Infiniti is creating a QX80 powered by the GT-R—though it’s likely to be a one-off model.

      Infiniti

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      When it comes to automakers you’d anticipate at SEMA, Infiniti isn't among the first on the list. Sure, during the peak of the G35’s popularity, it wouldn't have been surprising; back then, Infiniti had the flair to compete with the BMW 3 Series, considering the G35 was effectively a Skyline and therefore resonated with the tuning community. However, today's Infiniti represents a different brand identity, which is why I didn’t foresee this QX80 sporting a GT-R badge. We’ll get a comprehensive look at it on October 27, and the teaser released by the company doesn't leave much to the imagination.

      “Infiniti returns to SEMA with a striking combination of power and sophistication—more robust, refined, and poised to attract attention,” it states. “The brand’s leading SUV is reimagining luxury performance from the ground up. Let's just say: there's a legend beneath the hood.”

      A legend beneath the hood, is it? With the iconic “R” on the tailgate and the “Spec” aspect echoing the V-Spec typeface, we can reasonably anticipate that the QX80 is going to be equipped with the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine from a GT-R, naturally following the legacy of the legendary Juke R.

      The difference with the Juke R was that the Juke was compact, so all that horsepower within a short wheelbase, combined with the significantly flared arches, was entertaining. In contrast, the QX80 is already a rather substantial vehicle. I’ll venture to say that most production engines could probably fit within its engine bay.

      Infiniti

      So, the QX80 R-spec won't benefit from that size incongruity. However, it could look striking with its Midnight Purple paint, which the teaser hints at.

      If Infiniti were to consider this for production—which it probably won't, since the announcement clearly labels this as a “build”—then we’d be more intrigued. But the Nissan Armada Nismo essentially reveals the blueprint for the most exhilarating SUV the company is currently prepared to sell. Unfortunately. At the very least, the QX80 R-Spec will serve as a template for tuners. Keep an eye out for it this coming Monday, ahead of SEMA, which starts on November 4.

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