Infiniti showed off the QX80 R-Spec prototype at the beginning of November, ahead of the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The SUV has an upgraded twin-turbocharged V-6 engine from the Nissan GT-R, tuned to make 1,000 horsepower. The R-Spec also has a body kit, carbon-ceramic brakes, a tuned chassis, and a bright purple wrap. Infiniti began considering a high-performance QX80 SUV after showing off the Track Spec concept at The Quail in August. It had a more powerful twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and an aggressive body package.This news came out just a few months after Nissan released the Armada, a 35-horsepower NISMO version of the QX80 that looks fast and costs less.Infiniti’s QX80 R-Spec concept for SEMA takes their study into making a more dynamic full-size SUV a step further by giving it a Nissan GT-R engine with 1000 horsepower. The engine in the R-Spec takes the QX80 to a whole new level. The standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine is used in the Track Spec, boosting power to 650 horsepower and torque to 750 pound-feet—an increase of 200 and 234 hp, respectively.The twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6 engine in the R35 GT-R has been greatly improved and now makes 1000 horsepower.There are Garrett G-series turbochargers, a unique intake with two intercoolers, new exhaust pipes, and a new fuel system.Other changes include new engine and transmission coolers, an electronic locking rear differential, and new pistons and connecting rods. Luckily, Infiniti put on a set of GT-R carbon-ceramic brakes to help slow down this huge beast.Given that a normal QX80 weighs almost 6500 pounds, this was a much-needed upgrade.It has 24-inch metal wheels that look like they came from the GT-R, with big 315-section-width Yokohama Parada Spec-X tires. The coil-over suspension has also been changed. With changes to the SUV’s body that make it look wider and lower, the R-Spec looks powerful to match its better performance.It was based on the T-Spec Takumi Edition, the last GT-R to be produced in 2024.Below, a sharp splitter protrudes, and the front bumper features an extra lower vent to let air into the powerful engine, which is flanked by more fog lights. The back of the QX80 features a diffuser, four large exhaust ports, and a rear spoiler that extends. It also looks scary because it has bigger wheel arches and a lower ride height.In the right light, the R-Spec’s purple wrap shifts from a deep royal to a bluer hue, with hints of orange and red. Infiniti will not make a 1000-hp QX80 anytime soon, but the R-Spec idea seems to be the company’s way of saying it wants to make a more powerful version of its flagship SUV. A recent Infiniti executive admitted that a sportier QX80 is in the works. The automaker’s dealership network also expressed a strong desire to make the Track Spec, so don’t be surprised if one comes out in the near future.
