Infiniti has disclosed some specifications of its next-generation QX80 SUV shortly ahead of its official premiere. It is now official that the 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 will make room for a turbocharged V6. There are some new interior shots, too.
Starting with the powertrain, the company says it’s an all-new 3.5-liter turbo V6 known as the VR35DDT. Judging by this alphanumeric index, the engine should be technically close to those used in the latest Nissan Z and GT-R generations.
Officially rated at 450 PS (444 hp / 331 kW) and 698 Nm (515 lb-ft), it surpasses its non-turbo predecessor by 50 PS (49 hp / 37 kW) and 138 Nm (102 lb-ft). A nine-speed automatic transmission is tasked with carrying the momentum to all four wheels. Infiniti says that gearbox tweaks let the new generation accelerate faster and save more fuel at higher speeds than before.
From the engineering perspective, the new QX80 features a 25% stiffer body with a number of active aerodynamic parts, such as active grille louvers. It also benefits from air-ride suspension in all versions, which can be set up to lower the body automatically when parked.
At this point, these images previewing a camouflaged prototype are all we have. Even so the video should give you a clear idea about the individual design details and the overall body shape of the SUV. For one thing, the lighting at both ends looks completely different from before, and the c-pillars no longer have their signature crease. The overall impression is that of a more understated design. The interior is barely shown, but the video does provide a glimpse of a dual-spoke steering wheel and large displays.
The online premiere remains scheduled for March 20, 2024. The new QX80 will make a live debut a week after that, during the New York International Auto Show.