End of the V8 Patrol? New Nissan Patrol Y63 set to downsize to twin-turbo petrol V6, follow lead of 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series: report

We’ve barely heard a whisper about the next-generation Nissan Patrol, but the proverbial cat might have just been let out of the bag, as the so-called Y63 series will reportedly ditch its predecessor’s iconic V8 engine for a downsized V6.

According to Instagram user cars_secrets, a source within Nissan Middle East has revealed the Japanese brand has been developing an all-new 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine since 2017, with it set to be used by “large-size” models due in the coming years.

These include the redesigned Patrol and related Infiniti QX80 upper-large SUVs, but also Nissan’s Titan full-size pick-up, although there are serious questions marks over whether the latter will, indeed, see a third generation.

Either way, the Patrol, QX80 and any other model/s will allegedly pair the 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 with an equally new nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive or a part-time four-wheel-drive system.

The engine change, of course, would represent a massive departure from the current Y62 Patrol’s flagship option, a 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8, which is the only one offered to Australian buyers.

In other markets, including the Middle East, a 205kW/394Nm 4.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6 engine is available, so the switch wouldn’t mark the first time the Patrol series has featured bent-six power.

That said, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 would likely deliver higher power and torque outputs than the 5.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8 – and it would have to if the Patrol were to keep pace with the rivalling Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

As reported, the new LC300’s flagship petrol engine option is a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 with 305kW/650Nm, so expect the Y63 Patrol to deliver around the same mark – if not beyond to secure bragging rights again.

For reference, the preceding LC200 was globally headlined by a 284kW/543Nm 5.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8 that paled in comparison – ever so slightly – to the Y62 Patrol’s 5.6-litre unit. Stay tuned.