Infiniti delayed the QX80 Red Sport to increase its performance capabilities.
Revised model targets under-five-second 0-60 mph acceleration.
QX80 Track Spec remains under business and engineering review.
Infiniti has postponed the launch of its upcoming QX80 Red Sport after deciding that the performance SUV requires further tweaking to compete with established European rivals. The revised development plan will delay deliveries by more than a year. The good news is that the SUV will get significant chassis, braking and design upgrades beyond the original concept.
The QX80 Red Sport was initially scheduled to reach dealerships in late 2026 with a focus on more power and appearance enhancements. Infiniti has since grown the project to deliver a more complete performance package capable of competing with high-performance luxury SUVs from Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.
According to Infiniti Americas chief Eric Ledieu, the company concluded that additional horsepower alone would not meet customer expectations in the six-figure performance SUV segment. The revised program now includes suspension tuning, upgraded braking systems, enhanced aerodynamics, an active exhaust system and more distinctive exterior styling.
The performance SUV will retain the QX80’s twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 as its foundation, but Infiniti plans to increase output well beyond 20% over the standard model’s 450 hp. Engineers are targeting a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of less than five seconds while also improving overall handling and driving dynamics.
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Exterior revisions are expected to include a redesigned front fascia and grille, wider fender flares, 24-inch wheels and aerodynamic enhancements. Infiniti also plans to differentiate the cabin from the standard QX80 with exclusive interior treatments.
Pricing is expected to sit approximately US$30,000 (CDN$42,000) above the QX80 Sport, which currently starts at US$103,945 including destination charges. Canadian pricing for the 2026 QX80 is already a jaw-dropping CDN$127,000, bringing the expected price for the Red Sport up to roughly CDN$170,000. Infiniti projects annual sales exceeding 600 units in the U.S. Based on this and knowledge of the Canadian market, we can imagine between 75 and 90 sales.
The updated launch schedule could align with the QX80’s planned mid-cycle refresh during the first half of 2028.
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The QX80 Red Sport is the first step in Infiniti’s renewed performance strategy. The company plans to grow its lineup to seven vehicles before the end of the decade, adding a new sport sedan and three additional utility vehicles. Infiniti is also evaluating Red Sport variants for future products, including the QX65 and Q50S.
Separately, Infiniti continues to assess the business case for the more extreme QX80 Track Spec concept. Earlier studies examined output approaching 700 hp using technology inspired by the Nissan GT-R, but the company says such a model would require substantially greater engineering investment and remains under review.
Source: Automotive News
