The Infiniti QX80 is already based on the Nissan Patrol/Armada and features a more luxurious design inside and out. Now a new concept offers much, much more performance.
Designed for this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4th – 8th Infiniti QX80 R-Spec packs the recently discontinued Nissan GT-R with its 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood.
However, extensive modifications were made – including new turbochargers, intercoolers and exhaust manifolds, as well as an improved fuel system – to produce a whopping 1000 hp or 736 kW.
No torque value was provided.
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For comparison, the hottest member of the new-generation Nissan Armada/Patrol and Infiniti QX80 duo is the Patrol Nismo, which uses an upgraded version of the 3.5-litre V6 biturbo SUV with 369kW and 700Nm of torque.
It’s also significantly more powerful than the QX80 Track Spec concept, which was unveiled at Monterey Car Week in August and made “only” 485kW and 1015Nm.
Infiniti says the concept uses a version of the GT-R powerplant, as the engine in the standard QX80 – and the Nissan Patrol/Armada – is directly related to the GT-R mill and incorporates “numerous technical innovations” from the now-defunct supercoupe.
The GT-R’s carbon ceramic brakes stop this beast while cornering is kept in check by a custom coilover suspension with Eibach ERS springs and custom MCS three-way coilovers with an external reservoir.
There is also an offset steering rack with a custom steering shaft.
Infiniti took inspiration from the Nissan GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition, and the same goes for aesthetic changes.
The R-Spec rides on huge 24-inch bronze alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohoma Parada Spec-X 315/35/24 tires.
It also features a bespoke body kit that gives the SUV a wider appearance and improved aerodynamics, as well as a bespoke front splitter and is wrapped in a color-changing film that pays homage to the Midnight Purple versions of the R34 and R35 GT-Rs.
The SEMA aftermarket trade show is known for its wild concepts. So don’t expect to see a version of the QX80 with a 1000 horsepower GT-R engine in Infiniti showrooms.
However, Infiniti has hinted at a new performance flagship for the QX80 range.
“The QX80 R-Spec is extreme, aggressive and a testament to what Infiniti can achieve when our engineering and design teams push all boundaries,” said Tiago Castro, vice president of Infiniti Americas.
“With the QX80 R-Spec build, we have taken on the challenge of taking the QX80 in an even more extreme direction as we look to the future with high-performance variants that offer our customers a wider range of adrenaline-pumping possibilities.”
Infiniti currently offers a sport version of its QX80, but it differs from other members of the range only in terms of aesthetic changes such as unique 22-inch black alloy wheels and dark chrome trim.
The Japanese brand’s once sporty image, revamped in the 2000s with models like the G and M sedans and the FX crossover, has faded as it focuses on upscale SUVs.
However, Infiniti has confirmed a new generation of the Q50 sedan with a twin-turbo V6 engine (which was offered last time) and possibly even a manual transmission (which wasn’t offered).
Infiniti withdrew from the Australian market in 2020. So don’t expect to see any of these models here.
However, the new-generation Nissan Patrol will hit the market here in late 2026, after entering production for left-hand drive markets in late 2024.
