Next-generation Nissan Patrol rumoured to adopt twin-turbo V6 – UPDATE

UPDATE, February 12: A new report has backed up claims the next Nissan Patrol could switch to a six-cylinder engine in the coming years.

Industry publication Automotive News is citing a Nissan dealership contact in the US who has been briefed on the plans, with the Patrol – badged in North America as the Armada – set to replace its petrol V8 for a “more fuel-efficient” twin-turbo V6.

"Fuel efficiency is on everybody's mind," another insider told Automotive News.

"If they can get the same horsepower and torque out of a V6, why not?"

However, the Nissan Armada is manufactured in the US, while Australian and Middle Eastern markets receive Japanese-made Nissan Patrol models, suggesting the two related vehicles could be on different trajectories.

In December 2021, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalised tough new vehicle regulations, which require a 28.3 per cent reduction in emissions through to 2026 – a stark contrast to laws in Australia and Middle Eastern countries where more relaxed emission laws are enjoyed.

The difference could mean Australia’s Nissan Patrol will continue with the 5.6-litre V8 for a number of years, before potentially moving to the V6.

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The story to here

February 7: The next-gen Nissan Patrol may drop the naturally-aspirated 5.6-litre V8 found in the current model for a new twin-turbo V6 engine.

Citing an anonymous source from Nissan, a report from Instagram account cars_secrets suggests the new Patrol could follow in the footsteps of its main rival, the Toyota LandCruiser, by moving to six-cylinder power.

When the new LandCruiser 300 Series was introduced in 2021, Toyota replaced its 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 with a 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 in Australia, mated to a 10-speed auto, while some markets received the option of a 3.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V6.

According to this latest rumour, Nissan has been working on an all-new 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 since 2017, with plans to pair the engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission when the Y63 Patrol eventually arrives.

At this stage it appears the 3.5-litre V6 isn’t related to the V6 found in the ageing R35 GT-R or the upcoming Nissan Z coupe.

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While details of the powertrain remain scarce, it’s likely the new V6 would outperform the current-generation’s petrol V8, which produces 298kW and 560Nm.

The report out of the Middle East suggests the future engine and transmission will be available with low-range four-wheel drive, as well as with rear-wheel drive in some overseas markets.

Hard evidence has yet to surface of a replacement model being developed, though the Y62 Patrol expected to continue until at least 2024, having undergone a major facelift in 2020.