Infiniti Q50:

The Q50 replaces the G37 in the brand's line, as Infiniti shifts all its models to "Q" names.

While CR rated the car "very good," and was "very quick, even with the added weight of the optional all-wheel-drive system," the magazine says, the Q50 "has taken a step back from its excellent predecessor," and ranked near the bottom among its premium sports sedan rivals.

"The Infiniti G has been one of Consumer Reports' highest-rated sedans for many years, but after its 2014 redesign and transition to the new Q designation, this car seems to have lost its way," said Jake Fisher, director of CR's automotive testing.

CR says: "The Q50 isn't as much fun to drive as the G37. Handling is mundane, due in part to dull steering.

"The underwhelming driving experience strips the car of much of its sporty legacy. The Q50 also doesn't ride well and isn't particularly quiet.'

Infiniti has promoted the car's high-tech luxury, but CR found "its new InTouch dual-screen controls are slow to respond, and interior quality is nothing special."

Infiniti noted that the Q50 received a "very good" rating, and says the car company's "engineers are analyzing the publication's findings."

Infiniti said it's reasonable the Q didn't get a "recommended" rating because it's a new model and has no track record for reliability, which is a key element of CR scoring.

The carmaker forecast good reliability and said: "We feel strongly that once these reliability results are in, our new luxury sports sedan will be on Consumer Reports' 'recommended' list.

To make CR's "recommended" list a car or truck must have average or better reliability in CR's annual reader ownership surveys, in addition to doing well in CR's tests and getting good scores in government and industry crash tests.

Nissan's luxury brand is seeing red.
The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge concept isn't scheduled to appear until the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in a couple of weeks, but Infiniti decided to show it off early.

The first official image of the Eau Rouge--named after a famous corner at Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps circuit--depicts are car that would be just as at home at SEMA as Detroit. The second image, below, shows its full side profile.

Designed to leverage Infiniti's relationship with Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing, the Eau Rouge features aggressive carbon-fiber bodywork, including a front splitter, rear diffuser, side skirts, roof, and door mirror casings. However, this isn't just a body kit: Infiniti says the shape of every panel except the roof and doors has been changed.

The result is a car that's much lower and wider than a stock Q50, and slipperier. Completing the redesign is a set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels, a dual sport exhaust system, and an integrated rear spoiler.

Infiniti didn't mention any mechanical modifications; it may be saving those details for the Eau Rouge's Detroit unveiling. The 2014 Q50 is available with a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 328 horsepower, or as a hybrid with a 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor, producing a combined total of 360 hp.

However, for better or worse, the Q50 is best known for its optional Direct Adaptive Steering, a "steer-by-wire" system with no physical connection between the steering and road wheels. It's already been the subject of one recall, but the Q50 did garner a 5-Star Overall NHTSA Safety Rating.