Nissan Patrol prototypes spied, twin-turbo V6 rumoured

What could be a prototype of the next generation Nissan Patrol – or a shakedown test of a new fascia for the current model – has been caught on camera in the Middle East.

While Nissan Australia says the hardcore Patrol Warrior is still on track for local showroom arrivals later this year – indicating the current model still has at least a year or two left to run – overseas reports claim the company is well progressed on the next model.

And it could come with twin-turbo V6 power rather than a V8.

Nissan Australia declined to comment on future model plans, however overseas reports claim a switch to twin-turbo V6 petrol power is expected for the next-generation model, to meet tougher fuel economy standards globally.

The lightly camouflaged vehicle in the spy photos is believed to be either a test 'mule' using the bodywork of the current Nissan Patrol as a disguise – or a shakedown vehicle completing hot weather testing on the current model with a new front fascia.

It could also simply be an engine development vehicle for the next model.

In the same way the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series was initially developed in plain sight wearing 200 Series bodywork, it's possible Nissan is testing the next Patrol's engine, gearbox, and suspension while using the body of a current-shape model – wearing a face mask to hide any details.

Videos have been posted by Instagram account Cars Secrets in recent weeks, showing Patrol prototypes on the road in the Middle East.

There is also a chance the camouflaged Nissan Patrols are simply wearing a new body kit for a limited edition or an updated Nismo model.

Unconfirmed reports claim the 2025 Nissan Patrol may be a significant evolution of the current model rather than a ground-up new vehicle – much like the new Nissan Z sports car was adapted from the 14-year-old 370Z.

In early 2022, a number of media reports pointed to the likelihood of the new-generation Patrol adopting a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, said to have been in development since 2017.

Overseas reports claim the new twin turbo V6 engine aims to exceed the performance of the current Nissan Patrol V8 – which produces 298kW and 560Nm.

Cars Secrets also claims the next Nissan Patrol will be equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission (up from the seven-speed auto in today's model). It also expected to have a heavy-duty low-range four-wheel-drive system similar to the current Nissan Patrol.

Despite being the obvious choice, overseas reports claim the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine in the new Nissan Z sports coupe – which matches the current Patrol V8's 298kW power rating, but falls short in torque with 475Nm – is not the likely engine.

An increase in the V6's engine size to 3.5-litres could theoretically boost its performance to outmatch the Patrol's outgoing V8.

MORE: Nissan Patrol Warrior confirmed, but 12 months away

There's also a possibility of hybrid assistance, helping to boost the engine's power output while improving tailpipe emissions and fuel economy.

Toyota was the first to begin dropping its V8 engines in its heavy-duty four-wheel-drives when it introduced the latest LandCruiser 300 Series – offering a 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 locally, while overseas markets get the option of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, replacing a range of petrol and diesel V8s.

There's yet to be any official information about the 2025 Nissan Patrol from the Japanese manufacturer, though reports from the Middle East claim the four-wheel-drive is due to be unveiled at the end of 2023 before going on sale there in late 2024.