Nissan has just taken the wraps off its updated Patrol SUV, which is sold under the Infiniti brand in North America as the QX. While certain style elements are likely to change, the general look of the beast will remain. Nissan has even chosen to upgrade the Patrol’s interior to Infiniti standards, so we shouldn’t expect too much to change on the inside.

Under the hood, the truck retains Nissan’s 5.6-liter V8, but there are some surprises too. For starters, the engine features direct injection technology to produce 400-hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque. It’s likely to give a marked improvement in fuel economy thanks not only to that direct-injection tech, but because of a seven-speed automatic transmission. A new electronic four-wheel drive system is also a part of the package, with four modes (pavement, sand, rock and snow), which can be selected by the driver.

As expected, the truck retains its fully independent suspension.

Other highlights include hill start assist and hill descent control as well as Nissan’s new “curtain vent” technology that pumps the AC out of thin vents above the windows where the sun shines hottest.

Expect all of this and a shiny new Infiniti badge when the Patrol launches at the New York Auto Show next month as the Infiniti QX56. The Nissan Armada version should follow thereafter.

GALLERY: 2011 Nissan Patrol

Official release after the jump:

With Infiniti already having announced that it would debut the all new 2011 M at a private event the evening before the LA Auto Show, news has now leaked that the automaker will use the venue to showcase two more vehicles.

First up is the new G37, which is expected to get only minor changes, as shown in these leaked photos. The updates include tweaks like revised bumpers with separate fog lights. The photo above (obviously) shows the sedan, while the close-up photo below shows the updates to the front fascia of the coupe.

In addition to the G37, it has been reported that the new QX model will debut at the same venue. Little is known about this model other than what the spy photos (below) show. The truck does get a stylish new look that is certainly more cohesive than the old QX… plus, there’s plenty of chrome. Don’t expect big changes under the skin, however, as Infiniti isn’t likely to have invested too heavily in a model that, due to the recession and recent downsizing trends, is becoming increasingly unpopular.

As for the new 2011 M, expect a 330-hp 3.7-liter M37 model as well as a 400-plus horsepower 5.6-liter M56.

AutoGuide will be on hand with live coverage from the Infiniti event starting December 1st.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Updated Infiniti G37

GALLERY: New Infiniti QX

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: TheInfinitiSource]