Sports Sedan Search

[mbres2000]

Infiniti Q50.

The 3 Liter twin turbo is quite nice and makes 300hp in "normal trim"
but is also available as a Red Sport version with 400 hp.

Lots of streetracers run these modified with more boost, on stock internals at 600 hp.

Same engine as in the new Z.

https://www.carmax.com/cars/infiniti/q50/red-sport-400

A Q50 would be high on my list if they were still being made. When my wife had her QX60 in for service, we got a standard Q50 as a loaner, and even it was impressive. I also had a used 2005 G35 that I really liked.

Man, I hate to see so many manufacturers jumping on the SUV-only train.

Not sure I want anything used, unless it's "certified used" like BMW dealers sell. BTW, used is the only way I could afford a C43!

 

[WeyounDS9]

A Q50 would be high on my list if they were still being made. When my wife had her QX60 in for service, we got a standard Q50 as a loaner, and even it was impressive. I also had a used 2005 G35 that I really liked.

Man, I hate to see so many manufacturers jumping on the SUV-only train.

Not sure I want anything used, unless it's "certified used" like BMW dealers sell. BTW, used is the only way I could afford a C43!

But whether its still being made or not what does it have to do with purchase?
Spare parts will be around just about forever.

Infiniti qulity is high and warranties are long especially with CPO vehicles and the cars only stopped recenlty CPO vehicles will be available for years to come.
When I come back to the US in a couple of years, I am about 80% leaning towards buying a Q50.
Just havent decided if it will be a "regular" Q 50 or a RedSport.

The Red Sport's engine and transmission are in the current generation Z.

 

[tcp71]

Cayenne. Try it out on those crap roads.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

My 2016 Mustang GT is going on 10 years old. I’ve enjoyed driving it over the years, but many of the roads where I live now are in a perpetual state of crappy. Big trucks have beaten them to death, delivering everything imaginable to the subdivisions and warehouses being built all around us. As soon as the county fills in the potholes and rough spots, others spring up, so it’s an endless battle just trying to aim the car to a smooth(er) section of road. With the car’s stiff suspension and low ride height, it’s not a fun ride anymore. I’ve bottomed out a couple of times now, and even the driver’s seat is groaning in protest. OK, you’ve got the idea!

What I’m looking for now is a moderately quick, good-handling sedan with better manners on the roads where I drive. Back in the 70s and 80s I had a BMW 3-Series, an Audi GT Coupe, and later an Infiniti G35. Those were fun cars that rode a little higher and smoother than my Mustang.

Cars currently in production that I’ve been looking at (online) are the BMW 3-series, the Genesis G70, Audi A5, and Acura TLX. Am I missing anything? If Toyota, Mazda, or Honda, had a sports sedan, I’d look at those, too.

I’d appreciate your suggestions and comments, especially if you’ve owned any of these cars.

IMO try to avoid anything running 19" tires or an aspect ratio under 40.

 

[MCompact]

A Q50 would be high on my list if they were still being made. When my wife had her QX60 in for service, we got a standard Q50 as a loaner, and even it was impressive. I also had a used 2005 G35 that I really liked.

Man, I hate to see so many manufacturers jumping on the SUV-only train.

Not sure I want anything used, unless it's "certified used" like BMW dealers sell. BTW, used is the only way I could afford a C43!

My C43 was a CPO- two years old.

 

[GaryMX5]

VW GTI, Golf R (would need different tires for iffy roads). The R can become a monster with a few taps on the touch screen. A Mazda3 sedan or hatch with awd and a turbo could be an option. Test drove the latter when buying my current non turbo 3. The turbo 3 was fun, had great handling, and ample power to put a smile on your face.

 

[mbres2000]

Infiniti Q50.

The 3 Liter twin turbo is quite nice and makes 300hp in "normal trim"
but is also available as a Red Sport version with 400 hp.

Looks like my area Infiniti dealers have several CPO Q50s at just about all the trim levels, plus a few Red Sport models.

 

[mbres2000]

I’ve really enjoyed my Elantra N over the last year/25,000 mi.

My grandson just got a new Kia K5 GT with the 290 hp/311 ft/lb turbo engine, which is similar mechanically to the Sonata N. He absolutely loves it. I personally think it's the best looking of all the Kia/Hyundai sedans and we love our Kia dealer. Geez, even Car & Driver likes it.

I'm not leaning that way though. Waiting for 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport models to arrive, and still need to drive a Genesis G70. Yes, I'm moving forward at a snail's pace!

 

[Nick1994]

My grandson just got a new Kia K5 GT with the 290 hp/311 ft/lb turbo engine, which is similar mechanically to the Sonata N. He absolutely loves it. I personally think it's the best looking of all the Kia/Hyundai sedans and we love our Kia dealer. Geez, even Car & Driver likes it.

I'm not leaning that way though. Waiting for 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport models to arrive, and still need to drive a Genesis G70. Yes, I'm moving forward at a snail's pace!

If you get a Genesis, get one that’s a couple years old. They depreciate insanely.

And get the best extended warranty you can get. It’ll need it. I’ve had 2 of them.

 

[mbres2000]

I'm the thread starter and still haven't bought a car! The sedan choices are overwhelming, but I drove a 2025 Lexus IS 350 F Sport a few months ago and really liked it, especially the Handling Package with these capabilities:

• F SPORT tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension
• Drive Mode Select with ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom modes
• Torsen®* limited-slip rear differential (IS 350 F SPORT

The car transformed itself when I enabled one of those Sport modes. And even then the suspension and ride were not as harsh as my current 2016 Mustang GT. A downside is the staggered 40- and 35-series summer tires, but I can fit some Ultra High A/S Performance Dunlops or Michelins for around $1,100. But I hope the 35-series profile is not tire damage waiting to happen.

The color and option packages on the 2025 car I drove would have worked for me, but the 2026 models have some more tech, as well as larger display screen. My sales guy is trying to find a 2026 with colors and options I can live with, because unlike domestic cars, I can't simply order one that fits my specs 100%. On another note, my neighbor is an M-B service advisor who owns a Toyota Avalon and a Lexus 450. He strongly recommends the latter two brands based on reliability and cost of maintenance.

 

[DCDG]

I really like the Subaru legacy sport and touring xt

 

[mbres2000]

I really like the Subaru legacy sport and touring xt

Now that's one you don't hear about very often! Not a bad looking car, with a nice leather interior in the high-end models, along with competitive acceleration with the turbo engine. But a CVT is not in my future. And I don't see myself as a Subie. Guess I could always get some Birkenstocks!

 

[GMBoy]

Here is a sleeper move - get a Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury with the optional 3.0L twin turbo. My friend got one (AWD as well)and it's basically a CT5 V but slightly detuned to 330hp vs 360 which is easily corrected with a tune. The are sleepers because 95% of regular CT5's are the 2.0T. The only way to tell a 2.0 vs 3.0 CT5 is by the rear badge that will say 550T vs 350T for the 4cyl. This car is quick, rides well and good luxury.

 

[SatinSilver]

Another sleeper is the CT4 Premium Luxury with the upgraded 2.7 turbo versus the V version with the same engine. The V version is almost a second faster 0 - 60 than an IS 350. I'm a big Toyota fan but like to venture out a bit sometimes.

 

[Legs4Arms]

Another sleeper is the CT4 Premium Luxury with the upgraded 2.7 turbo versus the V version with the same engine. The V version is almost a second faster 0 - 60 than an IS 350. I'm a big Toyota fan but like to venture out a bit sometimes.

Or one of these. Good value here...
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2024-cadillac-ct5/

 

[Fordiesel69]

Any police or SHO taurus from 2013 to 2019 with an ecoboost. Rocketship stock, even more so modded.

 

[IndyIan]

You have a point. Sedans have become lower over the years as crossovers became more popular. If ground clearance and suspension travel is a concern, one should look at the lowest crossovers, that ride about as high as sedans used to in the 80s

Yes, I don't think I've had a car lower than this 2016 Impreza sedan, and while it sucks up most road imperfections quite well, I'm worried about putting something through the oil or transmission pan.
I doubt many sport sedans have significantly higher clearance than the Mustang? Especially if you get a high performance version.
Perhaps the AWD versions of sport sedans have a bit more clearance? Infiniti seems to specialize in SUV with low roof lines and no cargo space, so maybe their SUV's have a CoG closest to a sport sedan?

 

[GR_CoB]

Any police or SHO taurus from 2013 to 2019 with an ecoboost. Rocketship stock, even more so modded.

Not a bad option, if one is ok with engine-out water pump swap once per 60k-90k miles. Easy tune wakes it up quite a bit. And a 0W40-5W40-10W40-15W40 in the crankcase will keep the timing chain components and turbocharger bearings happy for a long life.

 

[GR_CoB]

Yes, I don't think I've had a car lower than this 2016 Impreza sedan, and while it sucks up most road imperfections quite well, I'm worried about putting something through the oil or transmission pan.
I doubt many sport sedans have significantly higher clearance than the Mustang? Especially if you get a high performance version.
Perhaps the AWD versions of sport sedans have a bit more clearance? Infiniti seems to specialize in SUV with low roof lines and no cargo space, so maybe their SUV's have a CoG closest to a sport sedan?

You got a great point there! Infiniti FX50 is a heck of a used bargain. V8, AWD, great on-road manners, and decent off-the-pavement capability for rally enthusiasts. Comfy touring rocket, and is actually quite capable as a tow rig. I've seen its smaller brother, a V6 powered FX35, haul loaded car trailer without issues for hundreds of miles. Some enthusiasts even slapped supercharger or twin-turbo setups on these things. Talk about a sleeper... All the comfort, with 800hp+ on tap...

 

[bladecutter]

My 2016 Mustang GT is going on 10 years old. I’ve enjoyed driving it over the years, but many of the roads where I live now are in a perpetual state of crappy.

What I’m looking for now is a moderately quick, good-handling sedan with better manners on the roads where I drive.
I’d appreciate your suggestions and comments, especially if you’ve owned any of these cars.

Have you considered the Alfa Romeo Giulia?