Infiniti Puts QX80 Red Sport on Hold, Promises a Meaner Beast by 2028

Infiniti is pressing pause on its hotly anticipated QX80 Red Sport, delaying the high-performance SUV until at least 2028. Originally slated to hit showrooms this summer, the big rig is getting a major rethink after Infiniti decided raw horsepower alone wouldn't cut it. The company now plans to roll the Red Sport into the QX80's mid-cycle refresh, giving engineers more time to dial in suspension, brakes, and styling that match the promised 600-horsepower punch.

According to Automotive News, the shift came after Infiniti's leadership realized a simple power bump wasn't enough for a six-figure performance SUV. 1 seconds. The Red Sport aims to shave that down to under five seconds, a serious leap. Engineers are also adding a retuned suspension, stronger brakes, wider fenders, an active exhaust, and 24-inch wheels.

The exterior gets a new grille, reworked lower fascia, and aerodynamic touches borrowed from the Track Spec concept.

The bigger question is what happens to the Track Spec, which was supposed to push nearly 700 horsepower. With the Red Sport now absorbing many of its upgrades, the Track Spec's future looks shaky. Infiniti may decide the R&D cost isn't worth it, leaving the Red Sport as the sole performance variant.

Pricing is expected to land around $30,000 above the QX80 Sport's $104,140 starting point, with annual sales targets of over 600 units. We've reached out to Infiniti for official comment and will update when we hear back.