Key Takeaways
- Nissan confirms the new Patrol will have a twin-turbo V6; Armada will likely receive the same motor.
- In the new Infiniti QX80, it produces 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.
- New Patrol will be the most powerful production variant yet.
The seventh-generation Nissan Patrol is less than a week away, which means a new Armada should follow very soon. To whet our appetites, the Japanese automaker has shared several teasers showcasing the design, and now Nissan has confirmed the Patrol will be powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine.
In a new video shared on Nissan Middle East’s YouTube channel, the marque showcases the new motor, which will replace the delightful (but aging) 5.6-liter V8 currently offered in the Armada and Y62 Patrol. Antonio Lopez, the Chief Product Specialist for Full Size SUVs at Nissan and Infiniti, also explains how Patrol powerplants have adapted over time. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 also powers the new Infiniti QX80 that was revealed earlier this year and is related to the powerplant found in the Nissan GT-R.
Enthusiasts Will Miss The V8, But A Six-Cylinder Is Part Of The Patrol’s Legacy
While traditionalists may be saddened to learn that the Patrol and Armada are switching to a six-cylinder, the sixth-generation Patrol was the first to offer a V8. Before that, the Patrol was mostly offered with an inline-six engine, although four cylinders were offered for certain generations. Therefore, returning to a six-cylinder configuration could be seen as the Patrol going back to its roots.
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Lopez says the new Patrol will offer a driving experience “like no other,” which suggests heightened levels of comfort, performance, and handling. If the Infiniti QX80 is anything to go by, the new Patrol and Armada could be offered with Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Digital Suspension, the latter of which monitors the road and vehicle and adjusts the SUV for a more comfortable ride.
Twin-Turbo V6 Confirmed, But No Power Figures Yet
Nissan’s SUV specialist has confirmed that the new Patrol will be the most powerful production variant yet, with the video showcasing the twin-turbo motor for the first time. While no power and torque figures have been announced, we can look at the QX80 to get an idea of what to expect. The Patrol and Armada’s upmarket cousin produces 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque courtesy of its 3.5-liter V6. Despite having two fewer cylinders, the new engine is 50 hp and 103 lb-ft more powerful than the outgoing 5.6-liter.
This will provide the new Patrol/Armada with sprightlier performance while significantly improving fuel efficiency. Whereas the old QX80 received a seven-speed automatic transmission, the new model gains a more advanced nine-speed automatic. The new Nissan SUV will likely borrow this gearbox as well. All will be revealed next week, with the Patrol due to arrive on September 3. We expect the Armada to be introduced shortly thereafter.