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The Infiniti QX80 already builds on the Nissan Patrol/Armada with extra luxurious styling inside and outside, and now a brand new idea gives a lot, rather more efficiency.
Developed for this 12 months’s SEMA Present in Las Vegas, which runs from November 4-8, the Infiniti QX80 R-Spec packs the just lately discontinued Nissan GT-R’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 below its bonnet.
Nonetheless, it has acquired in depth modifications – together with new turbochargers, intercoolers and exhaust manifolds, plus an upgraded gas system – to pump out a whopping 1000hp, or 736kW.
No torque determine has been offered.
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For context, the most well liked member of the new-generation Nissan Armada/Patrol and Infiniti QX80 duo is the Patrol Nismo, which makes use of an uprated model of the full-size SUV’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 providing 369kW of energy and 700Nm of torque.
It’s additionally considerably extra highly effective than the QX80 Monitor Spec idea revealed at Monterey Automotive Week in August, which produced ‘solely’ 485kW and 1015Nm.
Infiniti says the idea makes use of a model of the GT-R’s powerplant because the engine in the usual QX80 – and the Nissan Patrol/Armada – is immediately associated to the GT-R’s mill, and “incorporates quite a few engineering improvements” from the now-defunct super-coupe.
Stopping this beast are carbon ceramic brakes from the GT-R, whereas holding it in verify in corners is customized coilover suspension with Eibach ERS springs and customized MCS three-way exterior reservoir coilovers.
There’s additionally a relocated steering rack with a customized steering shaft.
Infiniti drew inspiration from the Nissan GT-R T-Spec Takumi Version, and that applies to aesthetic adjustments as effectively.
The R-Spec rides on big bronze 24-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohoma Parada Spec-X 315/35/24 tyres.
It additionally incorporates a customized physique equipment that provides the SUV a wider stance and improved aerodynamics, in addition to a customized entrance splitter, and is wrapped in a colour-shifting wrap paying homage to Midnight Purple variations of R34 and R35 GT-Rs.
The SEMA aftermarket present is understood for its wild ideas, so don’t anticipate to see a model of the QX80 in Infiniti showrooms with a 1000hp GT-R engine.
Nonetheless, Infiniti has hinted at a brand new efficiency flagship for the QX80 line.
“QX80 R-Spec is excessive, aggressive and a showcase of what Infiniti can do when our engineering and design groups take off all of the guardrails,” mentioned Infiniti Americas vice chairman Tiago Castro.
“With the QX80 R-Spec construct, we challenged ourselves to discover an much more excessive path for QX80 as we glance to a future with high-performance variants that provide a broader breadth of adrenaline-pumping capabilities for our purchasers.”
Infiniti at present gives a Sport model of its QX80, however this differs from different members of the lineup solely by means of aesthetic adjustments like distinctive 22-inch black alloy wheels and darkish chrome trim.
The Japanese model’s as soon as sporty picture, burnished within the 2000s with fashions just like the G and M sedans and FX crossover, has pale because it has centered on plush SUVs.
Nonetheless, Infiniti has confirmed a brand new era of the Q50 sedan with a twin-turbo V6 engine (one thing it provided final time) and doubtlessly even a handbook transmission (one thing it didn’t).
Infiniti withdrew from the Australian market in 2020, so don’t anticipate to see any of those fashions right here.
Nonetheless, the new-generation Nissan Patrol is launching right here late in 2026 after having entered manufacturing for left-hand drive markets late in 2024.
