Autoblog

Highly modified Nissan Patrol impounded after 200-mph 'Hollywood-style' chase in Dubai

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Etc., Nissan, Specialty, Middle East

Police in Dubai have been cracking down on illegal racing by seizing modified vehicles, but they probably didn't expect to find themselves in pursuit of a full-size SUV supposedly capable of speeds of more than 200 miles per hour. The driver had altered his Nissan Patrol to allow it to run on "jet fuel", according to the report, and he put it all to the test when he tried running from the cops.

The report says that the unnamed driver had spent around $68,000 (U.S dollars) to equip his Nissan Patrol, closely related to the Infiniti QX here in the United States, with the new fuel tank (we'd assume it's really aviation fuel for piston engines) along with plenty of engine and body upgrades, but it isn't clear what exact modifications were made to allow this full-size SUV to run on the high-test fuel or be capable of hitting speeds comparable to a supercar. Regardless, the modifications couldn't stand up to whatever stopping devices police in Duabi use to end pursuits (referred to as speedbreakers), and after a "Hollywood-style" high-speed police chase that ended in a residential neighborhood, the suspect was apprehended.

The pilot was charged with reckless driving, unlawful car modifications, expired registration and resisting police, and he told police that his vehicle was modified at a local garage and that some of his friends had spent upwards of $80,000 USD for similar upgrades. We've all seen the crazy videos coming out of the Middle East of reckless drivers on public roads, and Dubai Police had apparently been cracking down on these drivers especially hard during the month of Ramadan. In that time (July 19 through August 18), police had seized more than 120 vehicles and are said to be investigating an additional 1,700.

Highly modified Nissan Patrol impounded after 200-mph 'Hollywood-style' chase in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Patrol rides in with Rolls-Royce getup

Zach Bowman — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Etc., Nissan, Rolls-Royce, Middle East, Design/Style

We hardly have words for the machine you see above. On the one hand, we adore the Nissan Patrol with every last ounce of our little black hearts, and there are only a few itches a good Rolls-Royce can't effectively scratch. So, you'd be forgiven for thinking the progeny of those two players would be automotive nirvana for us. As is so often the case, reality differs heavily from concept. Some enterprising soul in Dubai has apparently stitched the two machines together with questionable results. The finished product doesn't really look like some half-baked creation, though it isn't what we would call stylish, either.

Strangely enough, the upright Rolls-Royce grille and wedge hood fit well with the sharp edges of the Patrol's greenhouse, and the creator has thoughtfully fitted a set of Land Rover taillamps to the rump as well. Either way, if you like what you see, you can snap up this machine and call it yours. The Rolls-Patrol is currently up for sale for the low cost of just $15,800 at current conversion rates. You can bet that's a far cry less than the original owner had to pay to have this thing built. Head over to Dubizzle.com for a look at the sales ad.

Nissan Patrol rides in with Rolls-Royce getup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: R/C Peterbilt tows full-scale Nissan Patrol

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Humor

R/C Peterbilt tows Nissan Patrol - Click above to watch video after the jump

There's so much awesome in this video, we can barely stand it. The owner of this particular remote-control Peterbilt has put his scale rig to work towing a full-scale Nissan Patrol. We're not entirely sure what sort of drivetrain this mini-semi is packing, nor do we know if it is receiving any help from the engine in the SUV. Even if the Patrol did lend a hand, the fact that the R/C machine can pull around a full-grown adult without breaking a sweat is impressive enough.

Of course, its ability to throw smoke at the flip of a switch makes us giggle, too.

Now we want to see this thing pulling a trailer packed with tiny contraband Coors alongside a certain scale Trans Am. Hit the jump to see the full video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: R/C Peterbilt tows full-scale Nissan Patrol

Video: R/C Peterbilt tows full-scale Nissan Patrol originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Patrol recalled overseas but kissing-cousin Infiniti QX56 not affected [UPDATED]*

Michael Harley — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan, Middle East, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Nissan Patrol - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has issued a recall for more than a thousand Nissan Patrol models in the Middle East, citing electrical problems that could affect the engine's fuel supply leading to engine stalls. According to Monal Zeidan, the general manager of marketing and communications for Nissan Middle East, there are problems with an integrated circuit inside the vehicle's electronic control module (ECM). Zeidan goes on to say that if the ECM fails the fuel injectors could stop working and the engine may stop. Owners of the 1,250 affected vehicles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are being asked to visit their dealerships to have a revised ECM installed.

While the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX56 is heavily based on the Nissan Patrol, our sources at Infiniti say the two models run different ECMs. That's a bit of good news for owners of Infiniti's latest flagship SUV, as it means they won't need to worry about the recall.

*UPDATE: Nissan has issued a clarifying statement that notes while U.S. Infiniti QX56 models are unaffected by this action, Middle Eastern market QX56 are indeed being recalled alongside their Patrol cousins.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Patrol

[Source: TheNational]

Nissan Patrol recalled overseas but kissing-cousin Infiniti QX56 not affected [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds

Zach Bowman — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Infiniti, First Drives, Luxury

2011 Infiniti QX56 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ask any braniac elementary school student what happened to the dinosaurs, and they'll tell you they turned into birds. While the mechanics are a bit more complicated than a momma T-Rex hatching a brood of yellow finches, modern science would seem to agree with the concept. When we were in school, the common perception was that those massive lizards parted ways with terra firma courtesy of a jumbo-sized meteor smack. Our Earth Science books called it a mass extinction, and they accompanied the definition with helpful illustrations that depicted contemplative Brontosaurus and Triceratops herds looking off into the distance as a chunk of orange sky plummeted toward the horizon.

So you can't really blame us for thinking that the SUV would follow a similar natural path. When fuel prices shot up, many rejoiced at the thought of global body-on-frame extinction. This was the event some had been patiently waiting for since the high-riding people movers first supplanted the minivan as the family cruiser of choice. And while we've certainly seen weaker species succumb to the heat of pressure from more efficient breeds, the strong continue to soldier on, slowly adapting to a world grown hostile to anything big and thirsty. If you believe Infiniti, that's exactly what the 2011 QX56 has done - evolved.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked: 2011 Infiniti QX56 drips onto web prior to NY debut

Alex Nunez — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti QX56 - Click above for image gallery

When Nissan unveiled the all-new Patrol SUV in the Middle East last month, we already knew that we'd be seeing the rebranded Infiniti version as the 2011 QX56 at the New York Auto Show. Furthermore, spy photos left little to the imagination. Today, leaked official images leave exactly zero to the imagination.

Despite what appears to be an effort to infuse a dollop of FX style to the front end, the 2011 Infiniti QX56 manages to retain an awkward-looking "forehead" (much like its predecessor) that's reminiscent of Frankenstein's monster, thanks to the not-insubstantial amount of bodywork that rises above the headlamps. There's also a garish fender vent the approximate size of Martha's Vineyard. While the QX56's front and rear end treatments are unique to the Infiniti, the basic profile and daylight opening are identical to the new Patrol, as is the lavishly-appointed interior, which appears to just swap steering wheel logos.

Given that we already know the vehicle nomenclature - QX56 - look for the same 5.6-liter, 400-horsepower, 405 pound-foot direct-injected V8 that's available in the Nissan. Likewise, we expect to see most, if not all, of the same technological features the new Patrol offers, such as its seven-speed automatic transmission, electronic four-wheel-drive with driver-selectable modes, and hydraulic anti-roll system.

Check out the low-res leaked images in the gallery below, which you can compare to our high-res Nissan Patrol set. We'll have full details in the new 2011 Infiniti QX56 later this week once the festivities get underway in New York.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti QX56

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Leaked: 2011 Infiniti QX56 drips onto web prior to NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-new Nissan Patrol unveiled in the UAE

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Nissan, Middle East, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Nissan Patrol - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan pulled the wraps off the all-new, upsized Patrol SUV today in Abu Dhabi, and the big Toyota Land Cruiser competitor has ripped a page from its rival. Gone is the ruggedly utilitarian Patrol that looked right at home in white paint with a giant "UN" on each door. In its place, Nissan has delivered a decidedly more upscale, leather-lined, TV-screened blingwagon. You know, just like Toyota.

Power comes from a direct-injected 5.6-liter V8 that's good for 400 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. That engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic and a new electronic four-wheel-drive system with four driver-selectable modes (pavement, sand, rock, and snow). The truck rides on a new four-wheel independent suspension, and incorporates features such as a hydraulic body roll mitigation system, hill start assist, and hill descent control.

Inside, there's a roomier cabin with premium features and better overall material quality. Nifty new tech includes what Nissan calls a "curtain vent" - openings above each window that fire cool air straight down to form a layer of air-conditioned insulation between each passenger and the glass. (This is clearly a product of the extensive market research Nissan says it performed in the Middle East when planning the vehicle.)

So, will we see the Patrol here? For sure. We already have confirmation that the Infinitized version bows next month as the 2011 QX56 at the New York Auto Show. And this one? It'd make a fine Armada if you ask us.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Patrol

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading All-new Nissan Patrol unveiled in the UAE

All-new Nissan Patrol unveiled in the UAE originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Stealth 1,000 HP Nissan Patrol

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, SUV, Etc., Videos, Nissan

Click above for image gallery and follow the jump for the video

We just told you about Nissan's next-gen Patrol SUV and the fact that it might be coming to North America. While rumors have the engine options including a first-ever V8 for the model, the big news is the diesel engine co-developed with Renault that's slated to put out 405 ft-lbs. of torque. While that sounds enticing, apparently that won't be good enough for a certain impatient Dubai businessman. He went to tuner HKS and had them turn up the wick a bit on a current-generation Patrol while he's waiting for the new one.

The result is more than 1,000 PS, or roughly 1,000 HP. And the best part is that the exterior remains mostly stock looking, though the giant hood scoop is admittedly a tipoff. We'd suggest tracking down some Pirelli Scorpions at least, though they're not likely to be as useful for track duty. Sure, a Bugatti Veyron might be more stylish and yes, it has about the same horsepower. Heck, it even has all-wheel drive, but it doesn't have nearly the ground clearance or the cargo room as this Patrol, so the decision was obvious. Apparently, this stealth bomber SUV was just featured in an issue of Option Magazine in Japan. If anyone has more details, please share. Until then, check out the gallery and the video after the jump.

Gallery: HKS Nissan Patrol

[Source: The Real JDM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Stealth 1,000 HP Nissan Patrol

VIDEO: Stealth 1,000 HP Nissan Patrol originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Nissan Patrol

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Nissan

UPDATE: Images removed at request of Nissan.

Spy shots of what appears to be the next Nissan Patrol have just popped up from the Middle East. The Patrol is a Toyota Land Cruiser competitor that has until now only been sold in markets outside of North America. It is believed, however, that Nissan may consider bringing this 2010 version of the Patrol to the States to fill some of the holes left by the cancellation of the Armada and Infiniti QX56. Adopting design cues like a cantilevered roof from the 2007 Nissan Terranaut Concept, the 2010 Patrol also looks a bit like a passenger version of the new NV2500 light commercial vehicle we showed you last week.

It is expected that the new Patrol will remain body-on-frame, and that it will pick up a 4.8L V8 for the engine bay. Other engine options will likely include a 4.0L V6 and 3.0L V6 diesel (co-developed with Renault) that is rumored to produce 265 hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque. Thanks for the tip, Eb!

[Source: Almotornews.com]

Spy Shots: 2010 Nissan Patrol originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australia: Nissan Patrol DX set to go Walkabout

Alex Nunez — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Nissan, Australia

Click image to enlarge

Automakers making rough-and-ready versions of their SUVs is nothing new, but it's clear that some of these are more serious than others. Nissan Australia has whipped up a machine that falls solidly into the latter category with the special-edition Patrol DX Walkabout. In Walkabout trim, Nissan's venerable off-roader receives a laundry list of accessories as standard equipment, including a bull bar, snorkel, cargo barrier, side steps, alloy wheels, and $2,000 (AUD) worth of camping equipment. (Oh yeah, it gets a CD changer, too, so you can blast your Midnight Oil records while rumbling through the bush.) Power comes from a 158-hp/280 lb-ft 3.0L turbodiesel mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It's available in silver or white and is priced at AUD $49,990 (manual) and AUD $52,990 (auto). That money buys you a vehicle that's pretty much ready to frighten kangaroos and traverse the island continent at a moment's notice. Just pack a couple extra jerry jugs of diesel and hit the road (or lack thereof).

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Australia: Nissan Patrol DX set to go Walkabout

Australia: Nissan Patrol DX set to go Walkabout originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog

Highly modified Nissan Patrol impounded after 200-mph 'Hollywood-style' chase in Dubai

Nissan Patrol rides in with Rolls-Royce getup

Video: R/C Peterbilt tows full-scale Nissan Patrol

Nissan Patrol recalled overseas but kissing-cousin Infiniti QX56 not affected [*UPDATED]

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds

Leaked: 2011 Infiniti QX56 drips onto web prior to NY debut

All-new Nissan Patrol unveiled in the UAE

VIDEO: Stealth 1,000 HP Nissan Patrol

Spy Shots: 2010 Nissan Patrol

Australia: Nissan Patrol DX set to go Walkabout

Nissan Patrol recalled overseas but kissing-cousin Infiniti QX56 not affected [UPDATED]*