Nissan Frontier Taken To The Extreme With 3 Offroad Concepts

Feb. 09, 2022 7:02 PM ET by Sebastian Cenizo Concept / 2 Comments

Which would you have?

One year ago, Nissan revealed its 2022 Frontier pickup. A few months later, we got wind of rumors that suggested a hardcore 'R' version was on the way to take the fight to the Ford Ranger Raptor, but nothing has come of this gossip so far. Instead, Nissan has been further developing the racing version of the truck, but that doesn't mean that the Japanese automaker has no intention of bringing cooler versions of the pickup to market. In fact, the 2022 Chicago Auto Show will play host to three new concepts that highlight the rugged capability of the Nissan Frontier, and who knows? With enough interest, maybe one or all of these concepts could come to life.

Project 72X Frontier

The first is the Project 72X Frontier. This is based on the S 4x4 trim and is intended to be a modern take on the Datsun 720 pickup of 1979. This would become the first US-assembled Nissan vehicle in 1983. The plucky little pickup was known as the "Lil Hustler" and was a barebones, affordable truck designed for fun in the great outdoors. For the 2022 interpretation, gray paint and graphics were applied while white-painted spare Frontier wheels add to the retro feel. For off-road usability, the PRO-4X donates its tire setup while the suspension has been treated to a 2.5-inch lift kit with adjustable front upper suspension arms. A sport bar behind the cab completes the upgrades.

Project Hardbody

The next concept is Project Hardbody and is obviously inspired by the D21 Hardbody, the first truck completed by Nissan Design America and a true racing champion. The modern design is based on the SV 4x4 grade and gets a three-inch lift kit with adjustable upper control arms, over-fenders from the PRO-4X model, and block-style Hardbody wheels with 33-inch tires. A bed-mounted spare tire carrier, a sport bar with 10-inch LED lights, and a blacked-out front end are also added. The door graphics with their '80s style shadow outlines are an especially cool touch. If any of these come to market, this would be our pick, but the more adventurous among us will probably prefer the last creation.

Project Adventure

Project Adventure is Nissan Design America's take on the Overlanding craze sweeping every auto show of late. The PRO-4X trim was used as the basis for this concept, so there's already plenty of off-road capability. Nevertheless, a five-inch lift kit, 34-inch mud-terrain tires, and a specially designed carbon fiber snorkel were added. Other upgrades include a Yakima bed rack system with that brand's LoadWarrior roof basket. A sky tent and a Bluetooth-compatible bed audio system from Kicker round off the notable upgrades, while a vinyl graphic depicting America encourages you to go explore this huge country.

All three models will be available for a close-up look at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show from February 12-21 at McCormick Place.

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Sebastian Cenizo

Deputy Editor

Contact Sebastian @sebz_tsc @sebz_7

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