Nissan has posted two pictures of its production ready, 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, on Facebook. Most significantly for the new Pathfinder, its chassis has changed from being the old, strong, body-on-frame-SUV-type, which ran on Nissan Navara underpinnings, to a conventional uni-body structure.

We have to say the new body looks absolutely brilliant too. It clearly moves away from the competent and yet slightly agricultural vibe of its forbear, and sticks identically to the styling of the pre-production 2013 Pathfinder that Nissan showed off earlier in the year.

The uni-body FF-L platform, as used by the Nissan Murano, is substantially lighter (227 kg) than the existing vehicle as a result and is better suited to everyday urban needs with improved aerodynamics and interior space. Does this mean the end of the Nissan Murano though? They sound like identical cars now. As far as we can see there are only three potential issues with the new Pathfinder. One, it’s gotten more diminutive since the last one and is even being classed by some as a ‘crossover’ vehicle now. Two, Nissan have said it will have the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine in some markets and that will be mated to a CVT transmission. No, say it isn’t so Nissan, say it isn’t so. Thirdly, that low front apron with twinkly fog lights looks like it won’t be very useful when off-roading.

The Pathfinder never ate up off-road conditions and now the 2013 model looks to be much more car-like in its design and layout. From the side, you would never suspect the 2013 Pathfinder was a relative of the old Pathfinder. The 2013 Pathfinder features that must-have swooping roofline and the doors have luxurious sculpting rather than the flat sheet metal of the old model. It is the same story on the rear; you no longer get the flat rear hatch door. In its place is a more rounded and shapely hatch that boasts a sharp spoiler.

Nissan’s new EZ Flex Seating System will give the Pathfinder an amazing 1.3 million different seating configurations and will be able to hold seven passengers. This puts it in line to compete with the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Trailblazer (that will have arrived by 2013) and Toyota Fortuner. Assuming Nissan can find a range of engines other than the 3.5-litre V6 that is. South Africa can expect the much anticipated new model to arrive in 2013.

The brand-new, seventh generation of the Nissan Patrol had its world premiere in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The Japanese firm claims that the 2011 model year of its Toyota Land Cruiser rival builds on its history as one of the most capable 4x4s in the market, adding a more modern design, enhanced interior comfort and luxury, as well as a more powerful V8 engine to the equation.

Nissan’s product design director, Taiji Toyota (how ironic), tells us that the Patrol’s all-new exterior design, which was previewed by the 2006 Terranaut Concept, is less rugged and more upscale.

“Not as edgy and hardcore as its predecessor, the softer new surfaces are beautiful and add a sense of modernity to the design equation, while still maintaining a ruggedness and commanding road presence” he said.

In similar fashion, the new Patrol’s interior is a much more luxurious place to be with the company claiming that since most customers spend less than 15% of the time off-road, it wanted to create “a better, higher quality interior for the whole family”.

That translates to a more premium design with generous amounts of leather, polished aluminum and wood grain paneling as well as a bevy of luxury features such as a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system with two rear-facing 7-inch screens embedded into each front seat headrest.

Furthermore, Nissan says that it has improved passenger space with the 2011 Patrol offering over 100 mm more legroom for second row passengers, and a roomier third row of seats as well.

The latest generation Patrol is built on a new platform and is offered with a new and more powerful 5,6-litre V8 engine that replaces the previous model’s 4,8-litre V8. Featuring direct injection technology, the new V8 produces 294 kW and 550 N.m of torque. Nissan did not disclose any details on any other future engine offerings for the Patrol.

The 5,6-litre V8 engine is linked to a new 7-speed automatic transmission and an upgraded 4WD system that incorporates a variable 4×4 mode package allowing the driver to quickly switch between four drive modes: sand, on-road, snow and rock.

The 2011 Patrol gets a new suspension setup that now employs 4-wheel independent suspension, upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup, while Nissan also equipped the SUV with a Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which is said to reduce body roll during lane-changing and cornering.

Other highlights include the new Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control and a revised brake system with new hydraulic brake booster and a 4-piston opposed front caliper setup with larger 358 mm front discs.

The new Patrol will form the base for the 2011 Infiniti QX – due for launch in the US towards the end of the year or in early 2011.

Adapted from CarScoop