Infiniti's plans for a couple of high-performance QX80s have hit a snag.
Earlier this year, the Japanese automaker announced it intends to jump into the performance SUV space with the QX80 Red Sport, a 600-horsepower variant set to do battle with BMW M and Mercedes-AMG's sport-utes.
Turns out, Infiniti doesn't think that's hardcore enough. Speaking with Automotive News, Infiniti Americas head honcho Eric Ledieu says "it needs to deliver," so they've gone back to the drawing board with a shopping list.
"As we have started to work on the project, we're realizing that power alone is not sufficient," Ledieu said. "We know we have one chance at a first impression when it comes to this type of product. When you're paying six figures for a performance-based SUV of this size and scale, it needs to deliver."
The original scope of the QX80 Red Sport project called for a bump to 600 horsepower and cosmetic upgrades, but now, Nissan's NISMO division — which is spearheading the development — is looking at suspension and chassis upgrades, beefed-up brakes, and a wilder look.
However, this expanded scope comes at the expense of time. The QX80 Red Sport was initially expected in dealers by the end of this year, but now, a 2028 model-year launch is looking more likely.