While Infiniti is currently experiencing a bit of a fallow period, with just two 2026 models in its lineup – the mid-size QX60 SUV and its full-size QX80 sibling – new products are on the way.
In addition to the coupé-like QX65 SUV, which will debut at the New York International Auto Show next week, recent reports in Car and Driver and Automotive News suggest Infiniti is developing two high performance QX80 variants.
According to Car and Driver, the first of these, a 600-hp “Red Sport variant”, will arrive in Spring 2027, and an even more powerful model will land in 2028.
In a sense, this news isn’t surprising, as Infiniti has been teasing a big-horsepower, track-oriented QX80 since last summer. At Pebble Beach last August, the automaker revealed QX80 Terrain Spec and QX80 Trac Spec concepts. The latter boasts a 3.5-liter V6 with a new turbocharger and exhaust system capable of generating 650+ horsepower and 750+ pounds-feet of torque. More info can be found here.
Two months later, an even more powerful QX80 R-Spec was revealed at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The R-Spec features a high-performance version of Nissan’s legendary VR38DETT engine, that powered the GT-R sports car for years. Unlike the GT-R, however, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 in the R-Spec has been tuned to produce 1,000 horsepower.
The performance gains were achieved with mods including custom turbochargers, intercoolers, exhaust manifolds, and an upgraded fuel system, according to an Infiniti statement. Other R-Spec details include carbon ceramic brakes, custom coilover suspension, and bronze 24-inch wheels. The wheels are 12 inches wide so they can accommodate 315-width rubber for better grip. More info and full specs can be found here.
So, the obvious question is will Infiniti sell a 1,000-horsepower QX80? Seems doubtful due to limited sales potential and rising cost of gas. But, based on what Infiniti told Automotive News, a higher performance QX80 is in the works.
The Red Sport version will deliver, “an additional level of performance,” according to Infiniti product marketing director, Brian Maragno, who spoke to AN. He also told the outlet that Red Sport won’t be the pinnacle of QX80 performance, but said it will have larger brakes, bigger red brake calipers, red “S” badging and could ride on 24-inch wheels.
So, 1,000 hp yes? Not exactly, or so it would seem. AN reported the top-level variant, above Red Sport, will have 680 horsepower with a more aggressive, track-oriented design, such as wider fenders. This model will arrive in 2028.
Whatever final form they take, these QX80s figure to be quite rare, with only a few hundred finding homes in the U.S. That said, U.S. sales for the QX80 were up 31 percent in 2025, so there should be some interest.
These new QX80s, combined with the QX65, plus a new sports sedan and hybrid SUV, suggest Infiniti’s dark days might be coming to an end.
Photos courtesy of Infiniti USA
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