NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti concept previews QX80 facelift

Infiniti has released a full set of images of the QX80 Monograph SUV concept it will debut at tomorrow's New York motor show opening.

Rather than an all-new model, however, we understand the big, bold SUV show car points to a substantial mid-life facelift for Infiniti's biggest SUV, which is based on its sister brand Nissan's Patrol.

That not only means that an upgraded Patrol is also likely on its way, but that next-generation QX80 and Patrol models based on an all-new ladder chassis -- which may also form the basis of a new Pajero from Mitsubishi, which is now controlled by Nissan -- remain a while away.

But whether the next-generation QX80 and Patrol bring diesel, plug-in hybrid or any powertrain other than the current model's 5.6-litre petrol V8 remains to be seen.

For now, the luxurious QX80 Monograph concept shows a clear lineage to the 2016 QX Sport concept shown at last year's the Beijing motor show -- notably the headlights and an enlarged, squared-off grille.

Ignore the door-mounted rear cameras and it's likely the vehicle unveiled in The Big Apple will be close to production specifications.

Infiniti describes the Atsugi, Japan-designed QX80 Monograph as “the ultimate expression of futuristic luxury SUV design”.

“The QX80 Monograph represents a detailed study into our expertise of exterior design. QX80 Monograph shows our concept of luxury and style on the road, and is an exploration into how we could enhance our future Infiniti offering in the luxury SUV segment,” said Infiniti president, Roland Krueger.

No interior images have been released yet, but expect the five-metre-long SUV concept to also herald big changes for the cabin of the upgraded QX80, which could rightly expect to reach production soon and go on sale in Australia next year given the current QX80 has been around since 2010.