Chrome Delete and Aggressive Stance Mods for the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport: From Executive Coupe to Street Predator
There is a moment of pure satisfaction when you walk up to your Infiniti Q60 Red Sport in a parking lot, the sunlight catching the freshly blacked-out window trim, the wheels sitting perfectly flush with the fenders, and the whole car hunkered down in a stance that screams “I don’t play nice”—and you realize this is exactly how the factory should have built it.
Let’s be honest: the Q60 Red Sport is gorgeous straight from the factory. Those curves, that grille, the bulging fenders—it is a masterpiece of Japanese luxury engineering. But here is the thing about mass production: manufacturers have to build cars that appeal to everyone. They leave chrome on the window trim because it looks “premium.” They tuck the wheels inside the fenders because it is safe for all weather conditions.
You are not everyone. You want your Red Sport to look mean. You want it to look aggressive. You want it to look like it means business even when it’s parked. That means two things: killing the chrome and perfecting the stance. Let’s get into the parts, the process, and the payoff of transforming your Q60.
TL;DR
The most impactful visual mods for the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport are a full chrome delete (wrapping all factory chrome in black vinyl) and an aggressive stance achieved through lowering springs or coilovers paired with wheel spacers or aftermarket wheels . Lowering the car by 1 to 1.4 inches improves handling by lowering the center of gravity while closing that wheel gap . Wheel spacers (15mm-25mm) push the factory wheels flush with the fenders for an instant “wider” look . For AWD owners, careful tire sizing is required to avoid damaging the transfer case .
Key Takeaways
- Chrome Delete First: Blacking out the window trim, grille surround, and badges instantly modernizes the Q60’s aggressive lines for under $100 in materials.
- Lowering is Essential: Springs like ARK GT-S or RS-R Down Sus provide a 1 to 1.4-inch drop, eliminating the factory “monster truck” wheel gap .
- Spacers Complete the Look: Burger Motorsports or Eibach Pro-Spacers (20mm front/25mm rear) push the stock wheels flush with the fenders, making the car look wider and more planted .
- AWD Owners Beware: If you have AWD, you must keep front and rear tire diameters within 1-3% to avoid drivetrain damage when lowering .
- Quality Matters: Invest in reputable brands like Eibach, RS-R, or Burger Motorsports for safety and longevity .
The Foundation: Why Chrome Delete Comes First
Before you touch the suspension, before you buy wheels, you have to address the shiny stuff. The Q60 Red Sport, especially in darker colors, comes with bright chrome accents that break up the car’s natural flow. The window trim, the grille surround, the Infiniti badges—they all catch light in a way that says “luxury” but also “2017.”
What to Delete
A full chrome delete typically covers:
- Window trim: The metal strip along the top and bottom of the side windows.
- Grille surround: The thick chrome ring around the front grille.
- Rear trunk trim: The chrome strip between the taillights.
- Badges: The Infiniti logos front and rear.
DIY vs. Professional
You can buy a pre-cut vinyl kit for the Q60 for around $50-$100. Installation requires patience, a heat gun, and a lot of squeegee work. The window trim is the hardest part—those curves on the rear quarter windows are tight.
If you pay a professional, expect to spend $300-$500. But here is the thing: a professional wrap will last longer and have fewer bubbles. It is worth the money if you want a “factory” look.
Preparation is everything. Clean the chrome with isopropyl alcohol to remove wax and oils. If you don’t, the vinyl will peel within months.
The Stance: Lowering Your Q60 Red Sport
The Q60 sits high from the factory. There is a noticeable gap between the top of the tires and the fender lip. It looks like a sports coupe that is ready for a snowstorm. Closing that gap is the single biggest visual improvement you can make.
Lowering Springs: The Budget-Friendly Entry
Lowering springs replace your factory springs with shorter, stiffer ones. They lower the car, reduce body roll, and improve handling by lowering the center of gravity .
Top Options:
- ARK GT-S Lowering Springs
- Drop: Front 1.3″ / Rear 1.4″
- Spring Rates: Front 7.0 kg/mm / Rear 2.0-3.0 kg/mm (progressive)
- Price: Around $410
- Best For: Daily drivers who want a mild drop and improved handling without sacrificing comfort .
- RS-R Down Sus Lowering Springs
- Drop (RWD): Front 0.8-1.0″ / Rear 1.2-1.4″
- Drop (AWD): Front 1.2-1.4″ / Rear 1.0-1.2″
- Spring Rates (RWD): Front 11.22 kg/mm / Rear 4.41 kg/mm
- Spring Rates (AWD): Front 9.94 kg/mm / Rear 4.18 kg/mm
- Price: Around $369
- Best For: Drivers wanting a sportier feel with progressive spring rates tuned for the Q60 .
The Trade-Off:
Springs are cheaper, but they work with your factory shocks. If your shocks have high mileage (over 50k), lowering springs will wear them out faster. Plan to upgrade to coilovers eventually if you plan to keep the car long-term.
What About Coilovers?
If you have the budget, coilovers are the ultimate solution. They offer adjustable ride height, adjustable damping, and the ability to fine-tune your stance perfectly. Brands like BC Racing, KW, and Ohlins make quality kits for the Q60.
Pros:
- Full adjustability.
- Better performance than springs alone.
- Can go lower than springs.
Cons:
- Expensive ($1,500+).
- Harsher ride if not tuned properly.
For most owners, springs are the sweet spot. They give you 90% of the look for 30% of the cost.
The Width: Wheel Spacers for That Flush Fit
Once the car is lowered, the wheels will look even more tucked inside the fenders. The gap is smaller, but the wheels are still sunk in. This is where wheel spacers come in.
Why Spacers?
Spacers push your factory wheels outward, making the track width wider. This does two things:
- Looks: The wheels sit flush with the fenders, giving the car a wider, more aggressive stance .
- Handling: A wider track improves lateral stability and reduces body roll in corners .
Choosing the Right Size
For the Q60 Red Sport (2017+), the most popular spacer sizes are:
- Front: 15mm to 20mm
- Rear: 20mm to 25mm
A common “perfect fit” setup is 20mm front / 25mm rear. This pushes the stock wheels flush without rubbing, assuming you are lowered .
Top Spacer Brands
- Burger Motorsports (BMS)
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum (aircraft grade)
- Sizes: 15mm, 20mm, 25mm
- Features: Hub-centric, CNC machined, anodized black, includes extended lug nuts
- Price: Varies by size .
- Eibach Pro-Spacer
- Material: High-strength aircraft-aluminum alloy
- Sizes: 25mm (for Q60)
- Features: Hub-centric, includes all hardware, 5-year warranty
- Price: $220 for a pair .
Installation Safety
This is critical: always use hub-centric spacers. They center the wheel perfectly on the hub, preventing vibrations. Cheap “universal” spacers that just bolt on will vibrate at highway speeds and can be dangerous.
Torque specs: BMS recommends 80 ft-lbs for the spacer bolts and the wheel lugs .
Always use blue thread-locker on the factory studs before bolting on the spacers. This prevents them from loosening over time .
The Ultimate: Aftermarket Wheels
If you have the budget, nothing transforms a car like a set of custom wheels. You can choose the exact width, offset, and style to achieve the perfect stance.
Understanding Fitment
The Q60 (CV37 platform) has a bolt pattern of 5×114.3 and a hub bore of 66.1mm .
Factory Red Sport 20″ Specs:
- Front: 9J x 20″ ET40 with 255/35R20 tires
- Rear: 9.5J x 20″ ET40 with 275/30R20 tires .
Aggressive Aftermarket Fitments:
Curva Concepts recommends these popular setups :
| Wheel Size (Front) | Offset (Front) | Tire Size (Front) | Wheel Size (Rear) | Offset (Rear) | Tire Size (Rear) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19×9.5 | +20 | 265/35 | 19×10.5 | +20 | 285/35 |
| 20×9 | +35 | 255/35 | 20×10.5 | +35 | 285/30 |
| 20×10 | +40 | 275/35 | 20×10 | +40 | 275/35 |
The AWD Warning
If you have an AWD Q60, you must be careful with staggered setups. The front and rear tires need to have nearly the same overall diameter (within 1-3%) to avoid damaging the transfer case . When in doubt, consult a fitment specialist.
Tying It All Together: The Complete Transformation
To help you visualize the path, here is how these mods stack up against each other in terms of impact, cost, and difficulty.
| Mod | Estimated Cost | DIY Difficulty | Visual Impact | Performance Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome Delete (DIY) | $50 – $100 | Moderate | 5/5 | 0/5 |
| Chrome Delete (Pro) | $300 – $500 | Easy (for you) | 5/5 | 0/5 |
| Lowering Springs | $370 – $410 | Hard (needs spring compressor) | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Wheel Spacers | $150 – $250 | Moderate | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Aftermarket Wheels | $1,500 – $4,000 | Moderate/Hard | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Coilovers | $1,500 – $3,500 | Hard | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Always get an alignment after lowering your car. The change in ride height alters your camber and toe angles, which will wear your tires unevenly if not corrected.
FAQ: Your Q60 Red Sport Stance Questions Answered
Will lowering my Q60 void my warranty?
Lowering springs themselves don’t void the entire warranty, but if a dealer can prove they caused a specific failure (like a blown shock), that repair may not be covered. For a 2017+ car, this is worth considering.
Do I need a camber kit after lowering?
The Q60 typically handles a 1 to 1.4-inch drop without excessive negative camber. However, it is always a good idea to get an alignment and check the specs. If your rear camber is too aggressive, you may need adjustable control arms.
Can I use spacers with aftermarket wheels?
Yes, but the goal with aftermarket wheels is usually to buy them in the correct offset so you don’t need spacers. Spacers are primarily for pushing stock wheels outward.
Are 25mm spacers safe on the rear?
Yes, 25mm is a common size for the Q60 rear . Just ensure they are hub-centric and installed with the correct torque.
What is the best first mod for stance?
Do the chrome delete first. It is cheap, easy, and transforms the car’s appearance immediately. Then save for springs and spacers.
Will lowering springs ruin my ride comfort?
Quality springs like ARK and RS-R are designed to work with factory shocks and provide a ride that is firmer but still comfortable for daily driving . You will feel bumps more, but it won’t be harsh.
My Q60 is AWD. What should I know?
When lowering an AWD Q60, you must ensure the final tire diameters are nearly identical front to rear. If you run a staggered setup, work with a tire professional to calculate rolling diameters .
Can I install springs myself?
If you are mechanically inclined, yes. But you will need spring compressors and the ability to safely remove and reinstall the struts. If you are unsure, pay a shop. A spring flying across the garage is dangerous.
The Final Verdict: From Stock to Street Beast
The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport is a stunning car from the factory. But with a few strategic mods, it can look like a custom-built exotic.
Start with the chrome delete—it is the foundation. Then, choose your stance path. For most owners, the perfect combination is RS-R Down Sus springs paired with Burger Motorsports 20mm front / 25mm rear spacers . This setup lowers the car perfectly, fills the fenders, and costs under $700.
When you step back and look at the finished product—the blacked-out trim, the lowered stance, the wheels flush with the fenders—you won’t see a modified Q60. You will see exactly what Infiniti should have built from the factory.
What’s your favorite hidden feature inside your Infiniti? Share your thoughts in the comments below. (Or tell us: have you stanced your Q60? What springs and spacers did you go with?)
References:
- ARK GT-S Lowering Springs Infinit Q60 RWD 2017+ – Vivid Racing
- Infiniti Q50 Q60 / Nissan Z Wheel Spacers – Burger Motorsports
- 27 Cool Modification Ideas for Infiniti Q60 – Ownery
- Rsr Down Sus Springs Sport Infiniti Q60 2017+ – Vivid Racing
- PRO-SPACER 2017-2022 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport Coupe 3.0L RWD – Eibach
- RS*R Down Sus Lowering Springs | 2017-2022 Infiniti Q60 Sport/Red Sport RWD – MAPerformance
- RS*R Down Sus Springs | 2017-2022 Infiniti Q60 Sport & Redsport 3.0T AWD – MAPerformance
- Infiniti Q60 Wheels & Fitment Guide – Curva Concepts
