After a single teaser, Infiniti has unveiled the QX80 R-Spec. It is a SEMA show vehicle designed to look and feel like the iconic Nissan GT-R. It even has a boosted GT-R six-pot under the hood, but won’t ever reach the mass market.
The 3.8-liter VR38DETT V6 that powered the GT-R lineup could produce up to 720 PS (710 hp / 530 kW) depending on the modification. Its most powerful version could be found in the GT-R50 limited edition co-developed with ItalDesign.
The SUV seen here takes matters to new extremes with a custom exhaust manifold, new pistons, Garrett turbos, an enhanced fuel system and a new ECU. As a result, it churns out a steady 1,014 PS (1,000 hp / 747 kW). The company claims that improved cooling for the block and the transmission allow it to be a fully functional race car and not just a podium queen, which is always good to hear as far as we are concerned.
Chassis mods included special steering knuckles and a new steering shaft, as well as Eibach suspension springs. 24-inch wheels were put into the arches along with carbon-ceramic brakes sourced from the latest GT-R.
A new body kit with bespoke bumpers and fender flares, pixelated LED anti-fog lights and a Midnight Purple wrap rounded off the build. According to Nissan, the result is primarily supposed to remind us of the GT-R R35 T-Spec Takumi Edition.
It won’t go on sale, but the QX80 R-Spec was a “creative experience” for the company, which is currently considering various options for developing its upper model range. In practice, this means we may find similar styling implemented in more Nissan cars in the future.
