Nissan Patrol's Armada twin loses its roof
A new safari-ready Nissan Patrol – or Armada – concept has previewed what the big SUV could look like topless.
The new-generation Y63 Nissan Patrol and its Armada twin in North America – as well as the Infiniti QX80 – have proven to be highly modifiable, though it’s unlikely anyone has thought about going this far with the SUV.
Revealed for this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nissan took the covers off the Armada Jungle Patrol Concept, based on the rugged Armada Pro-4X variant, but with some significant changes.
Inspired by the safari and desert heritage of previous Patrols, the Jungle Patrol Concept goes one step further, losing its roof from the A-pillar backwards, instead adopting a tubular roll care to maintain some structural integrity.
Obviously, no safari-ready machine is complete without bench seating, with two rows of seats now facing each other in the middle of the SUV.
With the extensive interior modifications completed, Nissan’s team turned to the exterior, where the Armada Pro-4X’s overhaul continues.
From its taller bumpers with basic tubular steel guards to its Nismo off-road lights, the Jungle Patrol looks even tougher than the stock Pro-4X.
Its assertive looks are further enhanced by the fitment of beadlock wheels, 37-inch Yokohama Geolandar tyres, and long-travel suspension components.
While it’s unlikely we’ll ever see a Patrol this tough in showrooms, Australia is soon set to get the Pro-4X variant for the first time with the upcoming Y63.
Until now, the sole off-road biased variant of the Y62 Patrol has been the Warrior, made by Melbourne’s Premcar engineering firm.
Premcar has already shown off an off-road ready version of the Y63, after it last year built the QX80 Terrain Spec for Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti.
Jacked up with new wheels and all-terrain tyres, it also featured wheel-arch flairs, side steps, a rooftop-mounted pop-up tent and light bar, plus more underbody protection, previewing upgrades which could eventually be seen on a new Patrol Warrior.
Jordan Mulach
