- Infiniti built a 1,000 hp QX80 R-Spec concept packed with GT-R DNA.
- It uses a twin-turbo 3.8L V6 engine borrowed from the GT-R Nismo.
- A widebody kit, 24-inch wheels, and carbon ceramic brakes complete it.
The Infiniti QX80 features a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that was “evolved” from the legendary Nissan GT-R. Things are now going full circle with the QX80 R-Spec, which will be unveiled at the SEMA Show next month.
More: Nissan GT-R R35 Officially Dead After 18 Years of Glory
Billed as an “extreme, no-holds barred study,” the luxury SUV has been equipped with a VR38DETT engine sourced from a GT-R Nismo. However, the company didn’t just drop in an engine and call it a day.
Quite the opposite as the 3.8-liter V6 has been equipped with custom turbochargers and upgraded internals. They’re joined by a MOTEC engine management system, ETS exhaust manifolds, and a high-performance fuel system with beefier injectors.
The team also installed custom intercoolers, upgraded engine and transmission coolers, and a unique exhaust inspired by the R35.
Thanks to these modifications, the QX80 R-Spec produces 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS). That’s 318 hp (237 kW / 322 PS) more than the Cadillac Escalade-V and enough ponies to make a Lamborghini Urus blush.
The upgrades extend beyond the engine compartment as the QX80 rides on a custom coilover suspension that features Eibach ERS springs.
They’re joined by modified bump-steer knuckles, a relocated steering rack with a custom steering shaft, and an electronic locking rear differential.
Purple Haze
The connection to the GT-R is visible outside as the model draws inspiration from the T-Spec Takumi Edition and wears a color-shifting Midnight Purple wrap. The latter is certainly a cool touch and it’s just the tip of the iceberg as the QX80 wears a custom wide-body kit that includes bulging fender flares.
The latter helps to cover bronze 24-inch wheels, which are wrapped in wide Yokohama Parada Spec-X tires. These are backed up by a carbon ceramic braking system with yellow calipers.
Elsewhere, there’s a carbon fiber front splitter and new fog lights with honeycomb-like elements. The model also sports an aggressive diffuser and an extended spoiler.
Infiniti Americas Vice President Tiago Castro said, “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.”
This suggests that while the QX80 R-Spec won’t be going into production, we might get something along the lines of the 650+ hp (485 kW / 659 PS) QX80 Track Spec.
