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2028 Infiniti QX80 Red Sport Delayed for More Power

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Infiniti has delayed the highly anticipated QX80 Red Sport until 2028 as engineers work to deliver more power, sharper handling, and a true high-performance luxury SUV experience.

The upcoming Infiniti QX80 Red Sport won’t arrive as originally planned. Instead, Infiniti has postponed the high-performance luxury SUV to 2028 to further improve its power, chassis, and overall driving dynamics before it reaches dealerships.

The performance-oriented version of the Infiniti QX80 was initially expected to debut this year, but the automaker has decided to take additional time to refine the project. Rather than focusing primarily on increased horsepower, engineers are now working on a more comprehensive performance package that includes suspension, braking, and aerodynamic improvements.

Infiniti QX80 Track Spec Concept

Infiniti Wants More Than Just Extra Horsepower

According to company executives, simply adding power wasn’t enough for a flagship SUV expected to compete with the segment’s top performance models.

The current QX80 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 450 horsepower. Infiniti reportedly aims to increase output by well over 20 percent, bringing the SUV close to the 600-horsepower mark while also targeting a 0-60 mph time below five seconds.

Beyond the engine upgrades, the new Red Sport is expected to receive a revised suspension, larger brakes, an active exhaust system, and improved handling characteristics designed to match its increased performance.

Infiniti QX80

Aggressive Styling Will Match the Performance

The upcoming 2028 Infiniti QX80 Red Sport is also expected to feature a much more aggressive appearance than originally planned.

Expected design changes include a redesigned grille, a new lower front fascia, wider fender flares, aerodynamic enhancements, exclusive 24-inch wheels, and a sportier interior with unique trim and premium finishes. These upgrades are intended to better justify its expected six-figure price tag.

Executives believe buyers in this segment expect far more than straight-line speed, making driving dynamics and overall refinement equally important priorities.

Infiniti QX80 Interior

Track Spec Future Remains Uncertain

The delay of the 2028 Infiniti QX80 Red Sport also raises questions about the future of the previously revealed QX80 Track Spec Concept.

Originally envisioned as an even more extreme performance SUV producing nearly 700 horsepower, the Track Spec may never reach production as Infiniti reevaluates the development costs required for such a specialized model. Instead, the enhanced Red Sport could become the brand’s flagship high-performance SUV, combining luxury, technology, and significantly improved performance in a single package.

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Ford’s Off-Road Mustang Could Still Happen

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Ford may still be developing a rugged Mustang called “Baja,” potentially turning the pony car into an all-terrain performance machine.

Ford may not be finished expanding the Mustang lineup.

A new report suggests the automaker has shown dealers an off-road Mustang known as “Baja”, reviving rumors of a rugged version of the pony car.

An Off-Road Mustang Has Been Rumored Before

This isn’t the first time Ford has considered an all-terrain Mustang.

Rumors of a Mustang Raptor surfaced as early as 2023, with the model once expected to arrive around 2026.

Ford may still be considering an off-road Mustang known internally as Baja.

The Baja name was reportedly shown to dealers during a private meeting in 2024.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has also publicly expressed interest in an off-road performance vehicle, while the company continues to gain experience with the Raptor T1+ in the Dakar Rally.

A V8 and All-Wheel Drive Could Be the Formula

There are no confirmed specifications yet, but an off-road Mustang would likely need a very different setup from the standard car.

A V8 engine and all-wheel drive would make sense for the concept, potentially paired with larger all-terrain tires and a suspension designed for rough terrain.

An off-road Mustang could borrow technology from Ford’s Raptor trucks and SUVs.

Ford could also use Fox Live Valve dampers, similar to the technology found on the F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor.

The most extreme possibility would be the 795-hp supercharged 5.2-liter V8 currently associated with the Dark Horse SC, although Ford has not confirmed that engine for any Baja model.

Mustang Baja Could Arrive This Decade

The Mustang is expected to receive another major redesign before the end of the decade.

That could create an opportunity for Ford to finally introduce an off-road version as part of the next generation.

Ford’s Dakar program and Raptor expertise could influence a future Mustang Baja.

For now, details remain limited, and Ford has not officially announced the project.

But the repeated reports, dealer discussions, and Ford’s growing interest in off-road performance suggest the idea has not disappeared.

The Ford Mustang Baja could therefore become one of the most unusual Mustangs ever built if Ford decides to take the project from the drawing board to production.

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Lexus IS Gets One Last Special Edition for 2027

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The aging Lexus IS returns for another model year with a limited Special Appearance Package, but its 311-hp V6 remains unchanged.

The Lexus IS refuses to disappear.

Now in its third generation for more than a decade, the sports sedan returns for 2027 with a new Special Appearance Package designed to give the aging model another dose of style.

Only 350 examples will be sold in the United States.

New Green Special Edition

The special model is based on the IS 350 F Sport and features a new Envious green exterior color.

Lexus carries the color into the cabin with green stitching on the NuLuxe seats.

The 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package introduces Envious green paint and matching interior accents.

The package also includes 19-inch forged BBS wheels and the Handling Package as standard.

That brings adaptive suspension and multiple drive modes.

Rear-wheel-drive models also receive a Torsen limited-slip differential.

More Technology, Same Engine

Lexus adds its Technology Package to the limited-run IS.

That includes Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert.

The limited IS also gets additional driver-assistance technology as part of its standard equipment.

Other available features include a moonroof, power rear sunshade, Mark Levinson audio system, and triple-beam LED headlights.

Despite the visual and equipment upgrades, Lexus has made no changes to the powertrain.

The IS 350 continues with its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

No V8 Return, and Production Is Limited

Power reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

All-wheel-drive models use a six-speed automatic.

The IS 350 keeps its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 for 2027.

Lexus will build just 350 Special Appearance Package cars for the U.S.

Pricing will be announced closer to the model’s arrival at dealerships later this year.

The IS has received a Special Edition or Special Appearance Package for several years, allowing Lexus to keep its long-running sports sedan relevant without introducing major mechanical changes.

For the 2027 Lexus IS, the formula remains simple: a limited exterior treatment, more equipment, and the same V6 underneath.

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Bentley Turns Its First Crewe Car Into a One-Off Continental GT

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Mulliner has created a unique Continental GT Azure inspired by the 1946 Mark VI to celebrate 80 years of Bentley production at Crewe.

Bentley is celebrating 80 years of production at its Crewe factory with a one-off Continental GT Azure inspired by the first car ever built there.

The special project was created by Mulliner and takes inspiration directly from the 1946 Bentley Mark VI.

A Modern Tribute to the 1946 Mark VI

The original Mark VI was the first Bentley produced at Crewe.

For the anniversary car, Mulliner recreated its distinctive green-and-black color combination using Barnato Green for the body and Mulliner Black for the roof.

The one-off Continental GT Azure recreates the two-tone colors of Bentley’s first Crewe-built car.

The modern details include 22-inch wheels, black brake calipers, Azure trim, and a carbon-fiber styling package.

The idea is to combine Bentley’s historic design language with the technology and hardware of the current Continental GT.

The Cabin Gets Its Own Heritage Treatment

Inside, the anniversary Continental GT uses Cricket Ball red leather with Beluga accents.

Mulliner also added diamond quilting, embroidered details, and burr walnut trim inspired by the dashboard of the original Mark VI.

The cabin combines modern Bentley craftsmanship with materials and details inspired by the original Mark VI.

A Grand Black piano veneer panel stretches across the dashboard, while a thin chrome strip extends into the doors.

The sill plates feature outlines of both the classic Mark VI and modern Continental GT, along with a reference to Bentley’s 80 years of Crewe production.

A True One-Off

The 1946 Mark VI that inspired the project came with a 4.3-liter straight-six and became known for its durability.

The original 1946 Mark VI stands alongside the modern Continental GT Azure tribute.

Bentley displayed the two cars together at the British Motor Museum on August 29.

The company has confirmed that the Continental GT Azure anniversary car is a one-off, rather than a preview of a new production trim.

That means the unique paint, wood, and interior treatment will not become available through Bentley’s regular configurator.

Still, the project shows how strongly the modern brand continues to connect its bespoke cars with its history.

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