The Infiniti QX80 already builds on the Nissan Patrol/Armada with more luxurious styling inside and out, and now a new concept offers much, much more performance.
Developed for this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, which runs from November 4-8, the Infiniti QX80 R-Spec packs the recently discontinued Nissan GT-R’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 under its bonnet.
However, it has received extensive modifications – including new turbochargers, intercoolers and exhaust manifolds, plus an upgraded fuel system – to pump out a whopping 1000hp, or 736kW.
No torque figure has been provided.
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For context, the hottest member of the new-generation Nissan Armada/Patrol and Infiniti QX80 duo is the Patrol Nismo, which uses an uprated version of the full-size SUV’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 offering 369kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
It’s also significantly more powerful than the QX80 Track Spec concept revealed at Monterey Car Week in August, which produced ‘only’ 485kW and 1015Nm.
Infiniti says the concept uses a version of the GT-R’s powerplant as the engine in the standard QX80 – and the Nissan Patrol/Armada – is directly related to the GT-R’s mill, and “incorporates numerous engineering innovations” from the now-defunct super-coupe.
Stopping this beast are carbon ceramic brakes from the GT-R, while keeping it in check in corners is custom coilover suspension with Eibach ERS springs and custom MCS three-way external reservoir coilovers.
There’s also a relocated steering rack with a custom steering shaft.
Infiniti drew inspiration from the Nissan GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition, and that applies to aesthetic changes as well.
The R-Spec rides on giant bronze 24-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohoma Parada Spec-X 315/35/24 tyres.
It also features a custom body kit that gives the SUV a wider stance and improved aerodynamics, as well as a custom front splitter, and is wrapped in a colour-shifting wrap paying homage to Midnight Purple versions of R34 and R35 GT-Rs.
The SEMA aftermarket show is known for its wild concepts, so don’t expect to see a version of the QX80 in Infiniti showrooms with a 1000hp GT-R engine.
However, Infiniti has hinted at a new performance flagship for the QX80 line.
“QX80 R-Spec is extreme, aggressive and a showcase of what Infiniti can do when our engineering and design teams take off all the guardrails,” said Infiniti Americas vice president Tiago Castro.
“With the QX80 R-Spec build, we challenged ourselves to explore an even more extreme direction for QX80 as we look to a future with high-performance variants that offer a broader breadth of adrenaline-pumping capabilities for our clients.”
Infiniti currently offers a Sport version of its QX80, but this differs from other members of the lineup only through aesthetic changes like unique 22-inch black alloy wheels and dark chrome trim.
The Japanese brand’s once sporty image, burnished in the 2000s with models like the G and M sedans and FX crossover, has faded as it has focused on plush SUVs.
However, Infiniti has confirmed a new generation of the Q50 sedan with a twin-turbo V6 engine (something it offered last time) and potentially even a manual transmission (something it didn’t).
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 is launching here late in 2026 after having entered production for left-hand drive markets late in 2024.
