All-new Nissan Patrol NISMO launched in Middle East

It used to be that SUVs were large and heavy vehicles which had their performance associated with toughness to withstand off-road conditions and load-carrying capability. High-speed performance and handling on the highways was not important to customers, so the manufacturers focussed on making SUVs strong and durable.

It’s different today with SUVs having evolved from workhorse roles, like pick-up trucks, to more personal vehicles for daily use. Though many are still bought for off-road use, more are bought for daily driving and as alternatives to passenger cars.

The evolution to more road-biased machines began with the new generation of SUVs and crossovers. The bigger traditional models were still engineered for durability with performance as car enthusiasts know it being secondary. The big and powerful engines were tuned for superior hauling power and carrying loads.

This shift is apparent with a new variant of the Nissan Patrol NISMO, developed by Nissan’s motorsports division which is well known for high-performance products developed with its long experience in motorsports. For the Patrol, it put together a team of specialized engineers, handpicked for their expertise in high-performance development, to add track-inspired engineering to the SUV.

The inspiration for the Patrol NISMO came from the Middle East markets 10 years ago. Customers feedback told Nissan that there was a demand for a high-performance version of the Patrol, which is a popular model in the region.

Most powerful VR35DDTT engine
The latest Patrol NISMO has a class-leading engine with 495 ps/700 Nm (in Sport mode). This is said to be the highest output for the VR35DDTT engine anywhere globally. The enhanced tuning of the twin turbo V6 is only for vehicles exported to the Middle East markets.

The VR engine, which evolved from the successful VQ series, is from the engine family that has frequently been on Ward’s Ten Best Engines annual list. It is assembled with precision at Nissan’s Iwaki Plant in Japan which was originally built specifically for the engine series.

Engines installed in NISMO models have a distinctive NISMO-red engine cover and commemorative metal plate. Paired with a recalibrated 9-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, every element of the Patrol NISMO’s drivetrain is fine-tuned to elevate both performance and confidence behind the wheel.

Engineered for high performance
A new bumper design channels cool air directly to the brakes, reducing disc temperatures by 6%, a critical advantage during hard high-speed driving. Layered air diffusers at the rear don’t just look aggressive but actively optimize aerodynamics, ensuring greater high-speed stability and sharper on-road handling.

Besides being engineered for the conditions of the Middle East, the Patrol NISMO also has a retuned suspension system. The system features NISMO-tuned E-Dampers that automatically adjust damping levels in real-time, sharpening responsiveness and enhancing ride stability whether navigating tight corners or cruising on long highways.

Complementing the suspension upgrade is an electronic power steering system specifically tuned for the Patrol NISMO. This intelligent tuning ensures that the vehicle remains easy to manoeuvre in the city while delivering assertive confidence on highways and winding roads alike.

V-Motion front end
The front end of the Patrol NISMO has the signature V-Motion grille, reimagined with both vertical and horizontal strokes. The 3-dimensional honeycomb mesh has been purposefully designed to optimize airflow into the radiator, increasing cooling performance in the demanding hot and dusty conditions.

The side portions of the front bumper incorporate grille-side air curtains that divide airflow horizontally and create vortices. These vortices help pull air from inside the wheel wells, reducing lift, increasing downforce, and also contributing to sharper, more confident handling on the highways.

Around the rear, aerodynamic refinement continues with an extended rear spoiler that has been elongated to shift the air separation point away from the body. Additionally, rear side air splitters, layered air diffusers, and air outlets collectively generate rear downforce and improve grip.

Sporty cabin theme
Inside, the cabin theme has black-and-red colour scheme, with contrast stitching on the dashboard, seats, steering wheel, and doors. Every surface combines tactile and visual quality, from precision-cut metallic elements and red decorative finishers to genuine leather and soft suede-touch materials.

The seats, with a honeycomb quilting pattern that mirrors the exterior grille mesh, have signature NISMO logos embroidered into the headrests and touches such as red seatbelts, a red start/stop engine button, carbonfibre-inspired surfaces, and aluminium accelerator and brake pedals further enhance the sporty and high-performance image.

Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) enriches the sound profile, creating a multi-layered auditory experience that engages driver and passengers alike with every surge of acceleration.

“Since the introduction of the first Patrol NISMO in 2015, our customers have continually valued its mix of performance, exclusivity, and craftsmanship. This all-new model was developed from the ground up utilizing customer insights from across the Middle East. It has been rigorously tested in the region’s most challenging environments, underlining the significance of this market to Nissan,” said Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice-President & President (Middle East, KSA, CIS) Nissan & INFINITI.

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