The Infiniti QX80 Monograph that made its debut at the New York Auto Show showed everybody an entirely new look for the company’s large SUV (2018 Infiniti QX80) that is due to enter production sometime later this year. The only thing that will be the same (old) is its architecture and powertrain, at least according to Roland Krueger, Nissan senior vice president and head of the Infiniti Motor Company.
Engine and transmission
This news means that you will have to make due with the 5.6 L V8 engine from the current model that was capable of producing 400 HP and 413 lb-ft of torque attached to a seven-speed automatic transmission and the same old underpinnings that draw roots from 2011. Kruger stated that “It will be the same powertrain,” and hinted that there is a possibility of a somewhat smaller powertrain, which could easily be a turbocharged V6. That same old platform is a body-on-frame type one that is used by the Nissan Patrol, and it will still be capable of towing 8.500 pounds with a self-leveling rear suspension to cope with the added load. As a bonus, you will have an optional body motion control system.
The lack of changes Kruger justified by saying for the QX80 that “It is a very successful car and very successful architecture and it fits right into the market. When you look at powertrain, capacity for seven seats, it fits right in.” Although the competition, like Ford with their new Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, Chevy with its Tahoe and Suburban and Mercedes-Benz with the second-generation GL-Class, is making a lot of changes to the vehicle powertrains and architecture, Infiniti is definitely hanging to the same old thing that apparently is good enough for them.
Exterior and Interior of 2018 Infiniti QX80
The changes that the 2018 Infiniti QX80 will bring include receiving an entirely new look inside and out which is based on the Monograph concept. That new design approach, according to computeraideddesignguide.com, was probably planned and drafted with the latest CAD software and similar tools, and will be a continuation of the evolution crafted under Nissan creative officer Shiro Nakamura and Infiniti design chief Alfonso Albaisa. As you can see, the concept features double-arched grille that is now bigger with a more elaborate mesh. The overall appearance is a lot more aggressive and sharp with some sleek details like pop-out door handles, and the headlamps that still continue the “human eye” look which Infiniti made its signature.
The Monograph concept is more of an exterior design look experiment, but Krueger reassured everyone that the 2018 Infiniti QX80 would also have an updated and upgraded interior as well. Kruger did not go into much detail when the cabin is concerned, but what he did add is that the pure electric vehicle for Infiniti is in the works as well, but it is way too soon for any details now. As you know, Japanese luxury brand has a lot of hybrid vehicles so far in its lineup, but this will be the first time that they are floating into pure EV segment.
2018 Infiniti QX80 Release date and Price
Like you already read in our article it has been officially confirmed that the QX80 Monograph Concept was a preview vehicle for new QX80 SUV. Not in all and every aspect, but at least we know that Infiniti’s latest SUV will undergo some changes. Information that remains unknown to us are the price and release date of 2018 Infiniti QX80. Not much can be said at this moment about these two things, but at least we are aware that the production of this model will start in late 2017. This date means that we are going to see the new SUV during this year. One of the strongest opinions in automotive industry suggests that there could be a 2017 Los Angles Auto Show presentation of this one. The price remains a complete unknown, but we are confident that it will go north compared to the current MSRP of $66,000 for 2017 MY.
