The all-new Y63 Nissan Patrol has taken a significant step closer to launch, with what appears to be the new model spied testing in its final production guise in the Middle East.
Spotted by local site car_secrets, the new model is camouflaged, but does appear to be the final production look, suggesting the new model is edging closer to launch.
The new model will almost certainly mean the end of the V8 engine - though it might live on in a limited capacity - with the powertrain of choice expected to be a twin-turbo-petrol V6.
In this instance, fewer cylinders should mean more power, with 316kW on offer, up from 298kW in the V8. Reports suggest the new engine will pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Yes, the end of one of the last remaining V8 engines will cause heartbreak, but Nissan America Corporate Vice President, Michael Colleran, told CarsGuide that, no matter what is powering the new Patrol, "consumers are going to love it".
"Do we see powerful V6s and other internal combustion engines being a part of our future? Absolutely,” he said.
"We're evaluating all options for the next Armada (Patrol). But we're going to have a very technology-forward powertrain...and I think consumers are going to love it.”
In Australia, the Nissan Patrol Warrior - based on the Y62 Patrol - is in the process of launching to consumers, suggesting a Y63 would be at least 12 months away to give the localised model some breathing space.
When it does launch, Nissan Australia will have been more involved in its development than ever before, with the success of the nameplate here earning it a bigger seat at the planning table.
"As the volume has increased, and we've been able to demonstrate demand for Patrol that is more than we're able to supply at this point, we're getting a bigger voice at the table,” Nissan Australia boss Adam Paterson told us last year.
"I would say that (the Patrol) has always been built to be a true off-road-capable vehicle, and that's even more a requirement in this country than in other markets where it is sold.
"Even though it's a similar product to the vehicle sold in North America, my experience is that the capability of it is utilised more here than it is overseas.
"So the requirements of this market, I feel, is to keep it very, very true to its off-road capable heritage, because it's utilised. As we sit at the global table as far as requirements go, ours is to make sure it remains as capable as it's always been."
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