Nissan Patrol Nismo: here's what the 428 hp of pure sporty SUV looks like, which we won't get to enjoy in Europe

As we announced a few weeks ago, Nissan had been cooking up the development of the Nissan Patrol Nismo, a version that would only reach markets such as the Middle East. The Japanese brand has kept its word and has just unveiled the new Nissan Patrol Nismo 2021, which, unfortunately, we won’t get to enjoy in the old continent. The very name this SUV boasts is more than enough to tell that we’re dealing with a vehicle that is “politically incorrect” in the face of the strict anti-pollution regulations looming over Europe, so we’ll have to settle for seeing it in pictures.

And we mustn’t forget that the Nismo division of Nissan has been leading the development of vehicles such as the Nissan GT-R Nismo, the most radical version of the Japanese supercar. Bearing this in mind, we can expect a Nissan Patrol -or Armada, the name it goes by in the Middle East and the United States- capable of outclassing many of its most direct rivals.

In terms of styling, we find an imposing front end dominated by a considerably sized grille and an aggressive front splitter. This impression is heightened by a pronounced rear spoiler and a diffuser housing a new exhaust outlet. The new 22-inch wheels serve a similar purpose: besides featuring a new design, they shave off 4.5 kg of unsprung mass.

The cabin doesn’t disappoint either, with a sporty-cut steering wheel, and every last nook of the Patrol Nismo is finished in either carbon fibre or Alcantara. This is paired with red and black tones for the stitching and seats, and there’s also a 13-speaker sound system by Bose and a new infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

However, the true highlight of the Nissan Patrol Nismo lies in its mechanical section. Here sits a colossal 5.6-litre V8 capable of delivering 428 hp and 560 Nm of torque. These figures have required upgrades to the suspension and braking system, making the whole package sportier and more efficient.

Either way, Nissan leaves us with our mouths watering, as we can’t enjoy the Patrol Nismo on this side of the pond. Nevertheless, the Japanese firm still has important projects in other parts of the world, which will possibly converge into a counterpart of this high-performance SUV.