In detail: the all-new Nissan Patrol

04/02/2013

The new benchmark for luxury and ultimate performance, on and off-road

PENOLA, Australia – The all-new Nissan Patrol is a technological tour de force, even more capable, even more advanced, and even better equipped to challenge the largest and most luxurious SUVs.

On sale now in Australia, the new Patrol introduces a new platform, a radical design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, a powerful new V8 engine with exceptional driveability, a new 7-speed automatic transmission, as well as a new ALL-MODE 4x4 system.

In brief

The much-vaunted member of the Nissan family has been comprehensively reinvented for the second decade of the 21st century.

While the look is all new and all luxury, the same iconic Nissan Patrol goes-anywhere strengths that have carried the nameplate for 60 years and six generations, have been refined and improved.

The all-new 2013 Nissan Patrol boasts the power of an efficient and muscular 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine, driving through an advanced 7-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated, electronically controlled, ALL MODE 4X4 system.

Suspension is now independent all round, a departure from the live axles of the previous generations; yet off-road traction has been enhanced.

The all-new Nissan Patrol body is larger than before by some measure, offering sumptuously luxurious accommodation for up to eight passengers (ST-L and Ti models).

Even with the third row of seats occupied there remains ample space to stow a full-size cooler box in the load bay, which is accessed by via a single piece lift-up tailgate. With the second and third rows of seats folded to form an almost flat floor, more than 3100-litres of cargo space are released.

The impressive V8 power train package is available with three trim levels: ST-L, Ti and Ti-L. A raft of class-leading performance features and advanced, intelligent technologies act to transform the Nissan Patrol from utilitarian to thoroughbred.

Nissan is keeping the faith with customers for whom the Patrol is a faithful workhorse, however, with the previous Y61 generation turbo diesel model remaining on sale alongside the new Y62 generation. The Y61 will continue to meet the needs of drivers who desire an uncompromising and great value off-road experience, complete with diesel engine and traditional live axles.

It has been 14 years since the last all new Nissan Patrol arrived in Australia. After 50 years in Australia, the Patrol is beloved as a flagship for the Nissan brand.

Nissan now takes its opportunity to extend beyond the large SUV segment into the luxury SUV market with the new V8-powered Patrol.

This is the most luxurious and advanced Nissan ever offered in Australia.

Major improvements have been made in fuel efficiency, comfort, luxury, overall quality and technology, for an improved drive on- and off-road.

The new Nissan Patrol has been designed to cope with all types of terrain, and to be able to tow up to 3500 kg with ease.

The new generation V8 engine delivers 298 kW of power and 560 Nm of torque, with 90 per cent of torque available from just 1600 rpm.

Yet despite significantly increasing power and torque over the Y61 generation petrol model, the new V8 engine is substantially more efficient, using only 14.5-litres per 100 km (Y61 4.8-litre six-cylinder 17.2-l/100km).

The new automatic transmission offers a wider range of gear ratios giving smoother acceleration from rest, improved ride comfort, and better economy.

The new ALL MODE 4X4 drive system is controlled via a circular electronic switch cluster located behind the gear selector, allowing the driver easy mode selection for: sand, rock, snow or on-road driving, activation of the rear differential lock, VDC on/off and Hill Descent Control. The ALL MODE 4X4 controller also allows the driver to select between 4H and 4L.

The new Nissan Patrol also features Hill Start Assist and a helical limited slip differential.

A notable addition to the chassis is the arrival of Nissan's Hydraulic Body Motion Control on suspension systems of Ti and Ti-L models. This reduces body roll in high-speed corners on sealed surfaces and maximises suspension travel in extreme off-road driving conditions.

The HBMC system's cylinders replace traditional shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. The technology was developed for world rallying and this is the first application of the technology for the road.

The new Nissan Patrol also offers Intelligent Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention on Ti-L model.

Immediately noticeable is the style and space on offer. The new Nissan Patrol is appreciably larger in every dimension than its predecessor, and its nearest rival.

Interior accommodation has also been improved to a noticeable degree, especially for second and third row occupants who gain more leg and shoulder room.

The new Nissan Patrol features a wide array of luxury accessories and features as standard on all models, including Bluetooth hands-free phone, large format front DVD player, 2GB music server with 6 speakers, iPod connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, intelligent key access, 8-way power assisted driver's seat, a full complement of active and passive safety systems, drive computer, dual zone climate control, front, side and curtain airbags, active front headrests, and front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera.

The Ti model adds the new Hydraulic Body Motion Control system along with leather trim and 6-way electric adjustment for the front passenger seat, auto headlights, sunroof and rain sensing wipers.

The top-of-the-range Ti-L adds memory function for the driver's seat, steering wheel and door mirrors, a voluminous centre console coolbox, hard drive navigation system, premium BOSE audio with 13 speakers, dual 7-inch DVD screens in the rear of the front seat headrests, Around View Monitor, intelligent cruise control, xenon projector headlamps with auto levelling and washers, puddle lamps and a power operated tailgate. A tyre pressure monitoring system is also added along with Blind Spot Warning and a vehicle alarm.

"We paid special attention to the needs of current Patrol owners, and their passengers, and so focused on creating first-class levels of comfort for the whole family," said Hiroyuki Fushiki, project head and Segment Chief Product Specialist at Nissan Japan.

"Heightened luxury, a roomier cabin and a quieter ride combine to achieve this goal, while maintaining Patrol's superior off-road heritage."
"The all new Nissan Patrol has arrived in the luxury 4x4 market exceptionally well-equipped in every way," says William F Peffer Jr, Managing Director/CEO of Nissan Australia.

"Thanks to an impressive array of advanced technology, a significantly enhanced footprint and more powerful, yet efficient V8 engine, the new Nissan Patrol delivers outstanding 4x4 performance.

"It is fully equipped with an impressive selection of advanced intelligent technological features that will appeal to adventurers of all types.

"And for those who prize the Patrol's interior comfort, luxury and space above all else, the new vehicle delivers in spades."

Customer profile

The Nissan Patrol moves into a new market segment with the arrival of the larger and highly luxurious Y62 generation.

The new vehicle will be aimed more at the premium end of the luxury SUV market, focussing on customers who desire a fully featured SUV that boasts class-leading technology, space, comfort and safety features.

The customer age profile ranges from 35-64, but will be predominantly 45-years and over, with a heavy emphasis on male buyers. There will be a skew towards metro/suburban buyers who are in full-time, mainly white-collar employment and more than half will earn in excess of $130,000 per year.

Customers will be ambitious and keen to live life to the full. They enjoy an outdoors lifestyle including pursuits such as camping, boating and undertaking long-distance trips and may tow some of their outdoor gear with them.

These customers will select the new Nissan Patrol for its exceptional performance derived from the V8 engine, its ability to tow their boat or caravan with ease, and the vehicle's ability to cope with all off-road driving experiences.

The stylish and dynamic design, coupled with a high level of safety including advanced driver aids, a spacious interior with premium comfort and quality, and latest technological features and connectivity, all make the Nissan Patrol highly desirable for this sector of the market.

Powertrain and Chassis

The headline news for the new Y62 Nissan Patrol is the switch to V8 power, with a direct injection petrol engine, coded VK56VD of 5552 cc capacity, generating 298 kW (or 400 hp) at 5800 rpm and 560 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, of which 90 per cent is available from 1600rpm providing exceptional low down torque.

The 32-valve DOHC aluminium-alloy Yokohama Japan-built V8 features Nissan's advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology and new Direct Injection Gasoline system.

The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response.
Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve. The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by substantially reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine's throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.

The Direct Injection Gasoline system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control.

In fact, the new 5.6-litre V8 and its new 7-speed automatic gearbox contribute to a 15.6 per cent fuel economy improvement over the previous 4.8-litre in-line six cylinder petrol engine from the Y61 Patrol. A large, 140-litre fuel capacity allows a long-distance cruising range.

The new Patrol uses a newly developed ALL MODE 4X4 system in full-time 4WD, in 4H or 4L, with a lockable differential, helical limited slip differential and an array of chassis controls designed to ease the vehicle along, up, down or through treacherous terrain.

The ALL MODE 4X4 system is designed to distribute torque to all four wheels when road conditions warrant (with up to 50 per cent available to the front wheels on demand), helping to enhance traction.

There is no mechanical centre differential, with drive fed to the front axle via an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch.

Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and four driving modes: snow, sand, rocks and on-road can all be controlled from a central, circular switch panel located behind the automatic transmission shifter on the centre console, to ensure the driver can select a drive mode suitable for the conditions, simply via the press of a button.

Hill Start Assist permits the driver to pause on a slope and hold the vehicle even if the footbrake is released. Hill Descent Control uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7 km/h in 4H mode and 4 km/h in 4L mode. Also available is a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System on Ti-L.

The suspension is an all-new 4-wheel independent design with double-wishbones front and rear.

Nissan also introduces a world-first for a full-size SUV, Hydraulic Body Motion Control, which delivers significantly improved handling and stability in both on- and off-road terrain. It is fitted to Ti and Ti-L models.

Hydraulic chambers integrated into each shock absorber automatically control suspension travel. The chambers are cross-linked with piping, allowing for the transfer of hydraulic fluid, managed seamlessly by nitrogen-charged accumulators, from one side of the vehicle to the other. When cornering, roll stiffness is increased, reducing the amount of body lean over the outside wheels.

The system is able to vary suspension travel independently on either side of the vehicle, creating a luxurious, flat and stable ride previously unavailable to drivers in this segment.

When driving off-road, the lack of anti-roll bars allows the suspension to rise and fall with less impediment, promoting enhanced traction, enabling the Patrol to clamber over larger rocks or drive itself out of bigger potholes.

Unlike other similar systems, the Nissan Hydraulic Body Motion Control system does not need a power source, so there is no fuel economy penalty.

Braking is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes (358 mm at the front and 350 mm at the rear) clamped by 4-piston opposed callipers at the front with single piston rears.

Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake Force Distribution are naturally standard. A hydraulic brake booster helps to generate firm pedal feel with reduced travel, thereby increasing system responsiveness. High speed braking performance is excellent thanks to the enhanced thermal capacity of the new, large, fade-resistant rotors.

Vehicle Dynamic Control and 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip are standard. Engine-speed-sensitive power steering is also standard.

The ST-L model uses an engine-speed related power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, while the Ti and Ti-L models gain additional assistance control via a vehicle-speed sensor.

Just as its predecessors relied on a separate frame chassis to provide unswerving strength on- and off-road, so the new Y62 series Patrol continues with this enduring construction concept.

The new high-stiffness frame structure enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The body-to-chassis mount points are stiffer and the chassis side rails are larger.

To ensure the new Nissan Patrol out-stripped its nearest rival and a myriad of competitors in the luxury SUV class, Nissan's engineers working on the new Patrol project tuned and tested 200 prototypes for dynamic evaluation at the company's Motegi, Oppama and Tochigi proving grounds in Japan before sending them to the Middle East for in-country testing.

An early prototype 'mule' was also tested in some of Australia's highways and most unforgiving off road conditions, including the Red Centre.

More than 40 Japanese engineers completed a total of 13,265 hours of testing in the heat and dust of the Middle East and Australia to assess the vehicle's performance, durability and suitability for this key market.

The original Australian market G60 Patrol has the notable distinction of being the first vehicle, in 1962, to successfully cross the gruelling Simpson Desert, firmly establishing its go-anywhere credentials. The children of the 1960s' pioneer, Reg Sprigg, driving a similar vehicle to the original, undertook a recent re-enactment of this crossing in July 2012.

The all-new Nissan Patrol is built at a new state-of-the-art production facility; the Nissan Shatai Kyushu plant in Japan.

Innovative Technology (standard on Ti-L grade)

Around View Monitor

The Around View Monitor displays a combination of different views of the vehicle, from above (bird-eye view), front, rear and side to assist parking. At the rear, a wider than usual lens combines with additional side-mounted cameras to provide safe and problem free parking or manoeuvring.

Blind Spot Warning

The Blind Spot Warning system illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds.

Blind Spot Intervention

The newly available Blind Spot Intervention system provides selective braking if the vehicle approaches an adjacent lane while another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. This helps the driver return the vehicle back toward the centre of the lane of travel.

Distance Control Assist

Distance Control Assist is part of the Intelligent Cruise Control system (see below) intuitively intervenes to prompt the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes in slowing traffic if it detects the distance between the vehicle and other traffic closing too rapidly.

Forward Collision Warning

When the Forward Collision Warning system detects there is a risk of a collision ahead, it warns the driver with an alarm and an indicator to brake. The system is operative above 15 km/h and even detects stationary vehicles ahead. Unlike Distance Control Assist, Forward Collision Warning does not actively intervene.

Intelligent Cruise Control

Nissan's advanced Intelligent Cruise Control uses a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the Nissan Patrol's braking system to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to help maintain a pre-selected following distance.

Lane Departure Warning + Prevention Systems

The Lane Departure Warning + Prevention systems use a small camera installed behind the windscreen to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and help warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and audible buzzer.

If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the centre of the lane, the system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift. The system is operative at speeds in excess of 70 km/h.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (included on Ti-L) features an individual tyre pressure display. Maintaining proper tyre pressure helps to maintain handling performance, achieve good fuel economy and long tyre life. Off roaders will be pleased with its inclusion where frequent tyre inflation is needed after deflating tyres for traction in mud or sand.

Exterior Styling

The new Nissan Patrol boasts a modern, superior styling that conveys luxury and the high performance to go anywhere the driver desires.

The Nissan Patrol is as much at home on the high-speed desert roads of the Middle East as it is clambering with care across the more barren reaches of Australia, and so must be able to cosset its occupants in these diverse yet similarly demanding, and often extremely hot, environments.
Fully integrated front and rear bumpers look strong and safe and allow impressive approach and departure angles, while the sculpted body boasts a well-defined shoulder line. Chromed window frame surrounds highlight the expression of luxury.

The darkened A, B and C pillars create a harmonious side-on view, while the curved D pillar window silhouette delivers an instantly identifiable visual signature. Side steps and a roof spoiler continue the luxury theme.

The wheel arches are only subtly flared in the new Nissan Patrol, contrasting with previous models that accentuated an off-road stance.

From the purposeful, Nissan signature front end with its high tech headlamps and balanced, angled strut grille surround, to the dynamic curve of the new single piece tailgate and unique taillight graphics with LED lamps and futuristic styling, and the chrome vents on the front guards and door handles, the new Nissan Patrol is instantly recognisable as one of the leading members of the luxury SUV class.

The new Nissan Patrol is 5140 mm long, 1995 mm wide and 1940 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3075 mm.

This makes it significantly larger than its nearest rival in every dimension (L: +190 mm, W: +25 mm, H: +35 mm, WB: + 225 mm) as well as eclipsing the Y61 Nissan Patrol.

Despite a significant increase in all dimensions over the Y61 generation model, the new Nissan Patrol shares an identical 12.5m turning circle.

A full-size spare wheel is located under the vehicle below the load compartment.

Interior Luxury

• High quality, spacious interior
• Comfortable seats
• Quiet cabin
• Improved performance air conditioning
• Cooler box (Ti-L)
• Multi-screen DVD entertainment system (Ti-L)

The new Nissan Patrol boasts a class-leading interior that exudes a premium luxury feel. The cabin is quieter thanks to the use of laminated windscreen and front door glass, high-tech insulator and the aerodynamic design and rigid body.

The enlarged cabin provides exceptional comfort and space for up to eight occupants in the ST-L and Ti models, while the Ti-L offers more sumptuous accommodation for up to seven occupants.

The ST-L features luxurious black cloth upholstery, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, while the Ti and Ti-L models are finished in high-grade, soft, fine-textured black leather. Each door features a large armrest and sturdy grab-handle to pull it closed.

The Ti-L model features a 6.0-litre cooler box inserted into the front centre console that can be accessed either by the front or second row passengers, and is large enough to store and cool six 600 mm drink bottles.

The dash is dominated by high-grade wood with chrome accents; while quality plastic finishes deliver a premium feel. Large comfortable seats with deep bolsters hold occupants securely and comfortably on- or off-road.

The Ti model adds a 6-way electrically adjustable passenger seat, with memory function on the Ti-L.

The front seat passenger enjoys 570mm of knee-room, while passengers in the second row will appreciate the flexibility of an adjustable backrest as well as 126mm of headroom, 1612mm of shoulder room and 721mm of knee-room, all of which dimensions comprehensively eclipse those of the Nissan Patrol's closest rival.

The third row of seats can slide/recline through 20 mm to allow more legroom or storage room in the rear along with 476 mm of knee-room and 1537 mm of shoulder room.

With the second and third row of seats folded flat, the load space provides a minimum of 1240 mm of width, 2130 mm depth and 1110 mm height, for loading bulky items. The total load space available is 3170-litres.

With the second row of seats upright and the third folded, there is 1490-litres of cargo space.
With all seats available for occupancy there is still 550-litres of luggage space (with a depth of 390 mm), which can accommodate a cooler box behind the third row. This is far more available space than the nearest rival or Y61 Patrol. Further, the rear row of seats can be easily lowered in just one operation using one hand.

The commodious rear load space has been enhanced over the Y61 and the nearest competitor thanks to the third row seats folding forward, rather than folding up against the side of the load area/wheel arches.

There is an additional full-width stowage area under the rear section floor just inside the aperture, easily accessed when the tailgate is lifted. On Ti-L models a power tailgate is standard while other models have a manual operation.

In the Ti-L, there are DVD screens inserted into the back for the front row headrests complete with remote control and wireless headsets. The screens can display music selection, video entertainment or function as an iPod screen or games console.

The Ti-L also gains an 8-inch WVGA colour monitor to display navigation maps when travelling or DVDs when parked.

The new Nissan Patrol also comes with a totally revised climate control system boasting another world-first - the curtain vent. The curtain vent has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air downwards. This forms a curtain of air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.

In addition, large dash-top outlets blow plenty of cooled air onto the windscreen to effect a rapid cool down after the driver returns to a sun-baked vehicle. The class-leading system aims to reduce interior temperature from 50-degrees to 20-degrees in three minutes.

To complete the luxurious ambience inside, there is a full array of soft lighting throughout the interior, and when the engine is started the gauge needles pulsate like a 'heartbeat'.

Pricing – Nissan Patrol V8

*Recommended Driveaway Price shown includes Nissan's recommended retail price and Nissan's recommended dealer delivery fee, but individual Nissan Dealers may charge a different delivery fee – which may be higher or lower. The recommended drive away price also includes any applicable GST and Luxury Car Tax, 12 months' registration and compulsory third party insurance. [Metallic paint $495 extra]. Please note that your actual drive away price may differ depending on your individual circumstances and between Nissan Dealers. Accordingly, please talk to your local Nissan Dealer to confirm the price that is specific to you.