Infiniti Installed a GT-R Nismo Engine in a QX80 Just to Test the Outcome | Carscoops

Infiniti Installed a GT-R Nismo Engine in a QX80 Just to Test the Outcome | Carscoops

      The QX80 R-Spec boasts the engine of a GT-R Nismo and the power of a sledgehammer.

      Infiniti has developed a 1,000 hp QX80 R-Spec concept infused with GT-R DNA, featuring a twin-turbo 3.8L V6 engine derived from the GT-R Nismo. The design is completed with a widebody kit, 24-inch wheels, and carbon ceramic brakes.

      The Infiniti QX80 is equipped with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that has been "evolved" from the iconic Nissan GT-R. The QX80 R-Spec will make its debut at the SEMA Show next month, bringing the concept full circle.

      Described as an “extreme, no-holds-barred study,” the luxury SUV features a VR38DETT engine extracted from a GT-R Nismo. However, Infiniti didn’t stop at simply installing the engine.

      In fact, the 3.8-liter V6 is outfitted with bespoke turbochargers and enhanced internals. It also includes a MOTEC engine management system, ETS exhaust manifolds, and a high-performance fuel system with upgraded injectors.

      Additionally, custom intercoolers, improved engine and transmission coolers, and a distinctive exhaust inspired by the R35 have been integrated.

      As a result of these enhancements, the QX80 R-Spec generates 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS), which is 318 hp (237 kW / 322 PS) more than the Cadillac Escalade-V, providing enough power to impress even the Lamborghini Urus.

      The modifications extend beyond the engine, as the QX80 features a custom coilover suspension with Eibach ERS springs. This is complemented by altered bump-steer knuckles, a reconfigured steering rack with a custom steering shaft, and an electronic locking rear differential.

      The exterior reflects its GT-R connection, taking cues from the T-Spec Takumi Edition, adorned with a color-shifting Midnight Purple wrap. This adds a striking element to the custom wide-body kit that incorporates pronounced fender flares.

      These enhancements accommodate bronze 24-inch wheels fitted with broad Yokohama Parada Spec-X tires, supported by a carbon ceramic braking system featuring yellow calipers.

      Additional elements include a carbon fiber front splitter and new fog lights designed with honeycomb patterns. The vehicle also showcases an aggressive diffuser and an extended spoiler.

      Tiago Castro, Infiniti Americas Vice President, stated, “We challenged ourselves to explore an even more extreme direction for QX80 as we look to a future with high-performance variants that provide a wider range of adrenaline-pumping capabilities for our clients.”

      This implies that although the QX80 R-Spec may not enter production, there is potential for something similar to the 650+ hp (485 kW / 659 PS) QX80 Track Spec.

Infiniti Installed a GT-R Nismo Engine in a QX80 Just to Test the Outcome | Carscoops Infiniti Installed a GT-R Nismo Engine in a QX80 Just to Test the Outcome | Carscoops

Other articles

The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense. Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to you every weekday. In the past ten years, we've witnessed the revival of numerous car model names. As you may have observed, many of the new vehicles bear little resemblance to their namesake predecessors. Some instances are more striking than others (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Ford Maverick), but the question persists—why do manufacturers engage in this practice? As our Editor-in-Chief and video host Kyle Cheromcha details in the latest mini-documentary on The Drive’s YouTube channel, there's more to resurrecting car names than simply exploiting nostalgia for profit. The process of naming a car is highly intricate and involves numerous stakeholders. Leveraging an old name has significant appeal for automakers aiming to market their products across diverse cultures and markets. Moreover, nostalgia is indeed a powerful influence. Even if consumers are uncertain about why a name is familiar, something that sparks even a slight sense of recognition is more likely to trigger interest among potential buyers. Additionally, it allows manufacturers to ride the momentum of "Make Model Is Coming Back" headlines. More importantly, the risks associated with launching a completely new name with no established recognition are considerable. Do you remember the Acura ILX? Probably not, and neither does anyone else. In contrast, the Integra utilized the same concept (compact platform combined with luxury and an available manual transmission), and suddenly it garnered a tremendous amount of excitement. Ford has been particularly aggressive in reviving old model names. The popular Ford Maverick bears no resemblance to the Maverick from the 1970s. As for the Mustang Mach-E, would people have been nearly as enthusiastic about an electric crossover from Ford if it didn’t invoke one of the most recognizable sub-brands in the automotive world? So yes, unapologetic cash-grabbing plays a significant role. However, another major aspect is the intricate corporate environment surrounding car naming. Be sure to watch the video for a deeper exploration of the history and context behind the resurgence of these "zombie" car names. Visit The Drive’s YouTube channel for more videos like this and other automotive programming! The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense. Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to you every weekday. In the past ten years, we've witnessed the revival of numerous car model names. As you may have observed, many of the new vehicles bear little resemblance to their namesake predecessors. Some instances are more striking than others (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Ford Maverick), but the question persists—why do manufacturers engage in this practice? As our Editor-in-Chief and video host Kyle Cheromcha details in the latest mini-documentary on The Drive’s YouTube channel, there's more to resurrecting car names than simply exploiting nostalgia for profit. The process of naming a car is highly intricate and involves numerous stakeholders. Leveraging an old name has significant appeal for automakers aiming to market their products across diverse cultures and markets. Moreover, nostalgia is indeed a powerful influence. Even if consumers are uncertain about why a name is familiar, something that sparks even a slight sense of recognition is more likely to trigger interest among potential buyers. Additionally, it allows manufacturers to ride the momentum of "Make Model Is Coming Back" headlines. More importantly, the risks associated with launching a completely new name with no established recognition are considerable. Do you remember the Acura ILX? Probably not, and neither does anyone else. In contrast, the Integra utilized the same concept (compact platform combined with luxury and an available manual transmission), and suddenly it garnered a tremendous amount of excitement. Ford has been particularly aggressive in reviving old model names. The popular Ford Maverick bears no resemblance to the Maverick from the 1970s. As for the Mustang Mach-E, would people have been nearly as enthusiastic about an electric crossover from Ford if it didn’t invoke one of the most recognizable sub-brands in the automotive world? So yes, unapologetic cash-grabbing plays a significant role. However, another major aspect is the intricate corporate environment surrounding car naming. Be sure to watch the video for a deeper exploration of the history and context behind the resurgence of these "zombie" car names. Visit The Drive’s YouTube channel for more videos like this and other automotive programming! We're doubtful about this Tesla driver's account, but that's not surprising. Honda's 2027 Pilot Aims to Compete Again with the Ford Explorer | Carscoops Honda's 2027 Pilot Aims to Compete Again with the Ford Explorer | Carscoops The three-year-old SUV receives a mid-life update featuring a new grille, revised wheels, and potentially hybrid power options. Mid-life update for the three-year-old SUV introduces a new grille, updated wheels, and potentially a hybrid power option. 10 hours ago by Chris Chilton Honda is currently testing a lightly camouflaged Pilot SUV on roads in the U.S. The prototype features camo on its bumpers and a more robust grille. A first-ever hybrid powertrain is anticipated for model year 2028. Honda’s fourth-generation Pilot was launched in late 2022, making it relatively new. However, with sales declining in 2025 and criticism regarding its design and interior quality, the timing is appropriate for some enhancements. Also: New Prelude Achieves 0-62 in 7.2 Seconds with Launch Control, Yet Still Falls Short Against Civic Spy photographers have captured images of Honda’s largest SUV for the U.S. market undergoing tests, heavily disguised at the front. What’s Concealed Under the Camo? The disguise covers the front and rear bumpers but is most pronounced on the grille, which appears to be larger and more off-road oriented in the updated Pilot. Baldauf There are no modifications to the lights visible at this time, but we expect the LED light signatures to have minor changes for production, while the overall shape of the light units remains unchanged. This prototype features wheels that seem different from those available on Honda’s configurator. Looking through the windows, the interior likely showcases a larger, potentially standard digital instrument cluster across all models. The infotainment screen also seems poised for an upgrade, possibly a 12-inch or larger display, aligning it more closely with what competitors have been providing. Honda has yet to unveil its MY26 Pilot, so it is possible that we are seeing this version. However, it’s more likely that Honda will postpone these updates until MY27, introducing them in the summer or fall of 2026. What Will Power It? Regardless, we may need to wait a bit longer for the significant change heading for the Pilot: hybrid power. Currently, the SUV is available with a single engine, a 285 hp (289 PS) 3.5-liter V6 that propels either the front or all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Many competitors already offer hybrid engine options that provide better fuel efficiency. Honda has acknowledged plans to introduce a new hybrid engine by the latter part of this decade aimed at enhancing performance, economy, and towing capabilities for its larger vehicles. The Pilot certainly qualifies as one of those larger models, though it remains uncertain whether the existing Pilot will adopt hybrid power or if we will need to wait for the fifth-generation SUV. However, it seems unlikely that Honda can wait until 2028 or 2029 to electrify this model. Related: Government Investigates Honda and Acura Engine Failures Following a Spike in Complaints One expectation from the facelifted version of the current Pilot is the continued availability of the off-road-themed TrailSport variant, as buyers appear to be increasingly interested in SUVs that resemble and perform like traditional off-road vehicles. Baldauf Mid-life update for the three-year-old SUV introduces a new grille, updated wheels, and potentially a hybrid power option. 10 hours ago by Chris Chilton Honda is currently testing a lightly camouflaged Pilot SUV on roads in the U.S. The prototype features camo on its bumpers and a more robust grille. A first-ever hybrid powertrain is anticipated for model year 2028. Honda’s fourth-generation Pilot was launched in late 2022, making it relatively new. However, with sales declining in 2025 and criticism regarding its design and interior quality, the timing is appropriate for some enhancements. Also: New Prelude Achieves 0-62 in 7.2 Seconds with Launch Control, Yet Still Falls Short Against Civic Spy photographers have captured images of Honda’s largest SUV for the U.S. market undergoing tests, heavily disguised at the front. What’s Concealed Under the Camo? The disguise covers the front and rear bumpers but is most pronounced on the grille, which appears to be larger and more off-road oriented in the updated Pilot. Baldauf There are no modifications to the lights visible at this time, but we expect the LED light signatures to have minor changes for production, while the overall shape of the light units remains unchanged. This prototype features wheels that seem different from those available on Honda’s configurator. Looking through the windows, the interior likely showcases a larger, potentially standard digital instrument cluster across all models. The infotainment screen also seems poised for an upgrade, possibly a 12-inch or larger display, aligning it more closely with what competitors have been providing. Honda has yet to unveil its MY26 Pilot, so it is possible that we are seeing this version. However, it’s more likely that Honda will postpone these updates until MY27, introducing them in the summer or fall of 2026. What Will Power It? Regardless, we may need to wait a bit longer for the significant change heading for the Pilot: hybrid power. Currently, the SUV is available with a single engine, a 285 hp (289 PS) 3.5-liter V6 that propels either the front or all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Many competitors already offer hybrid engine options that provide better fuel efficiency. Honda has acknowledged plans to introduce a new hybrid engine by the latter part of this decade aimed at enhancing performance, economy, and towing capabilities for its larger vehicles. The Pilot certainly qualifies as one of those larger models, though it remains uncertain whether the existing Pilot will adopt hybrid power or if we will need to wait for the fifth-generation SUV. However, it seems unlikely that Honda can wait until 2028 or 2029 to electrify this model. Related: Government Investigates Honda and Acura Engine Failures Following a Spike in Complaints One expectation from the facelifted version of the current Pilot is the continued availability of the off-road-themed TrailSport variant, as buyers appear to be increasingly interested in SUVs that resemble and perform like traditional off-road vehicles. Baldauf Detroit automakers are facing consequences from Canada as Ottawa reduces import quotas and raises tensions over job losses across the border. Nepo Baby Allegedly Rams Officers with G-Class Following Traffic Stop | Carscoops Nepo Baby Allegedly Rams Officers with G-Class Following Traffic Stop | Carscoops The 21-year-old reportedly assaulted police while driving his Mercedes G-Wagen and is now charged with attempted murder.

Infiniti Installed a GT-R Nismo Engine in a QX80 Just to Test the Outcome | Carscoops

The QX80 R-Spec possesses the engine of a GT-R Nismo while radiating the finesse of a sledgehammer.