The first image of the 2026 Nissan Patrol Nismo has been unearthed online.

It appears Nissan may have been photographing or filming the Patrol Nismo in the Middle East ahead of its unveiling, with the unofficial picture appearing on Instagram.

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Along with red accenting – a key characteristic of the Patrol Nismo – the vehicle also features a deep front spoiler and a much larger front grille than the standard model, as well as side skirts and new alloy wheels.

While details of the forthcoming Nismo variant have yet to be announced, it’s expected the model will feature an increase in power to match its aggressive body-kit – as with the outgoing version (below).

The new-generation Patrol has dropped its 5.6-litre V8 for a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, making 317kW and 700Nm – up from 298kW and 560Nm.

The nature of turbocharging technology allows manufacturers to increase engine performance far more easily than with naturally-aspirated engines.

As the tuning arm of Nissan – as AMG is to Mercedes-Benz – Nismo is traditionally responsible for creating high-performance variants of the company’s models.

Traditionally reserved for Middle Eastern markets, it’s not clear whether the Patrol Nismo will make it to Australia, given local buyers are offered the Patrol Warrior – an off-road oriented model modified by Premcar.