Aussie developed large 4X4 adds more appeal
Snapshot
- Extensive Australian-driven modifications come to V8-powered 4×4
- $100K-plus price tag before on-road costs looks good next to LC300
- Based on Patrol Ti grade inside
Premcar has finally finished its Warrior transformation of the V8-powered Nissan Patrol off-roader. Anticipated since the Australian outlet first announced the Warrior version of Nissan’s Navara ute in 2019, we’ve known of this project for a long time.
With a laundry list of changes from bigger alloy wheels, bush-ready protection, bi-modal exhaust, and 50mm lift kit, the Patrol Warrior is engineered for Australian conditions and remanufactured locally. It’ll cost you $101,160 before on-road costs – $16,260 more than the base car.
“The Patrol Warrior by Premcar has been developed specifically for Australian conditions and is the product of some of Australia’s leading car-making know-how.
“It’s been developed after thousands of hours of intensive research by our dedicated team of automotive industry engineering and manufacturing specialists, and we’re incredibly proud to launch the latest addition to the Warrior range”, said Premcar engineering director Bernie Quinn.
Who is Premcar?
Headed up by Bernie Quinn, Premcar has been modifying cars since the Tickford TS50 based on the AU Falcon.
Recently, the second-stage manufacturer has been working closely with Nissan to develop and create more capable versions of its utes and SUVs right here in Australia 
What’s changed underneath?
Fans of the 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre petrol V8 will be glad to know that it remains the centrepiece of the Patrol Warrior, with only a twin-mode side-exit exhaust system to help it breathe a little better.
Premcar worked on the Patrol Warrior with four key pillars: enhanced capability in every sense, road presence, the perfect soundtrack, and superb refinement. The below is the result of the extensive Warrior program.
| Suspension and capability improvements | |
|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels | Yokohama® G015 295/70 All-Terrain tyres |
| 50mm lift (+29mm suspension lift, +21mm wheel and tyre package) | New progressive rate rear bump-stop |
| 40mm wider track vs. Ti | New multi-rate rear springs |
| 40 degree approach angle | 409 stainless steel side exit exhaust with bi-modal valve and actuator |
| 23.3 degree departure angle (measured with towbar fited) | 120 kg GVM upgrade |
| Re-engineered Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) system tuned by Premcar | 48 kg increase in carrying capacity vs. Ti |
| Re-developed front springs | Maintains the Patrol’s 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity+ |
Being based on the Ti trim means the Warrior is equipped with a helical limited-slip rear differential, various off-road modes, full-time four-wheel drive, a seven-speed automatic, and creature comforts like power-adjustable seats.
In addition to the functional modifications, Premcar has added plenty of black exterior finishes for a more menacing appearance.
| Exterior and interior modifications | |
|---|---|
| Warrior-branded front bumper assembly | Bespoke towbar with two rear recovery points |
| Red Warrior branded bash plate | Bi-modal exhaust |
| Black fender flares | Rear bumper assembly with black valance panel |
| Warrior decals and badging | Black mirror caps & grille |
| Alcantara door and dash inlay featuring Warrior branding | High-gloss black trim elements (centre console) |
Pricing and availability
The Patrol Warrior is available to order now and is the most expensive of the breed despite missing out on the top-spec Ti-L’s ($97,600) 13-speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, front seat ventilation, and a few other goodies.
However, next to a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series that costs $142,101 in off-road ready GR Sport guise, the Patrol Warrior’s asking price looks fairly reasonable.
The Nissan Patrol is due for replacement sometime in 2025, likely taking visual inspiration from an Infiniti concept car and transitioning to a turbocharged V6 petrol engine.
John LAW