2025 Infiniti QX80 Ditches V8

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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