Nissan Patrol Warrior confirmed, but 12 months away

The Nissan Patrol Warrior has been given the green-light for Australia, with tougher looks and side exhaust tips similar to those on the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG – but no extra power.

The Nissan Patrol will receive the Warrior treatment in Australia, with the company today confirming it has been given the green light for Australian showrooms.

However, development will take another 12 months and so the first deliveries are not due to commence until at least a year from now.

Few details have been given, however photos released by Nissan Australia show the Patrol Warrior will get side exhaust pipes, similar to those on the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, and the hint of rugged all-terrain tyres.

Another image shows raised Warrior badging on the tailgate.

Drive understands the 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine will not receive a power bump due to the extra cost involved of a new round of emissions testing.

The Nissan Patrol Warrior is also unlikely to receive a heavy-duty or hoopless bull-bar similar to the one fitted to the Nissan Navara Warrior, because Nissan Australia has still not developed an airbag-compatible bull-bar for the Nissan Patrol.

It means the changes to the Patrol Warrior will likely be limited to a suspension lift, a new wheel and tyre package, and minor cosmetic changes.

It is unclear if Nissan Australia is waiting for the updated dashboard already available on left-hand-drive versions of the Patrol that includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Today’s Nissan Patrol is one of the few cars on sale in Australia today without smartphone mirroring.

A statement from Nissan Australia issued today confirmed the Patrol Warrior, however dealers were informed in state-by-state meetings over the past week.

“Together, the carefully considered and locally-tuned modifications will deliver a Patrol with improved ground clearance, a wider stance and improved ride and handling,” said the statement from Nissan Australia, while noting the output of the 5.6-litre V8 would remain 298kW and 560Nm.

Nissan added: “Development … is expected to take around 12 months to complete and is such a large project that it will involve additional recruitment, expansion and investment.”

Nissan Australia says it has sold more than 1000 examples of the Navara Warrior since the model was introduced two year ago; it has not made any price or sales projections for the Patrol Warrior.

The current model is priced from $82,000 to $95,000 plus on-road costs. Wait times range from three to 12 months.

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