INFINITI QX80 R-Spec Debuts at SEMA with 1,000-Horsepower GT-R Engine

• 1,000-hp GT-R-sourced 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 with custom Garrett turbochargers

• Nissan GT-R carbon ceramic brakes with custom adapters and MCS coilover suspension

• Midnight Purple wrap and GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition design inspiration

INFINITI revealed the QX80 R-Spec build at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, transforming its flagship luxury SUV into a performance-focused concept powered by a modified Nissan GT-R engine capable of producing 1,000 horsepower. The project vehicle demonstrates the engineering relationship between INFINITI’s production V6 and the GT-R’s VR38DETT powerplant.

The R-Spec is not available for purchase and serves as a showcase for potential high-performance variants of the QX80 lineup.

Modified VR38DETT Engine Produces 1,000 Horsepower

The QX80 R-Spec uses a GT-R-sourced 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 that has received extensive modifications. Custom Garrett G-series turbochargers, front-mount intercoolers, ETS exhaust manifolds, and an upgraded fuel system with 2,600-cc injectors enable the engine to reach the 1,000-horsepower target. The build runs MOTEC engine management and includes JE pistons, Boostline connecting rods, and ARP rod bolts.

A custom transmission adapter connects the VR38 to the QX80’s drivetrain, which includes an electronic-locking rear differential and CSF engine and transmission coolers.

The R-Spec’s VR38DETT differs from the production QX80’s powerplant. The 2026 QX80 uses a VR35DDTT 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 rated at 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While INFINITI notes the production engine incorporates engineering innovations from the GT-R programme, the R-Spec concept uses the GT-R’s actual 3.8-litre VR38DETT engine, modified to produce more than double the production model’s output.

According to Tiago Castro, vice president of INFINITI Americas: “With the QX80 R-Spec build, we challenged ourselves to explore an even more extreme direction for QX80 as we look to a future with high-performance variants that offer a broader breadth of adrenaline-pumping capabilities for our clients.”

GT-R Carbon Ceramic Brakes and Custom Suspension

The R-Spec uses Nissan GT-R carbon ceramic brakes fitted with custom caliper adapters and rotor hats to accommodate the QX80’s wheel bolt pattern and suspension geometry. The suspension system features MCS three-way external reservoir coilovers with Eibach ERS springs, along with a relocated steering rack, custom steering shaft, and modified bump-steer knuckles.

The vehicle rides on 24-inch custom wheels designed to resemble GT-R wheels, finished in bronze and measuring 12 inches wide. Yokohama PARADA Spec-X tires in 315/35/24 sizing provide increased contact patch area.

Midnight Purple Wrap and GT-R T-Spec Design Elements

The QX80 R-Spec wears a colour-shifting Midnight Purple wrap that references the iconic shade used on R34 and R35 GT-R generations. Visual modifications include a custom wide-body kit with functional aerodynamics, a custom ARP front splitter, restyled exhaust finishers, diffusers, fog lights, and badges inspired by the GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition.

The design changes emphasize the connection between the R-Spec and GT-R while maintaining the QX80’s luxury SUV proportions.