Infiniti Delays Its 600-HP SUV to Create a More Complete AMG Rival

Key Takeaways

• Infiniti is delaying the QX80 Red Sport to focus on performance upgrades beyond just horsepower.
• The revised project includes comprehensive suspension tuning, stronger brakes, and a more aggressive aerodynamic package.
• Infiniti is targeting a 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds.
• The QX80 Red Sport is expected to arrive alongside the SUV’s mid-cycle refresh during the first half of 2028.
• Pricing should land roughly $30,000 above today’s QX80 Sport, putting it firmly into six-figure territory.

What’s Behind the Delay?

Infiniti is hitting the reset button on its most ambitious performance model in years. Rather than rush the QX80 Red Sport into showrooms with a bigger engine tune and some cosmetic tweaks, the luxury brand has decided to delay the SUV by more than a year while it transforms it into something capable of genuinely challenging rivals from Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.

According to Autonews, the Red Sport had originally been slated to arrive this December with roughly 600 hp (447 kW), quicker acceleration, and a more aggressive appearance. As development progressed, though, Infiniti concluded that simply adding horsepower wasn’t enough to justify a six-figure sticker or convince enthusiasts to take it seriously.

More Than Just Muscle

Instead of focusing primarily on straight-line speed, the revised project now includes comprehensive suspension tuning, stronger brakes, a more aggressive aerodynamic package, an active exhaust system, and a significantly reworked cabin. Ledieu also said buyers shouldn’t expect it to resemble the current QX80, promising a redesigned front fascia, wider fender flares, and massive 24-inch wheels.

Under the hood, the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 will receive a substantial bump over the standard QX80’s 450 hp (336 kW). Ledieu said the increase will be “much more” than 20 percent, suggesting output could easily exceed the previously reported 600 hp (447 kW).

How Does It Compare?

The delay makes sense once you drive the current QX80 Sport and its close relative, the Armada NISMO, both of which leave plenty to be desired once the road starts to bend. They have the power and the visual attitude, but neither feels particularly eager or composed from behind the wheel. Adding another 150 or so horsepower to that recipe would’ve made for an entertaining highway bruiser, but probably not much more.

Is the Wilder One Dead Yet?

Infiniti has also been weighing an even wilder QX80 Track Spec, though the project hasn’t cleared internal review. Early concepts reportedly chased outputs near 700 hp, possibly leaning on Nissan GT-R engineering of the sort shown off by the QX80 R-Spec show vehicle. Building it, Infiniti says, would demand far deeper powertrain changes and a much bigger spend before any of it reaches production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the expected release date of the Infiniti QX80 Red Sport?

The QX80 Red Sport is expected to arrive alongside the SUV’s mid-cycle refresh during the first half of 2028.

Q: How much power will the QX80 Red Sport have?

The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 will receive a substantial bump over the standard QX80’s 450 hp (336 kW), with output expected to exceed 600 hp (447 kW).

Q: What other upgrades will the QX80 Red Sport receive?

The revised project includes comprehensive suspension tuning, stronger brakes, a more aggressive aerodynamic package, an active exhaust system, and a significantly reworked cabin.