Nissan chose to reveal the 2021 Nissan Patrol NISMO to the world in the UAE last month. Marking the latest chapter for Nissan’s performance brand, it was premiered globally through a virtual event hosted at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Looking at the vehicle you can understand why. Certainly the new race-inspired version combines striking exteriors with the refinement of a luxury car expected of the Patrol line but it is packed with the exhilarating performance of a sports car.
The SUV will be available exclusively to customers in the region, and begins a year-long celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the dawn of the Nissan Patrol in 1951. It also furthers the Nissan NEXT transformation journey in the region, following the recent regional launch of the all-new Nissan X-Terra.
According to the Japanese giant, the latest manifestation of the bold and sporty Nissan Patrol NISMO underlines its own heritage as a motorsport brand, and the region’s long-standing love for high-performance vehicles.
It says the vehicle has been tailored to meet the needs and expectations of customers looking to stand out from the crowd – “those who seek the premium luxury of the iconic Nissan Patrol, and simultaneously crave the exhilaration that comes from increased power performance and superb handling.”
While its exterior has been refined to allow for optimised aerodynamics and suspension, as well as achieving zero lift force, it also features enhanced handling capabilities and stylish race-inspired ergonomic upgrades, along with the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) features.
Thierry Sabbagh, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East explained: “Since the launch of the NISMO brand in the region, we have listened to our customers to understand their evolving needs, and worked with our global teams to deliver a NISMO product that not only addresses customer demand, but also takes the iconic Patrol experience to a whole new level. With the 2021 Patrol NISMO, our customers can experience the thrill of handling a car with a racing spirit and turn heads as they glide through the streets.”
The launch further underlines the strong demand for the NISMO brand in the Middle East since its launch in the region in 2016. As Nissan’s performance brand, NISMO is responsible for motorsports activities and specialty performance cars – and is committed to delivering thrilling driving experiences. With high-quality craftsmanship, the 2021 Nissan Patrol NISMO joins the 370Z NISMO and the GT-R NISMO to offer motorsports-inspired aerodynamics and styling, superior handling characteristics and unmatched agility.
“The exciting enhancements to the 2021 Patrol NISMO make it the ultimate mark for performance, luxury and respect, and adds to our strong Patrol proposition and overall business strategy to ensure we remain a class apart in the region,” Sabbagh continued.
Expo 2020 Dubai was the chosen setting for the virtual launch, as Nissan gears up to offer visitors a glimpse into the future of mobility during the six-month event starting 1 October 2021. As the event’s Official Automotive Partner, Nissan is set to leverage its global expertise and showcase next-generation cars based on the brand’s vision of driving innovation that enriches people’s lives. This is also in line with Expo 2020’s purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
“We are proud to launch this product exclusively for our customers in the Middle East, especially as we mark the 70th anniversary of the Patrol – and look forward to seeing our customers discover what this eye-catching SUV has to offer.”
The 2021 Nissan Patrol NISMO takes on the build of the Patrol V8 LE Platinum City model, and is aligned with Nissan’s new design philosophy of being “bold, energising, human and alive”.
Mitsunori Morita, Chief Designer for NISMO said: “Designing NISMO road cars is both a challenge and a beautiful opportunity to express our passion for design on a superlative level. We designed Nissan Patrol NISMO with a unique customer in mind, one with a true passion for performance. We consider every finest detail to provide the most exciting and authentic experience to fuel the adrenaline and inspire the imagination of the excitement-seekers.”
The dynamic design plays a pivotal role in highlighting the character of the Patrol NISMO – exuding aggression and sportiness with an imposing presence. It features a new front fascia, with a honeycomb three-dimensional mesh that emphasizes the SUV’s front V-Motion grille, along with new front lamps and horizontal chrome lines embellished with the NISMO emblem. The rear bumper is more symmetrical in design to accentuate the car width, with dark chrome inserts and new tail lamps. It also includes LED rear fog lights inspired by the Nissan Formula 1 car, which emits the same brightness as the car’s brake lights in adverse conditions.
The signature NISMO red line wrap covers the circumference at the model’s base, the contour adding a boost to its definition, while the 22-inch, two-tone 2 tone aluminum wheels sport the NISMO logo to add a distinctive aesthetic. The SUV’s tuned suspension features Bilstein shock absorbers, which provide a sportier and improved handling.
While the exterior of the Patrol NISMO boasts confidence, the interiors are intended to exude pure luxury and NISMO’s racing pedigree in equal measure.
In the NISMO notes, Nissan says “Spacious front seats help drivers become one with their car, while the premium quality and crafted quilting continues the NISMO’s narrative in bringing performance and luxury to its owners. Alcantara fabric with side leather, the upholstery of choice for racing cars, is one of the latest design modifications to the NISMO to add to the plushness of the interiors.”
The black Alcantara steering wheel also takes its inspiration from racing cars, with red carbon fibre inserts to provide a sporty and dynamic feel, while the headrests are also embossed with the signature NISMO logo. The refreshed centre console and dashboard adds to the signature NISMO interior, allowing drivers to make informed decisions in real time.
The 2021 Nissan Patrol NISMO also features improvement in cabin quietness as a result of a reduction of the frame vibration, while AC upgrades for the second row help provide a more comfortable ride. (The 2021 Nissan Patrol NISMO is also available in four exterior colours – namely White Pearl, Black Solid, and Grey and Silver metallic colours.)
The 2021 Patrol NISMO’s design is driven by function, says Nissan, to provide drivers with motorsports inspired aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling capabilities and unmatched agility.
Each vehicle is tuned to flawlessness by Nissan’s legendary Takumi craftsmen team, a team of four master engine builders allowed to hand-build the Nissan GT-R engines at Nissan’s Yokohama engine plant. Their skill in tuning the Patrol’s V8 engine results in a concentrated 428hp and a torque of 560NM.
A key design upgrade to the 2021 Nissan Patrol NISMO is the addition of a side duct to the front bumper to achieve zero lift force – maintaining its breakthrough achievement within the SUV segment. The intensification in aerodynamic force is boosted by the cumulative wheel weight reduction of 4.5 kgs, and is reigned in with a new roof spoiler to ensure smooth air flow over the rear. The adoption of a large thermal capacity has resulted in an improved braking performance, while the body structure enforcement allows for better handling at high speeds.
The 2021 Nissan Patrol NISMO has also been upgraded with latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies to provide drivers with peace of mind while driving. The latest additions include Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Smart Rear View Mirror and a High Beam Assist. Technology upgrades to the Patrol NISMO also include Apple CarPlay compatibility, wireless charging capability and USB ports including USB-A and USB-C.
Morita concludes: “Our aim when designing the new Nissan Patrol NISMO was to give customers a sense of confidence and pride of owning it. It features a sophisticated aerodynamic form and the size and presence of a premium-class SUV – which when combined with its overwhelming power makes it stand out and establishes its higher grade as a symbol of true performance,” he continued.
