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....

  • Teddyc73 As I asked earlier under another article, when did "segment" or "class" become "space"? Does using that term make one feel more sophisticated? If GM's products in other segments...I mean "space" is more profitable then sedans then why shouldn't they discontinue it.
  • Robert Absolutely!!! I hate SUV's , I like the better gas milage and better ride and better handling!! Can't take a SUV 55mph into a highway exit ramp! I can in my Malibu and there's more than enough room for 5 and trunk is plenty big enough for me!
  • Teddyc73 Since when did automakers or car companies become "OEM". Probably about the same time "segment" or "class" became "space". I wish there were more sedans. I would like an American sedan. However, as others have stated, if they don't sell in large enough quantities to be profitable the automakers...I mean, "OEMs" aren't going to build them. It's simple business.
  • Varezhka I have still yet to see a Malibu on the road that didn't have a rental sticker. So yeah, GM probably lost money on every one they sold but kept it to boost their CAFE numbers.I'm personally happy that I no longer have to dread being "upgraded" to a Maxima or a Malibu anymore. And thankfully Altima is also on its way out.
  • Tassos Under incompetent, affirmative action hire Mary Barra, GM has been shooting itself in the foot on a daily basis.Whether the Malibu cancellation has been one of these shootings is NOT obvious at all.GM should be run as a PROFITABLE BUSINESS and NOT as an outfit that satisfies everybody and his mother in law's pet preferences.IF the Malibu was UNPROFITABLE, it SHOULD be canceled.More generally, if its SEGMENT is Unprofitable, and HALF the makers cancel their midsize sedans, not only will it lead to the SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST ones, but the survivors will obviously be more profitable if the LOSERS were kept being produced and the SMALL PIE of midsize sedans would yield slim pickings for every participant.SO NO, I APPROVE of the demise of the unprofitable Malibu, and hope Nissan does the same to the Altima, Hyundai with the SOnata, Mazda with the Mazda 6, and as many others as it takes to make the REMAINING players, like the Excellent, sporty Accord and the Bulletproof Reliable, cheap to maintain CAMRY, more profitable and affordable.
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