilated rotors paired with 4-piston aluminum opposition calipers.
- Rear Brakes: 13.8-inch ventilated rotors paired with 2-piston aluminum opposition calipers.
- Finish: Standard silver finish on 3.0t Sport models; heat-resistant red gloss finish on Red Sport 400 models.
Interior Luxury, Ergonomics, and Technology
The interior of the 2017 Q60 Sport reflects a cockpit-oriented design wrapped in premium materials, including contrast-stitched leatherette or semi-aniline leather, carbon fiber cabin accents, and dark chrome trim.
Infiniti InTouch Dual-Screen System
The centerpiece of the dashboard is the dual-display Infiniti InTouch infotainment system, which splits driver interactions across two separate screens:
UPPER SCREEN: 8-Inch Display
- Real-time Navigation Maps
- Around View Monitor (360-degree camera)
- System & Vehicle Alerts
LOWER SCREEN: 7-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen
- Audio & Media Selection
- Climate Control Adjustments
- Drive Mode Personalization Settings
Upper Screen (8-inch): Primarily displays navigation maps, vehicle camera views, and system information. It is operated via a rotary controller located on the center console or directly via touch.
Lower Screen (7-inch): Handles radio presets, climate functions, smartphone connectivity apps, and drive settings adjustments.
Note on Smartphone Connectivity: For the 2017 model year, factory Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not natively supported by the Infiniti InTouch system. Owners relying on modern smartphone integration must utilize third-party retrofit modules or bluetooth audio streaming.
Seating and Space
The Q60 Sport features spinal-support sport front seats engineered to reduce pressure on the lower back during long drives. Sport models add power-adjustable side bolsters and thigh extensions to keep driver and front passenger firmly anchored during lateral cornering maneuvers.
As a classic 2+2 luxury coupe, seating in the rear is tight, with 32.4 inches of rear legroom and limited headroom suited primarily for small children or short trips. Cargo volume in the trunk measures 8.7 cubic feet, reflecting the vehicle’s sweeping fastback roofline.
Technical Specifications Comparison
The table below outlines the core mechanical specifications of the 2017 Infiniti Q60 variants, highlighting how the 3.0t Sport and Red Sport 400 compare to base models.
| Specification / Feature | 2017 Q60 2.0t (Base/Premium) | 2017 Q60 3.0t Sport | 2017 Q60 Red Sport 400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo | 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo (VR30DDTT) | 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo (VR30DDTT) |
| Horsepower @ RPM | 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 300 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 400 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque @ RPM | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1,600–5,200 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1,600–5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automatic | 7-Speed Automatic | 7-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD or Intelligent AWD | RWD or Intelligent AWD | RWD or Intelligent AWD |
| 0-60 MPH (RWD / AWD) | ~7.0 seconds | ~5.0 seconds | ~4.4 seconds |
| Front Brake Rotors | 12.6-inch Venting Disc | 14.0-inch Venting Disc | 14.0-inch Venting Disc |
| Brake Caliper Configuration | 2-Piston Front / 1-Piston Rear | 4-Piston Front / 2-Piston Rear | 4-Piston Front / 2-Piston Rear |
| Suspension Type | Independent Multi-Link | Dynamic Digital Suspension | Dynamic Digital Suspension |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0-inch | 19 x 9.0-inch | 19 x 9.0-inch (RWD: Staggered) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 22 / 28 mpg (RWD) | 20 / 27 mpg (RWD) | 20 / 27 mpg (RWD) |
| Curb Weight (RWD / AWD) | ~3,720 lbs / ~3,860 lbs | ~3,840 lbs / ~4,000 lbs | ~3,862 lbs / ~4,023 lbs |
Used Market Reliability and Ownership Considerations
As a pre-owned luxury sports coupe, the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport presents a compelling value proposition, offering modern twin-turbo power at a fraction of its original MSRP. However, buyers evaluating 2017 models must pay close attention to several documented mechanical items specific to early-production VR30DDTT engines.
1. Serpentine Belt Alignment & Drive Belt Wear
Early production runs of the 2017 VR30DDTT engine were subject to alignment issues regarding the engine accessory drive belt. Misaligned air conditioning compressor pulleys or worn belt tensioners could cause the belt to shred or slip off the pulleys entirely.
- Inspection Advice: Inspect the front of the engine for rubber fraying or squealing noises upon cold start. Verify whether service record history shows replacement of the belt, tensioner, or AC compressor bracket under Infiniti Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).
2. Turbocharger Seal and Oil Leak Concerns
On early-generation 3.0t models, oil seals within the turbochargers could degrade prematurely, leading to oil consumption or blue smoke exiting the exhaust tailpipes under hard acceleration.
- Inspection Advice: Have a certified technician perform a leak-down test and inspect the turbocharger intercooler piping for excessive oil pooling. Ensure regular oil changes using full-synthetic fluid (5W-30) occurred every 5,000 miles.
3. Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) Software Updates
Vehicles equipped with optional steer-by-wire DAS systems relied on early ECU firmware versions that occasionally triggered chassis control warning lights or altered center steering feel in freezing temperatures.
- Verification: Check dealer maintenance records to confirm all factory control module software updates were flashed to the vehicle.
4. Suspension Bushing and Brake Wear
Given the Q60 Sport’s ~4,000-pound curb weight, front control arm bushings and performance brake pads experience steady wear. Excessive inner tire tread wear often indicates worn control arm bushings or front toe misalignment.
2017 Q60 Sport vs. Key Luxury Coupe Competitors
When launched, the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport competed directly with established German and Japanese sports coupes.
- BMW 435i / 440i Coupe: The BMW 4 Series offered sharper steering feedback and a faster-shifting 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. However, the Q60 Red Sport 400 delivered significantly higher rated horsepower (400 hp vs. 320 hp in the 440i) at a lower price point.
- Audi A5 / S5 Coupe: Audi offered standard Quattro AWD and superior interior material refinement, alongside full digital gauge clusters (Virtual Cockpit). The Q60 Sport countered with more dramatic exterior styling and aggressive twin-turbo mid-range torque.
- Lexus RC 350 F Sport: Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 (306 hp), the Lexus RC offered higher long-term mechanical reliability but lacked the low-end boost and overall straight-line acceleration of the twin-turbocharged Q60 Sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2017 Infiniti Q60 3.0t Sport and the Red Sport 400?
Both models share the VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, Dynamic Digital Suspension, and upgraded sport brakes. However, the 3.0t Sport makes 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Red Sport 400 makes 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque thanks to optical turbo speed sensors, dual coolant pumps, higher boost levels, and revised tuning. The Red Sport 400 also adds red exterior badging and brushed exhaust tips.
Does the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
No. Factory support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was not introduced on the Infiniti Q60 until the 2020 model year. Owners of 2017 models must use standard Bluetooth audio, USB inputs, or install an aftermarket integration module into the factory dual-screen system.
Is the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport available with a manual transmission?
No. All 2017 Infiniti Q60 trims are equipped exclusively with a 7-speed automatic transmission featuring manual shift mode via steering-column-mounted paddle shifters.
Does the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport require premium gasoline?
Yes. To maintain engine performance, emissions compliance, and engine longevity, Infiniti requires unleaded premium fuel with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) for both the 300-hp and 400-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engines.
How fast is the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport from 0 to 60 mph?
The 300-hp Q60 3.0t Sport accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.0 seconds. The high-output Q60 Red Sport 400 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.4 seconds when equipped with All-Wheel Drive.
Summary and Buying Recommendations
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 Sport remains a standout option in the used luxury performance coupe market. It successfully combines head-turning exterior styling with the strong tuning potential and smooth power delivery of the VR30 twin-turbo V6 engine.
For prospective buyers:
- The 3.0t Sport offers the best balance of ride comfort, adaptive suspension hardware, big brakes, and daily drivability for standard highway commuting.
- The Red Sport 400 is the preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking maximum straight-line acceleration, aggressive factory tuning, and collector-tier trim details.
Prioritize pre-owned examples with clean service records proving regular synthetic oil changes, confirmed drive belt alignment inspection, and complete dealer recall updates. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by an experienced technician is recommended to verify turbo seal condition and suspension bushing health.
