Nissan is testing public interest in a diesel-powered Frontier by unveiling the Frontier Diesel Runner Concept at the Chicago Auto Show. Based on the Frontier Desert Runner 4x2, the concept is 'Powered by Cummins' in the form of a 2.8-liter, turbodiesel four-pot mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. With Chevy to offer a diesel in the new Colorado, Nissan is simply keeping up with the competition.

Minor exterior mods include a transparent hood insert to show off the engine, a carbon-fiber engine cover, a mesh grille, roof rack, two-tone high-gloss red and matte silver paint job, and 16-inch alloys with off-road tires. A matching two-tone interior comes with leather seats, carbon-fiber trim, grey accent stitching, and an instrument pod providing diesel-specific info. The Cummins diesel unit is rated at around 200 hp and over 350 lb-ft of torque, and is said to be 35 percent more fuel efficient than the stock model's 4.0-liter V6 without sacrificing towing capacity.