Infiniti Preps Powerful QX80 'Red Sport' to Challenge Cadillac Escalade-V

The new high-performance SUV will reportedly pack around 600 horsepower and arrive next spring.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Infiniti is reportedly fast-tracking a high-powered version of its QX80 SUV, dubbed the 'Red Sport', to take on the Cadillac Escalade-V. The new model is expected to pack around 600 horsepower and arrive at U.S. dealers by next spring, featuring red brake calipers, red badging, and potentially 24-inch wheels. This will be the first step in Infiniti's plan to boost brand awareness and cement its SUVs as performance contenders, with an even more powerful track-focused QX80 concept model said to be in the works for 2028 with up to 680 hp.

Why it matters

Infiniti is looking to capitalize on the growing demand for high-performance luxury SUVs, exemplified by models like the Cadillac Escalade-V. The QX80 Red Sport will allow the brand to compete directly in this lucrative segment and potentially attract a new enthusiast customer base.

The details

The QX80 Red Sport will reportedly feature a number of performance upgrades over the standard model, including a targeted output of around 600 hp. It will also get red brake calipers, red badging, and potentially 24-inch wheels. Infiniti is aiming for an annual sales volume of just 600 units for the Red Sport, with a 10% price premium over the standard QX80.

  • The QX80 Red Sport is expected to arrive at U.S. dealers by next spring (2027).
  • Infiniti's more extreme QX80 Track Spec Concept model with up to 680 hp is planned for 2028.

The players

Infiniti

A Japanese luxury vehicle division of Nissan Motor Company.

Brian Maragno

Infiniti's product marketing director, who discussed the brand's plans for the QX80 Red Sport and other high-performance models.

Cadillac Escalade-V

A high-performance variant of Cadillac's full-size Escalade SUV, which the QX80 Red Sport will be competing against.

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What they’re saying

“Things that are noticeable but not drastic. It's what's under the hood that matters.”

— Brian Maragno, Infiniti product marketing director (Automotive News)

What’s next

Infiniti is expected to reveal more details about the QX80 Red Sport and its other high-performance SUV concepts in the coming months as the brand ramps up its efforts to challenge rivals like the Cadillac Escalade-V.

The takeaway

Infiniti's push into high-performance SUVs with models like the QX80 Red Sport and the even more extreme QX80 Track Spec Concept shows the brand's ambition to appeal to enthusiast buyers and cement its place in the lucrative luxury performance SUV segment.