Infiniti Delays QX80 Red Sport to Boost Performance
Infiniti delays QX80 Red Sport to 2028 to add more performance features, including a retuned suspension, stronger brakes, and wider fenders.
Key Takeaways
- Infiniti delays QX80 Red Sport to 2028 to add more performance features.
- The QX80 Red Sport will have a retuned suspension, stronger brakes, and wider fenders.
- The SUV will also get more aggressive styling, including a new grille and aerodynamic doodads.
- The QX80 Red Sport is expected to cost around $30,000 more than the QX80 Sport.
- Infiniti is aiming for annual sales of over 600 units.
What’s Behind the Delay?
Infiniti has delayed the QX80 Red Sport to 2028 to add more performance features, including a retuned suspension, stronger brakes, and wider fenders. According to Eric Ledieu, vice president of Infiniti Americas, “As we have started to work on the project, we’re realizing that power alone is not sufficient.” The company wants the SUV to sprint to 60 mph in under five seconds, which would represent a significant improvement over the 6.1-second dash recorded in an all-wheel-drive QX80 Autograph.
Performance Upgrades
The QX80 Red Sport will have a significant power increase, with the company aiming for a 20 percent boost over the current 450-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. The SUV will also get a new active exhaust system, 24-inch wheels, and changes to the cabin to elevate it above the regular QX80.
Design Changes
The exterior design will be revised with a more aggressive look, including a new grille, a reworked lower front fascia, wide fender flares, and aerodynamic doodads. The changes are similar to the proposed upgrades for the QX80 Track Spec.
Price and Sales
The QX80 Red Sport is expected to cost around $30,000 more than the QX80 Sport, which currently starts at $104,140. Infiniti is aiming for annual sales of over 600 units.
Impact on the Track Spec
The delay and changes to the QX80 Red Sport have put the production version of the Track Spec in question. Originally intended to make close to 700 horsepower, the Track Spec would require notable changes to the powertrain and may not end up being worth the R&D investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Infiniti QX80 Red Sport?
The Infiniti QX80 Red Sport is a performance-focused version of the QX80 SUV, expected to have a retuned suspension, stronger brakes, and wider fenders.
Q: Why was the QX80 Red Sport delayed?
The QX80 Red Sport was delayed to add more performance features and to ensure that the SUV meets Infiniti’s expectations.
Q: How much will the QX80 Red Sport cost?
The QX80 Red Sport is expected to cost around $30,000 more than the QX80 Sport, which currently starts at $104,140.
