While Australian buyers are still waiting for Nissan’s all-new Y63 Patrol to replace the ageing VK56-powered Y62, Infiniti has dropped a bombshell ahead of SEMA 2025. The luxury brand’s American arm has unveiled the QX80 R-Spec – a skunkworks creation that swaps its family hauler DNA for the beating heart of a Nissan GT-R.
Under the bonnet sits a hand-built VR38DETT – the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 that made the R35 GT-R do insane things. Tuned by AMS Performance, it develops around 745kW (1000 hp), driving all four wheels through a reinforced version of the GT-R’s dual-clutch transmission.
The project celebrates Infiniti’s 35th anniversary and demonstrates what this new Y63 Patrol can handle when given the heart of a supercar.
Externally, the R-Spec wears a widened version of the new-generation Patrol’s body, featuring carbon fibre bumpers, vented guards and motorsport-style aerodynamic detailing.
Massive 24-inch forged wheels sit over custom suspension hardware, while a titanium exhaust system ensures it sounds as wild as it looks. Inside, the three-row layout has been replaced by a pared-back cockpit trimmed in Alcantara and aluminium, so it’s more GT-R than luxo-barge.
The Y63 Patrol – expected to debut locally sometime in 2026 – will hopefully be offered with a 369kW and 700Nm NISMO variant as seen in the Middle East.
Until then, Australians soldier on with the venerable 5.6-litre Y62 – one of the last, great V8 4×4 choices left in the country.
