Time to cancel that Toyota LandCruiser 300 order? 2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior sprung in Melbourne, and it's got a V8 exhaust note to match its butched-up exterior

Nissan’s long-awaited Patrol Warrior has been spotted in Melbourne, ahead of its launch in a few weeks.

At least, from what we can see and hear, we’re pretty certain that this comically camouflaged Patrol is the production version of the large performance SUV.

Snapped in a public carpark in a northern suburb of Melbourne last weekend by an eagle-eyed CarsGuide reader, this particular Patrol had its badges covered up, drawing attention to itself nearly much as the army khaki body wrap, increased ride height and blacked-out wheels.

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But likely confirmation as to what this particular Nissan 4x4 really is came from behind, as it sped away after being photographed, revealing an exhaust rumble more in-line with an HSV Maloo than a garden-variety Patrol Ti or Ti-L.

Another clue to this Nissan’s identity is this particular example’s registration number, which appears to be listed as a pilot vehicle from a vehicle company or manufacturer, rather than some enterprising vehicle modifier or individual owner attempting to butch things up a bit.

If the Patrol in these photos is the Warrior, then the images reveal fewer body changes than what the Navara Warrior underwent. It seems the front bumper and grille are different from the regular versions, with a different-shaped fog-light housing and air diffuser underneath.

It also appears the rugged alloy wheel design is a variation of what the Navara version wears. Figuring out if the rear bumper has been altered at all is not easy, however.

Nissan’s long-awaited Patrol Warrior has been spotted in Melbourne.

There looked to be no changes to this particular vehicle's interior from what was observed, though this does not mean the production version won't have them.

Of course, the Patrol's metamorphosis from cushy Ti to Warrior will be most evident underneath the ageing skin.

That's because the Warrior is an off-road capability upgrade first and foremost, rather than an outright performance enhancement package, and has been created to give the enduring Patrol a direct competitor to the very popular Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport.

Like the latter, and despite the perceived exhaust update, we do not expect any power or torque output improvements to the regular Patrol, meaning the 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine should stay the same.

If the Patrol in these photos is the Warrior, then the images reveal changes to the front bumper and grille.

How much the Patrol Warrior will cost is a closely-held secret for now. But we’re fairly confident it will substantially undercut the LandCruiser GR Sport, which kicks off from $140,481 before on-road costs.

As regular readers will know, the Patrol Warrior has been in the works ever since Nissan in partnership with Australian engineering firm Premcar of Melbourne released the original Navara Warrior dual-cab 4x4 ute back in 2019.

At the time, an off-road-focused grade based on the Patrol was mooted as a strong possibility, but world events conspired against development soon after.

The global pandemic and subsequent industry shutdown delayed the project for at least 12 months after the decision had been made to add the Patrol to Premcar’s busy development schedule, while related production delays also played a part.

The existing Patrol was launched globally in 2010 and two years later in Australia.

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The 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine should stay the same in the Patrol Warrior.

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Nissan is expected to announce full prices and specifications in the coming weeks.

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It wasn’t until September last year that Nissan Australia formerly announced the Patrol Warrior, adding that customer deliveries would not be ready until the second half of this year.

As we’ve already pointed out, time is running out for the Y62, as the next-generation Patrol is rumoured to be close to production – possibly as soon as sometime next year. The existing model was launched globally in 2010 and two years later in Australia. The level of engineering modification to the Patrol to create the Warrior has been extensive, though to what degree, remains to be seen.

"Together (with Premcar), the carefully considered and locally tuned modifications will deliver a Patrol with improved ground clearance, a wider stance and improved ride and handling… with wheel, tyre and suspension enhancements,” Nissan teased in its press release last year.

We won’t have to wait too long to find out more, though, as Nissan is expected to announce full prices and specifications in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.