The next-generation Infiniti QX80 has been leaked ahead of its imminent reveal, giving us our best look yet at the next Nissan Patrol.
Photos have been published by Instagram user cars_secrets ahead of the flagship SUV’s March 20 unveiling.
They reveal a more modern interior with a large digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, plus a touchscreen display for adjusting climate controls – similar to that seen in some Audi models.
There’s also extensive colour-adjustable ambient lighting.
There are ‘piano key’ daytime running lights up front, plus what appears to be an illuminated logo on the grille, which features diagonal slats.
The headlights sit in separate pods below the daytime running lights, a design element likely to be employed by the next Patrol/Armada.
The second-generation QX80 is expected to follow the outgoing model in being a close relation of the Nissan Patrol/Armada, differing largely in exterior and interior styling.
Teased recently by Infiniti, the QX80 will ditch its V8 for a new twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.
The capacity of this has yet to be disclosed, but it will produce 336kW of power and 698Nm of torque, and it’s expected to feature in the next Patrol/Armada.
That’s 38kW and 138Nm more than the current Patrol’s naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V8. It’s also 109kW up but 2Nm down on the 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel powering the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.
A new nine-speed automatic transmission will be mated to the V6 engine – offering two more ratios than the outgoing model – while a four-wheel drive system will remain.
Previous reports have indicated the Nissan Armada will go on sale in the US in mid-2024, but it’s unclear how much later its Patrol twin will launch in Australia.
QX80 teaser images 
While the QX80 departed Australian showrooms along with the Infiniti brand in 2020, the Patrol was Nissan’s third best-selling new car last year, with its 7812 sales sitting behind the smaller and more affordable X-Trail SUV(12,861 sales) and the Navara ute (8499 sales).
Despite being outsold by the Toyota LandCruiser wagon, official figures don’t separate the comfort-oriented 300 Series and the more rugged 70 Series, which combined for 15,035 sales in 2023.
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