Nissan Unveils New Armada Model at 2023 Japan Mobility Show
Nissan created quite a buzz at the recent 2023 Japan Mobility Show with its range of innovative electric concept cars. However, the journalists in attendance were particularly curious about the new Armada, also known as the Patrol in some markets. This full-size SUV has been around for over a decade, with its underlying structure dating back to early 2010. Fortunately, Nissan has confirmed that a next-generation Armada is in the works, and it is set to impress.
Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global product strategy and product planning, shared some exciting details with CarExpert about the upcoming Armada. He revealed that Nissan plans to position the SUV in the upscale market segment to compete with other luxurious full-size SUVs. Espinosa even mentioned the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series as a direct competitor, but confidently claimed that the new Armada is superior to it. He invited journalists to experience the Armada firsthand before passing judgment.
While the Land Cruiser 300 is not available in the United States, where Toyota has recently introduced the 2024 Land Cruiser 250 (also known as the Prado), Nissan aims to take on its rival head-on in other markets.
One significant change in the new Armada will be the replacement of its V8 engine with a twin-turbo V6. Espinosa confirmed these reports and assured enthusiasts that although they may be reluctant to let go of the V8’s power, they will not be disappointed with the new engine. The senior vice president praised the current 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 but argued that the forced-induction V6 will offer an even more rewarding driving experience.
According to a Nissan dealer mentioned in an Automotive News report, the twin-turbo V6 is expected to generate 424 horsepower and will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, an upgrade from the current seven-speed automatic. The new engine is likely to deliver significantly more torque than the outgoing V8, providing a boost in performance.
In addition to the shift away from V8 power, Nissan will also say goodbye to diesel engines in the Armada. Due to the large number of customers in the Middle East, where gasoline is the preferred fuel, investing in diesel technology is no longer viable. However, with the introduction of the twin-turbo V6, the new Armada is expected to offer improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor.
Espinosa acknowledged that the current generation Armada is starting to show its age, especially in terms of its infotainment system. He promised that the next-generation model would introduce significant technological advancements, although he did not provide specific details. It is highly likely that these upgrades will also be featured in the luxury-oriented Infiniti QX80, which shares its platform with the Armada.
With the anticipation building for the new Armada, Nissan is undoubtedly aware of the need to deliver a truly impressive SUV. While details remain scarce, the promises made by Espinosa are enough to stir excitement among SUV enthusiasts who are eagerly awaiting the next-generation Armada.
Note: This article is meant to highlight the key points of the original source and is not an exact replication.