The next-generation Nissan Armada — and by extension the almost identical Nissan Patrol — will be swapping two cylinders for an identical number of turbochargers.
A US dealer has told Automotive News the next-generation Nissan Armada will ditch V8 power for a twin-turbo V6 engine.
According to the industry publication, the new Armada is due to go on sale in the US from late 2023.
Armada 
Patrol
In the rest of the world, including Australia, the Armada is sold as the Nissan Patrol, with differences between the two vehicles being largely cosmetic.
The current ‘Y62’ Patrol has had a long innings, entering production back in 2010. It has been through two facelifts, with the most recent bringing a new dashboard design and modern infotainment system, but only for left-hand drive models.
Earlier this week, a report stated Nissan has ended the development of new internal combustion engines for Europe, and will soon do the same for China and Japan.
While most of the company’s energy will now be spent on electric powertrains, it will still do some “limited development” for the US market.
While it’s possible Nissan might continue with a V8 engine for the Patrol/Armada outside the US, that seems unlikely given the small volumes involved.
Armada 
Patrol
Also the Patrol’s main global competitor, the Toyota LandCruiser, has made the transition from eight to six cylinders with the latest 300-Series range.
In the US, both the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia are now exclusively powered by V6 engines, with the latter going one step further and having a hybrid system standard throughout the range.
Like these other models, the Patrol/Armada’s switch to V6 power is being done to improve fuel economy.
The current Patrol has a 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8 hooked up to a seven-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Its combined fuel economy rating in the US is between 14.7L/100km and 15.7L/100km, depending on the trim level.
By comparison the Lexus LX600 — as well as the petrol-powered Toyota LandCruisers sold in the Middle East — have a 305kW/650Nm 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 and a 10-speed auto. According to the US EPA’s testing regime, the LX600 has a combined city and highway figure of 12.4L/100km.
G60 Patrol 
Y60 Patrol
If this report is true, it would see the Patrol return to its largely six-cylinder roots, although earlier generations employed straight-six rather than V6 engines.
No details about the Patrol’s possible new twin-turbo V6 have been revealed as yet, but it could be based on the 3.8-litre direct-injection VQ engine currently used exclusively in the North American Frontier pickup truck.
In the Frontier, the naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre V6 cranks out 231kW and 381Nm, and is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
MORE: Everything Nissan Patrol
