The reveal of the next Nissan Patrol is getting close, if testing videos posted to social media in the last couple of months are anything to go by.
Expected to arrive in 2024, the Y63 Nissan Patrol is undergoing mechanical testing in the Middle East, one of its primary markets, ahead of what should be its global debut later this year, before properly launching for a 2024 model year.
The posts from cars_secrets explain that the camera-wielding sleuths believe this car to be the “2024 model Nissan Patrol Y63 on the chassis of the current Nissan Patrol Y62” being tested for mechanical and engineering purposes.
This explains the seeming lack of design changes and the minimal camouflage, though the test car appears to have sensors and equipment mounted that’s hidden by coverings.
With the Patrol reportedly moving away from its petrol V8 in favour of a twin-turbo V6, mimicking the move of its key rival, the Toyota LandCruiser 300, the next-gen Patrol could also be set up for electrification, with Nissan now rolling out its new e-Power with e-4ORCE 4WD powertrain on new models like the X-Trail.
Adam Robertson, deputy director at the Nissan Technical Center Europe says there’s “no reason” why the system couldn’t be implemented in the Patrol.
“Ultimately the technology is scalable – e-Power as a concept is scalable,” said Mr Robertson.
“There’s no reason at all why not… And it means you’ve got a permanent 4WD system, so you apply torque wherever you want it at any time. It’s the pinnacle, and you can use that in other applications as well.”
In terms of its next engine, Middle Eastern reports are claiming Nissan will use a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, which means either a heavily modified VQ engine or a completely new engine from Nissan is on the way.
Similarly, it’s too early to predict exactly what Nissan will do with the chassis and suspension for the Patrol in terms of major changes from its predecessor, if any, as the brand seems to be aware that its rugged off-road ability is key to its survival in markets like Australia and the Middle East, as well as a rival to the LandCruiser.
“Our share of the global volume has increased as our volume has increased,” Nissan Australia managing director, Adam Paterson, told us late last year.
“What we’re advocating for is that the use case here is more rugged, and people are spending a lot of money after the fact, so when it comes to Patrol specifically, anything that’s done to the platform going forward can’t soften its capability.”
Before the Y63 Patrol launches, Nissan Australia will also release a Patrol Warrior, developed with Premcar, and expected to lob around the middle of 2023.
Keyword: Out on Patrol: The Toyota LandCruiser's key rival spied as 2024 Nissan Patrol caught testing