2025 Infiniti QX80 Ditches V8

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

Pour another one out for the eight-cylinder engine. With the configuration departing from machines like the Ram half-ton pickup truck, Dodge Charger, and comprising only a relatively slim percentage of F-150 sales, it should be no surprise it is vanishing at some other brands as well.

Following the release of a few photos showing a camouflaged variant of its upcoming QX80 for the 2025 model year, Infiniti has now dropped details about its powertrain. At this rate there will be little left to learn when the thing is officially unveiled later this month. Nevertheless, the brand has announced its revamped halo SUV will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine good for 450 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. 


Despite being on the receiving end of a two-cylinder lobotomy, those are increases of 50 horsepower and 102 lb-ft versus the current generation truck. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed – or someone finally locked the guy responsible for CVTs in a bathroom at Infiniti HQ – and a nine-speed automatic will be the transmission of choice. As is typical these days, the likes of active grille shutters will conspire to eke the best fuel economy possible out of this rig.


A newly available electronic air suspension and other technologies work together in an effort to adapt the SUV to a myriad of driving situations. Infiniti says the system is capable of constantly evaluating the vehicle's motions to reduce body motion, making for a better driving experience and more comfortable ride for the passengers. When parked, the air suspension can lower the QX80 in a bid to make it easier to load gear or simply clamber aboard the thing.


The new 2025 Infiniti QX80 will be revealed on March 20 via a livestream, followed by a display at the New York International Auto Show later in the month. We’ll have boots on the ground in the Big Apple, so stay tuned for images from the floor.


[Image: Infiniti]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

More by Matthew Guy

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  • The Oracle The Oracle on Mar 06, 2024

    The TT 3.5L is going to have an extremely impressive torque curve.

  • Mike Mike on Mar 07, 2024

    Bad move.

    A v6 for qx80 sales , will do about the same as it for the expedition.

    Expedition and Navigator sales are about a 1 to 3 1 to 4 ratio depending on quarter, compared to the 6 GM models.

    Why dont manufacturers offer a v8 engine upgrade option? Let the marketplace decide, and pay up.

    The new tundra comes to mind....

  • Aaron Recently cross shopped both cars. Decided to go with the civic sport. Like the non direct injection 2.0 engine (no long term carbon buildup) and preferred the Hondas transmission over the Toyotas. The civic interior seems much nicer and roomier. Also Honda had many more civics available to choose from vs Toyota. Got almost 2k off sticker. Felt it was the better deal overall. Toyota was not budging on price.
  • FreedMike Not my favorite car design, but that blue color is outstanding.
  • Lorenzo Car racing is dying, and with it my interest. Midget/micro racing was my last interest in car racing, and now sanctioning body bureaucrats are killing it off too. The more organized it is, the less interesting it becomes.
  • Lorenzo Soon, the rental car lots will be filled with Kia's as far as the eye can see!
  • Lorenzo You can't sell an old man's car to a young man, but you CAN sell a young man's car to an old man (pardon the sexism, it's not my quote).Solution: Young man styling, but old man amenities, hidden if necessary, like easier entry/exit (young men gradually turn into old men, and will appreciate them).
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