Infiniti apparently decided that a hotter version of its flagship QX80 SUV needed some more time in the oven.
The full-size SUV market is also extremely competitive these days, but if you want full, heady performance there are really only a few players. There is a BMW X7 M60i Mercedes-AMG GLS63The Audi SQ7 and the Cadillac Escalade-V. Aside from going for something smaller (like the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat) or jumping into the ultra-premium segment, these are plenty of options for you. Earlier this year, Infiniti showed a special QX80 concept and reports emerged that it was working on a hot red Sport edition to take on the high-powered competition. However, according to a new automotive news According to the report, the automaker is going back to the drawing board and delaying its launch by several months.
According to that report, Infiniti said that the original plan – which was previewed by the QX80 Track Spec concept – “lacked the depth needed to credibly challenge” the competition. Perhaps this is a good reason to reconsider a bit, especially when you’re a brand that’s working to establish a clear and consistent Recognition in a sector that demands huge amounts of cash from its customers just to participate.
The Infiniti QX80 Red Sport was reportedly scheduled to arrive at dealers later this summer. That deadline has now expired, possibly by a full year. This means the production model could come out just in time for a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh of the 2028 QX80 model.
What will we get in return for waiting? Well, track spec was promised at least 600 horsepower, new suspension, better brakes and (naturally) wider fenders and other sporty bits for looks and aerodynamics. Eric Ledieu, vice president of Infinity America, said: automotive news“As we started working on the project, we are realizing that power alone is not enough. We know we have a chance at first sight when it comes to this time of product. When you’re paying six figures for a performance-based SUV of this size and scale, it needs to deliver.”
Keep in mind, the R-Spec SEMA build took the QX80 to over 1,000 horsepower… and while the production Red Sport probably won’t He Crazy, it makes you wonder just how much more powerful Infiniti’s full-size SUV could be.
For reference, the standard QX80 packs a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that produces 450 horsepower. The 600 horses that Infiniti initially promised with the track spec was already a big blow, but it definitely looks like we’re going to get a QX80 Red Sport that will get even fancier by 2028. With such power comes an even higher price (we’re talking). Well In the $100Ks), but if this report proves accurate, we could be in for a hell of a performance flagship from Infiniti.
You know how the saying goes about counting chickens, so we’ll have to wait and see. However, Ledieu is right about what it needs to smooth the landing here, so here’s hoping the extra time will produce a seriously (and seriously amazing) performance SUV.
