Next Nissan Patrol one step closer with twin-turbo petrol V6 power
The first new Nissan Patrol in 13 years is drawing closer, with reports the next generation of its Infiniti QX80 luxury twin is due mid next year with V6 power.
The luxury twin to the next-generation Nissan Patrol ‘Y63’ four-wheel-drive is due in 12 months from now with a more powerful twin-turbo petrol V6 in place of the V8 – and a technology overhaul.
Arrival timing for its Nissan Patrol twin is yet to be disclosed, but it may be unveiled before the end of this year, or early next year – if past reports are a guide.
Industry journal Automotive News reports US dealers for Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti have been told the new QX80 – the Patrol’s luxury twin, just as the Lexus LX is the luxury Toyota LandCruiser – is due in US showrooms between June and August 2024.
Adding weight to earlier reports, dealers were reportedly told the QX80 would ditch today’s 5.6-litre petrol V8 – shared with Australia’s Patrol – for a “fuel-efficient twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine” developing 450 horsepower (336kW).
MORE: New-generation Nissan Patrol previewed by Infiniti QX80 prototype
It is a significant uplift from the 298kW (400hp) and 560Nm of the outgoing petrol V8 in today’s Patrol and QX80.
According to Automotive News, the new QX80 will cost nearly 40 per cent more than its predecessor – from a $US72,700 ($AU108,000) base price today, to in excess of $US100,000 ($AU149,000).
It is unclear if this will be reflected in the new Nissan Patrol, and how much of the new technology and luxury planned for the Infiniti QX80 – to justify the higher price – will be available on the Nissan.
MORE: Nissan Patrol prototypes spied, twin-turbo V6 rumoured
Spy photos of the new QX80 show off a boxier design Automotive News refers to as “beefier … with the blocky proportions of a Range Rover”, with split headlights, a “prominent” grille and flush door handles.
It is not stated in the Automotive News report if the new Nissan Patrol and Infiniti QX80 will be based on an all-new chassis, or will update the existing decade-old underpinnings.
US dealers were reportedly told the new Infiniti will have height-adjustable air suspension “for easy ingress and egress”, seemingly in place of the Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension of the current QX80 (and Patrol).
Automotive News reports the QX80 will feature a “sweeping 24-inch display” that “stretches the length of the dashboard”, and “front and rear touchscreens for climate control”.
“Dealers said that second- and third-row passengers will enjoy the same roominess and seat comfort as those in the front,” the publication says, with “connectivity, safety and driver-assist technology worthy of a flagship”.
“In-cabin sensors can detect occupants’ body temperature and adjust the air conditioning automatically,” according to the outlet.
It remains to be seen how much of the Infiniti’s technology – such as the 24-inch widescreen dashboard display – will be made available in the Nissan, and if certain upgrades may also be limited to specific markets to reduce costs.
For example, left-hand-drive examples of the Nissan Patrol – and the US version, the Nissan Armada – are available with a more modern interior with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is not available on the right-hand-drive Patrol in Australia.
A previous, unverified report from the Middle East claimed the new Nissan Patrol would offer a widescreen digital instrument cluster, adjustable ride height, an electronic gear selector, and a so-called “smart sensor to open doors”.
The new Infiniti QX80 is due in US showrooms in the northern-hemisphere summer of 2024 (June to August), according to Automotive News.
There were reports earlier this year that a QX80 ‘Monograph’ concept would be unveiled sometime this month, but it is yet to surface.
Past reports from Automotive News have claimed the Nissan Armada is due in US showrooms in “late 2023” – with the Patrol not expected to be far behind.
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