Infiniti QX80 R-Spec: 1,000 horsepower from the GT-R
The Infiniti QX80 R-Spec is equipped with the Nissan GT-R's 3.8L VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 engine, tuned to produce over 1,000 horsepower. It was showcased at the 2025 SEMA Show but is not yet commercially available.
Infiniti has introduced the QX80 R-Spec – a unique modified version of its flagship large SUV, swapping the 3.8L VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 engine from the Nissan GT-R and tuning it to exceed 1,000 horsepower. This technical demonstration project will be showcased at the 2025 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the US and has no plans for mass production.
The QX80 shares a platform with the Nissan Patrol and competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, and Lexus LX. In the R-Spec version, Infiniti focuses on performance and aerodynamics, while evoking the GT-R heritage through its design language and key technical details.
The GT-R spirit in a large SUV body.
The QX80 R-Spec receives an aggressive aerodynamic package with an ARP front splitter, paired with hexagonal fog lights reminiscent of the Nissan GT-R. The Midnight Purple wrap – the iconic color of the GT-R R34/R35 – provides instant recognition under various lighting conditions.
The 24-inch multi-spoke bronze wheels, inspired by the Nissan GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition, are paired with Yokohama PARADA Spec-X tires up to 315 mm wide, aiming for grip and stability commensurate with the increased power. At the rear, a redesigned diffuser incorporates a dual exhaust system with titanium blue-trimmed tailpipes – a characteristic detail often seen on high-performance GT-Rs.
VR38DETT with over 1,000 horsepower: the core of the modified version.
Instead of the 3.5L VR35DDTT twin-turbo V6 engine in the commercial QX80, the R-Spec version is swapped for a 3.8L VR38DETT twin-turbo V6, hand-assembled to Nissan GT-R's Takumi standard. Building on this platform, Infiniti makes significant upgrades to the turbocharging, fuel delivery, and control systems to achieve a power output exceeding 1,000 horsepower.
The upgrade list includes Garrett G-series turbochargers, intercoolers, ETS exhaust manifolds, Fuel Lab fuel pump, JE pistons, Boostline connecting rods, and ARP connecting bolts. MOTEC's engine control unit manages performance, synchronizing the new hardware to sustainably harness the increased power.
The choice of the VR38DETT has both technical and symbolic significance: this is the engine that has built the GT-R's reputation for decades, distinguished by its handcrafted build quality and significant upgrade potential. On the QX80 R-Spec, it transforms the over 2-ton SUV into a "performance laboratory" on a large chassis.
Chassis, brakes, and tires: the foundation for performance.
To accommodate the increased power, the braking system on the QX80 R-Spec utilizes carbon ceramic discs inherited from the Nissan GT-R – a solution renowned for its heat dissipation and stability during high-intensity braking. The three-way controlled MCS coilover suspension combined with ERS springs allows for fine-tuning of compression, rebound, and preload, helping to control the vehicle's body during acceleration, cornering, and emergency braking.
The 24-inch wheels and Yokohama PARADA Spec-X 315 mm tires not only increase the contact area but also improve steering response at high speeds, supporting body stability. The entire modification focuses on creating a balance between engine power and the load-bearing capacity of the chassis components.
Infiniti QX80 R-Spec Key Specifications
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Project | Infiniti QX80 R-Spec (one-of-a-kind, a technical demonstration vehicle) |
| Foundation | Infiniti QX80 (shared with Nissan Patrol) |
| Original engine | V6 twin-turbo 3.5L VR35DDTT |
| Interchangeable motors | V6 twin-turbo 3.8L VR38DETT (manual assembly) |
| Target power | Over 1,000 horsepower |
| Turbocharger | Garrett G-series intercoolers |
| Fuel & internal machinery | Fuel Lab fuel pump, JE piston, Boostline connecting rod, ARP bolt. |
| Motor control | MOTEC |
| Exhaust/Fuel Pipe | ETS exhaust system; dual exhaust pipes with blue titanium trim. |
| Brake | The carbon ceramic brake discs are inherited from the Nissan GT-R. |
| Suspension system | MCS coil overlay with 3-way control and ERS spring. |
| Wheels & Tires | 24-inch multi-spoke wheels; Yokohama PARADA Spec-X 315 mm tires |
| Exterior color | Midnight Purple Color-Changing Wrap |
Product orientation and brand messaging
According to Tiago Castro, Vice President of Infiniti Americas, the QX80 R-Spec represents the brand's creative vision, suggesting a direction for developing high-performance SUVs that combine power and sophistication. This is a demonstration project aimed at showcasing technical capabilities and image, rather than a commercial version.
The SEMA Show 2025 and the market landscape.
The Infiniti QX80 R-Spec will debut at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. In a landscape where luxury SUVs increasingly prioritize performance, this project allows Infiniti to broaden its dialogue with tech-savvy and speed-loving customers, while also highlighting the technical and emotional connection between the QX80 and the GT-R heritage.
Conclude
The QX80 R-Spec is not just a fusion of a large SUV body and a GT-R engine, but also a comprehensive test of aerodynamics, powertrain, and chassis as its power exceeds 1,000 horsepower. With its Midnight Purple paint finish, 24-inch wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, and a 3-way tuned MCS suspension, the project recreates the performance spirit of the GT-R in a luxurious SUV configuration.
This is an iconic display product showcasing Infiniti's engineering capabilities. If this research direction continues to develop, it could lay the foundation for high-performance variants of the brand's SUVs in the future, as it aligns with strategic goals and market demands.
