Infiniti QX80 R-Spec: 1,000 horsepower from the GT-R

Infiniti has unveiled the QX80 R-Spec, a one-off version of its flagship full-size SUV that swaps the 3.8L VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 from the Nissan GT-R and tweaks it to produce over 1,000 horsepower. The engineering demonstration project will be on display at the 2025 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and has no plans for mass production.

The QX80 shares its platform with the Nissan Patrol and competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, and Lexus LX. In the R-Spec, Infiniti focuses on performance and aerodynamics, while also recalling the GT-R heritage through its design language and key technical details.

GT-R spirit in a full-size SUV body

The QX80 R-Spec gets an aggressive aerodynamic package with an ARP front splitter, paired with hexagonal fog lamps reminiscent of the Nissan GT-R. The Midnight Purple color-changing wrap – the iconic color of the GT-R R34/R35 – creates instant recognition under a variety of lighting conditions.

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The 24-inch bronze multi-spoke wheels mimic the style of the Nissan GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition, with Yokohama PARADA Spec-X tires up to 315 mm wide, aiming for grip and stability commensurate with the new power. At the rear, the redesigned diffuser combines a dual exhaust system with titanium-blue-edged exhaust outlets - a characteristic detail often found on high-performance GT-Rs.

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VR38DETT over 1,000 horsepower: the core of the build

Instead of the 3.5L VR35DDTT twin-turbo V6 engine on the commercial QX80, the R-Spec version is swapped for a 3.8L VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 hand-assembled to the Nissan GT-R's Takumi standard. On this platform, Infiniti deeply upgraded the turbocharger, fuel and control system to reach a power threshold exceeding 1,000 horsepower.

The upgrade list includes a Garrett G-series turbocharger, intercooler, ETS exhaust manifold, Fuel Lab fuel pump, JE pistons, Boostline crankshafts, and ARP fasteners. A MOTEC engine control unit handles performance management, helping to synchronize the new hardware to ensure consistent power delivery.

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The choice of the VR38DETT is both technical and symbolic: it’s the engine that has defined the GT-R for decades, with its hand-built quality and vast upgrade potential. In the QX80 R-Spec, it transforms the 2-ton SUV into a performance laboratory on a large chassis.

Chassis, brakes and tires: the foundation for performance

To match the increased power, the braking system on the QX80 R-Spec uses carbon ceramic discs inherited from the Nissan GT-R - a solution famous for its heat dissipation and stability under high-intensity braking. The MCS 3-way control coilover suspension combined with ERS springs allows for fine-tuning of compression, rebound and preload, helping to control the body during acceleration, cornering and hard braking.

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The 24-inch wheels and 315mm Yokohama PARADA Spec-X tires not only increase the contact area but also improve steering response at high speeds, supporting body stability. All modifications focus on creating a balance between engine power and chassis load-bearing capacity.

Key Specifications Infiniti QX80 R-Spec

Category	Information
Project	Infiniti QX80 R-Spec (one-off, technical demonstration)
Foundation	Infiniti QX80 (shared with Nissan Patrol)
Original engine	V6 twin-turbo 3.5L VR35DDTT
Engine swap	V6 twin-turbo 3.8L VR38DETT (hand-built)
Target power	Over 1,000 horsepower
Turbocharger system	Garrett G-series intercooler
Fuel & internal machine	Fuel Lab fuel pump, JE piston, Boostline crankshaft, ARP screws
Engine control	MOTEC
Exhaust pipe	ETS exhaust system; dual exhaust pipes with titanium blue rim
Brake	Carbon ceramic disc inherited from Nissan GT-R
Suspension system	MCS 3-way control coilover, ERS spring
Rims & 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 space, suggesting a direction for the development of high-performance SUVs that combine power and sophistication. This is a demonstration project to affirm technical capabilities and image, rather than a commercial version.

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SEMA Show 2025 and the Market Landscape

The Infiniti QX80 R-Spec will debut at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. As luxury SUVs become increasingly performance-oriented, this project helps Infiniti expand its dialogue with a customer base that loves technology and speed, while also emphasizing the technical-emotional connection between the QX80 and the GT-R heritage.

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Conclude

The QX80 R-Spec is not only a pairing of a large SUV body with the heart of a GT-R, but also a comprehensive test of aerodynamics, transmission and chassis when power exceeds the 1,000 horsepower mark. With Midnight Purple paint, 24-inch wheels, carbon ceramic brakes and 3-way tuned MCS suspension, the project recreates the performance spirit of the GT-R in a luxury SUV configuration.

This is a showcase product that symbolizes Infiniti's engineering capabilities. If this research direction continues, it could lay the foundation for high-performance variants of the company's SUV line in the future, when appropriate to the strategy and market demand.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/infiniti-qx80-r-spec-suc-manh-1000-ma-luc-tu-gt-r-10309538.html