The sixth-generation Nissan Patrol has been out for almost 13 years, but one tuner is still focusing on the venerable SUV. Although Manhart has made a name for itself by improving BMWs, the German aftermarket specialist has recently been thinking outside the Bavarian box with other projects. We’ve seen upgraded versions of the Defender, Audi RS3 and AMG SL. After a bunch of European cars, he has now decided to work his magic on a Japanese vehicle.
Look beyond the typical black and gold Manhart livery and you’ll realize this isn’t your ordinary Patrol. Indeed, it’s based on the hotter version of Nismo which came out in late 2015 before getting a facelift early last year. The two-tone performance SUV seen here started out as the updated model before getting gargantuan 24-inch wheels. It’s also been moved slightly closer to the road for a meaner stance.
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It continues to use the 5.6-liter V8 like the Patrol Nismo, but it is no longer naturally aspirated. Manhart slapped on a supercharger to boost output to 650 horsepower and 600 Newton-meters (443 pound-feet) of torque. As a reminder, the production model produces 428 hp and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) sent to both axles via a seven-speed automatic transmission. To complement the upgraded engine, there is now a custom exhaust offering a more aggressive soundtrack.
There’s no word on how the boost kit positively impacted performance, but we’ll remind you that Nissan says the regular Patrol Nismo does 0-62 mph (100 kph) in about 7.3 seconds. That might not be too impressive, although it’s not too shabby given that the juggernaut weighs 2,665 kilograms (5,875 pounds).
The extravagant black and gold theme continues inside where it’s obvious the Nissan Patrol has been around for quite some time. Manhart tried sprucing up the cabin with fancy leather and Alcantara, but there’s no denying the interior looks dated when compared to the latest generation of full-size SUVs.
Although these are only official renderings at the moment, the tuner is accepting orders for the hot hatch SUV sold in the United Arab Emirates.
