from Autohome

Nissan is trotting out the brand new Nissan Patrol sporting a cleaner look, a bigger (but more efficient) petrol engine, revised interior, and 4-wheel drive system.

Introduced in Abu Dhabi as a 2011 model, it seems to have been specifically designed for the Middle Eastern market where desert safaris are still popular.

Power comes from a brand new VK56VD 5.6L V-8 with direct injection and variable valve timing (VVEL). Together this helps it create 400hp and 413 lb ft of torque. A new 7-speed automatic transmission offers a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor, giving the off-roader the ability to deliver power faster.

The Patrol is also now equipped with Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) which keeps the car flatter with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering, while delivering a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks. The big news, however, is that Nissan ditched the old Patrol’s rigid rear axle for a full independent 4-wheel suspension. The new suspension combined with the HBMC, allows the Patrol to stay stable in offroad terrain.

In addition, the Patrol also offers a new Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which can also be selected easily with the touch of a button.

While designed for the oil-rich states, expect to see the Patrol here in mid-2012.