[bsa_pro_ad_space id=14]
Nissan dealers have been given a sneak peek at a Nissan Patrol Warrior concept vehicle, however they have been advised it is yet to be confirmed for production. Here’s what we know so far.
0
A Nissan Patrol Warrior concept vehicle has been unveiled at a gala event in Melbourne tonight attended by Nissan dealers – however the top secret model is expected to remain under wraps and out of the public spotlight until it is confirmed for production.
The highly-anticipated Nissan Patrol Warrior was shown to Nissan dealers attending a national conference in Melbourne’s CBD.
Nissan Australia executives reportedly went to great lengths to say the Nissan Patrol Warrior program is not yet confirmed, however they remain hopeful it will gain approval from Nissan Japan.
Attendees told Drive the Nissan Patrol Warrior concept vehicle – based on today’s production model but with bolt-on extras – had silver bodywork and was equipped with wheel arch flares, high-riding suspension, off-road tyres, and a unique alloy wheel design.
Contrary to overseas speculation that a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine was being developed for future versions of the Nissan Patrol, the Nissan Patrol Warrior shown to dealers was equipped with the same 5.6-litre V8 as today’s model – with no mention of a bump in the current power and torque ratings (298kW/560Nm).
The Nissan Patrol Warrior concept vehicle had a blacked-out grille and 3D Warrior lettering on the tailgate.
The concept vehicle was also equipped with a new infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and the fake woodgrain trim was replaced by black accents. However, the dash itself was otherwise the same as today’s model.
Conspicuous by its absence: unlike the Nissan Navara Warrior ute which has a hoopless, winch-compatible bull bar, the Nissan Patrol Warrior concept vehicle displayed had a standard front bumper.
Attendees were told a bull bar is not planned for the Nissan Patrol Warrior because Nissan does not have a factory-approved airbag-compatible bull bar in its catalogue.
Dealers at the meeting said the Nissan Patrol Warrior had a commanding presence – and Nissan claimed it had improved clearance angles and better off-road articulation – but its styling was more understated compared to the Nissan Navara Warrior ute.
Nissan dealers were advised of ongoing stock shortages and delivery delays across all key models in the Nissan range and, while apologising to dealers, pleaded with them to be patient as Nissan negotiates to get more production capacity for Australia.
Drive understands if Nissan Japan approves the Nissan Patrol Warrior – engineered by former Ford Performance Vehicles firm Premcar, which completes final assembly of the vehicle with upgraded components in Melbourne – it would arrive in showrooms some time in 2023.
The Nissan Patrol Warrior has been an on-again, off-again program during COVID, however attendees at the event said the vehicle was back on the radar of Nissan Australia executives, following the success of the Nissan Navara Warrior ute.
Drive will update this story as more information becomes available.
Read more about Joshua Dowling 
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=15]