Infiniti is competing in a modified QX80 in the Rebelle Rally, a 1,200-mile (1,920 km) rally across North America exclusively for women. The full-size SUV has been quite adapted for this purpose, but still has the necessary luxury on board.
Normally, an SUV like the QX80 rarely gets off the beaten track. To drive a rally of more than 1,900 km over rough terrain, the necessary adjustments have been made. Off-road specialist Calamini has raised the QX80 by 7.5 cm and fitted it with a reinforced suspension. In addition, the front and rear bumpers have been made more robust and the SUV has extra underbody protection. Off-road tires have been screwed under the car to ensure that there is sufficient grip in the terrain. An increase in power was not considered necessary: ​​under the hood is the same 400 hp strong 5.6-liter V8 as in the production model.
In the trunk are two spare wheels with the necessary tools, but these are actually the only changes that have been made to the interior. According to Infiniti, the rally version of the QX80 still has all the luxuries normally found on board, including ventilated and heated front seats and a Bose audio system.
The Rebelle Rally kicks off today near Lake Tahoe. On behalf of Team Infiniti, automotive journalists Nicole Wakelin and Alice Chase will participate. The event will run through October 17 and will end in the Imperial Sand Dunes near the border with Mexico. Although the QX80 has a navigation system, the ladies will not be allowed to use it: they will have to rely on the compass and map.