Nissan is ready to wave goodbye to the V8 engine, in favor of smaller and more efficient powertrains. The next generation of the Patrol and its Armada twin that are expected to debut next year have been confirmed to get a new twin-turbo V6. Meanwhile, the mechanically-related Titan is set to be discontinued after the 2024 model year without a planned successor.
The revelation regarding the next-generation Patrol / Armada was made to Australian media by Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s head of product strategy and planning, during the Japan Mobility Show 2023. While rumors of a V6-powered successor to the large SUV had been circulating for some time, this marks the first official confirmation from Nissan.
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As reported by Drive, Nissan is not concerned about potential negative feedback from the public regarding the transition from the 5.6-liter V8 to a smaller V6. Espinosa disclosed that the new engine will surpass its predecessor in performance, despite having two fewer cylinders. He stated, “I think the customers, the moment they drive a twin-turbo V6, they discover a new universe. The capability, the performance, the acceleration, the power delivery – the customer will smile, I’m sure of it. It will outshine the V8 in all those metrics”.
Sources indicate that the new twin-turbo V6 will generate 424 hp (316 kW / 430 PS), representing a mild improvement over the outgoing naturally-aspirated 5.6-liter V8 with 400 hp (298 kW / 405 PS). This engine is expected to make its debut in the new Nissan Patrol, likely also being featured in the US-spec Armada. Nissan is not the sole automaker opting for the removal of V8 engines from its large off-roaders, as Toyota did the same with the rival Toyota Land Cruiser Series 300 that was introduced in 2021.
The VK56VD V8 engine, introduced with the sixth-generation Nissan Patrol in 2010, represents the latest iteration of the VK engine family that has been in use since 2002. Apart from its increased power, the new V6 is anticipated to surpass the V8 in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency due to its utilization of more advanced technology.
