Red-hot Nissan Patrol Nismo for Mid-East only, but Aussie intro possible

Nissan is making a bold showcase of performance with the debut of the first ever Patrol Nismo. Designed to extract the most out of the flagship SUV, the Nismo package isn’t just a cosmetic exercise as it includes upgrades to the Patrol’s engine, chassis and exhaust.

The biggest drawcard is the upgraded twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, which now develops 495hp (369kW) at 5600rpm, an increase of 70hp (52kW) from the regular Patrol. That’s more powerful than a Nissan Z Nismo. Torque output remains the same at 700Nm at 3600rpm, which is already plentiful. To convey its performance credential, the engine gets a distinctive Nismo-red top cover with Nismo badging and a commemorative metal plate.

The Nismo-tuned V6 engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission which is recalibrated to take full advantage of the added power of the engine. Manual shifting is possible through the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel rack.

Complementing the uprated engine is a host of chassis enhancement designed to sharpen the handling of the large SUV. At the core of it is the Nismo tuned adaptive suspension with the so called E-Dampers that automatically adjust damping levels in real time for optimum control and handling. Nismo has also refined the steering to suit the retuned suspension for increased driver confidence.

Adding to the sensory thrill is the Nismo exhaust system, which is engineered to deliver a “deep, resonant note that amplifies the vehicle’s performance character”. This is enriched synthetically inside the cabin through the Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) system.

Nissan has stopped short of confirming performance figures, but has this to say:

“Together, these enhancements make the Patrol Nismo more powerful, more responsive, and more attuned to the needs of drivers. It’s an SUV built to perform and excite every time the engine roars to life.”

No Nismo model is complete without the iconic red accents decorating the exterior of the vehicle. The red strip is visible in the lower front and rear bumpers, side skirts and side mirror caps. The Patrol’s gigantic V-motion grille has also been a bespoke treatment, with the all black honeycomb mesh design not only giving the Patrol added attitude but also has unique strokes to optimise airflow into the radiator for better cooling.

Elsewhere, the front bumper incorporates side air curtains that divide airflow and create vortices, which help pull air from inside the wheel wells to reduce lift and increase downforce.

Around the rear, aerodynamic refinement continues with an extended rear spoiler to help with air separation. Also employed are rear side air splitters, air diffusers, and air outlets to collectively generate rear downforce and improve grip.

Wrapping up the Patrol Nismo’s track-inspired pedigree are lighter 22-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, co-developed with performance wheels specialist RAYS. The 9-spoke design is exclusive to the Nismo model and offers improved brake cooling capabilities.

The five striking exterior color options include White Pearl, Gray Metallic, Blue Metallic, Black Pearl, and a Nismo-exclusive Stealth Gray. These colors are available in monotone configurations, as well as dual-tone options featuring a contrasting black roof, creating six distinctive variations.

Nismo’s signature black and red colour scheme continues inside the Patrol Nismo, with the cabin featuring contrast stitching on the dashboard, seats, steering wheel, and doors. Splashes of red finishers are applied to the leather upholstery, soft suede surfaces and dashboard trims.

The Nismo seats are said to offer improved support. They feature a honeycomb quilting pattern that mirrors the exterior grille mesh. Signature Nismo logos are embroidered into the headrests, complemented by red seat belts. A red start/stop engine button, carbon fiber-inspired surfaces, and aluminium accelerator and brake pedals further enhance the sporty cabin atmosphere.

But here comes the bad news, the Nissan Patrol Nismo is only available exclusively in selected Middle East markets, where appetite for high performance large SUVs is amongst the highest in the world.

While there’s no immediate plan by Nissan to bring the Patrol Nismo to the Australian market, here’s hoping that Premcar, the Australian manufacturer of the Navara Pro-4X Warrior and Patrol Warrior, will leverage on its existing local assembly to produce the Patrol Nismo out of a stock Patrol and imported Nismo parts.