SEMA 2025 is just around the corner and the OEMs are giving early reveals to what they’re brining to the big show. Infiniti is coming out of the gate swinging with a ridiculously awesome engine swap, that we sorely hope can be a future factory option. The luxury automaker has taken its flagship full-size SUV and given it the heart of Godzilla by dropping in a GT-R engine.
The result is dubbed the Infiniti QX80 R-Spec under its hood sits a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 sourced from not just any GT-R, but a GT-R NISMO. Though, the powerplant chaos didn’t stop there. The engine has been modified thanks to a plethora of upgrades to make it capable of 1,000 horsepower according to Infiniti. 1,000 horsepower in a luxury SUV is our kind of party, so it’s easy to see why it caught our attention.
The GT-R homage doesn’t stop under the hood in this one-off SEMA build. The QX80 R-Spec also features GT-R carbon ceramic brakes fitted thanks to custom caliper adapters and rotor hats. The custom body kit was designed to reference the factory aero package found on the GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition. The 20-inch custom wheels were even cut to look similar to GT-R factory wheels. Finishing off the look is a wrap done in Midnight Purple which is one of the most sought after GT-R factory colors.
In pictures and on paper it’s an incredible piece of work. Frankly, we wish this was the route Nissan went with the Armada NISMO it revealed over the summer. If you want to see this build up close, it will be at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. There’s a slight chance it might also show up at the LA Auto Show later in November as well. If we get the chance to check this car out in person we’ll definitely let you know.
Infiniti QX80 R-Spec Gallery
Infiniti QX80 R-Spec Specifications
Powertrain
- Nissan GT-R R35 VR38 engine
- JE Pistons, Boostline Rods, ARP rod bolts
- MOTEC engine management
- ETS exhaust manifolds with Garrett G-series turbochargers
- Custom flex-fuel system with 2600-cc injectors and Fuel Lab fuel pump
- Custom intake with twin front-mount intercoolers
- Custom R35-inspired exhausts
- Custom CNC transmission adapter
- E-Locker rear differential
- CSF engine and transmission coolers
Suspension and Brakes
- Custom MCS three-way external reservoir coilovers
- Eibach ERS springs
- Relocated steering rack with custom steering shaft
- Modified bump-steer knuckles
- R35 GT-R carbon ceramic brakes with custom brake caliper adapters and rotor hats
Wheels and Tires
- 24-inch custom GT-R-inspired wheels
- Yokohama PARADA Spec-X tires, 315/35/24
Exterior
- Custom wide-body kit with functional aerodynamics
- Custom ARP front splitter
- Midnight Purple wrap