Electric Cars

Nissan is introducing a notable update to its full-size SUV for the 2027 model year. The vehicle, previously recognized as the Armada, will see its off-road variant rebranded as the Armada Patrol Pro-4X. This change marks the return of the revered Patrol name to the United States after an absence of over 50 years, a move timed to coincide with the Patrol's 75th anniversary. The new model will feature distinct badging, refreshed interior details, and a selection of new optional enhancements, including NISMO-engineered rock sliders, a roof rack, and specialized wheels with all-terrain tires. This update also comes with a significant price adjustment, reflecting the enhanced features and historical significance of the Patrol designation.

The reintroduction of the Patrol nameplate to the U.S. market is a significant event for Nissan enthusiasts and off-road vehicle aficionados. The Patrol first made its debut in the U.S. in 1969 as the inaugural Nissan-badged model sold through Datsun dealerships. Its return in 2027 honors this legacy, aligning with the vehicle's 75th year of production, which originally began in 1951. This strategic rebranding aims to reinforce the Armada's rugged identity and connect it more directly with its globally recognized, capable counterpart.

Visually, the 2027 Armada Patrol Pro-4X will proudly display the Patrol badge on its rear, complemented by the Armada designation on the D-pillar. The interior will also feature exclusive badging on the center console, showcasing the 'Patrol' name and the 'Since 1951' inscription, emphasizing its rich heritage. Beyond the aesthetic changes, the vehicle will offer performance-enhancing options such as NISMO rock sliders and a NISMO roof rack, catering to serious off-road adventurers. Furthermore, new NISMO Axis wheels, fitted with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, will be available, enhancing both its appearance and capability.

Underneath the refreshed exterior and new badging, the core mechanical specifications of the Pro-4X largely remain consistent. It retains its robust off-road features, including an electronic locking rear differential, an adaptive air suspension system, and a durable metal underbody skid plate, ensuring its readiness for challenging terrains. Powering the vehicle is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which continues to deliver a formidable 425 horsepower to all four wheels, promising strong performance both on and off the pavement.

Production of the newly named Armada Patrol Pro-4X is scheduled to commence in November, with its official unveiling slated for the 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. Prospective buyers should note the updated pricing, with the 2027 Armada Patrol Pro-4X starting at $81,265. This represents a considerable increase of $4690 from the previous year's model, which was priced at $76,575, reflecting the enhanced features, historical branding, and overall market adjustments for this refreshed full-size SUV.

At the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, S Klub LA unveiled a striking custom creation known as 'Game Over,' a McLaren 750S meticulously re-bodied to emulate the legendary Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. This ambitious project seamlessly marries the cutting-edge engineering of a contemporary supercar with the nostalgic silhouette of a 1990s GT1 racing champion. The transformation captivated attendees at the Toyo Tires Treadpass, a prominent custom car exhibition, highlighting the innovative spirit within the automotive customization scene.

A Modern McLaren with Classic Race Car Appeal

The core concept behind S Klub LA's 'Game Over' build was to infuse the advanced performance of a McLaren 750S with the distinctive visual identity of the Mercedes CLK GTR, a revered vehicle that dominated the 1997 FIA GT Championship. Every external aspect of the McLaren was meticulously redesigned, from the flared fenders and louvered hood to the aggressively low and wide front fascia, all crafted to mirror the CLK GTR's iconic homologation-special appearance. This intricate bodywork pays homage to a car celebrated for its racing prowess, effectively bridging nearly three decades of automotive design evolution.

The aesthetic modifications were extensive, drawing direct inspiration from a vehicle with a rich motorsport heritage. The Mercedes-AMG CLK GTR was originally conceived in a remarkably short 128-day period for the 1997 FIA GT Championship, a testament to its singular focus on victory. This strategic design quickly paid off, securing both the Constructors' and Drivers' titles in its inaugural season. 'Game Over' meticulously replicates this triumphant race car's form, including its distinct roofline and dramatic rear wing, creating an illusion of a direct lineage despite the fundamental structural differences between the two vehicles.

Uncompromised Performance Beneath a New Persona

Despite its dramatically altered exterior, the 'Game Over' project retains the authentic mechanical heart of a McLaren 750S. The vehicle's powerful twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine remains untouched, delivering its formidable 740 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This potent engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensures that the car's dynamic capabilities are fully preserved, offering an exhilarating driving experience that belies its vintage-inspired shell.

The performance metrics of the standard McLaren 750S, including a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 2.7 seconds, are largely maintained in the custom build, with figures reportedly close to a 2.8-second 0-to-62 mph sprint and a top speed of 206 mph. This deliberate contrast between outward appearance and underlying mechanics is central to the project's allure. While spectators are treated to the visual spectacle of a championship-winning GT1 tribute, the driver experiences the cutting-edge power and precision of a contemporary McLaren supercar, a testament to the enduring appeal of blending classic aesthetics with modern engineering. This trend of reimagining modern platforms with historical designs is increasingly prevalent at events like SEMA, showcasing the McLaren chassis as a versatile foundation for such inspired creations.