• Home
  • /
  • 4WD
  • /
  • The Nissan Nismo Off-Road Frontier V8 Concept Showcases A Purpose Built Accessory Range

The Nissan Nismo Off-Road Frontier V8 Concept Showcases A Purpose Built Accessory Range

Nissan Motorsports International, aka Nismo, is a division of Nissan Motorsports & Customizing, historically focused on motorsport and performance-oriented car models for Nissan since 1984. Nissan Off-Road has a legacy of off-road competition, from the Dakar Rally to the Baja 1000, which has inspired the development of a line of Nismo-branded off-road products designed to enhance the adventure capabilities of the popular Frontier and Xterra models, and soon, the Titan.

The Nismo Frontier V8 concept, unveiled at SEMA this year, takes the midsize truck to a new level of performance, ready for Baja-style desert running. The handsome concept vehicle shows off a range of new accessories and parts that will be available from Nissan dealerships soon.

Forsberg Racing built this brute, and it features a 5.6-liter V8 engine sourced from the Nissan Titan full-size pickup truck. The Frontier concept is equipped with a custom cold air intake and cat-back exhaust system, wide-track suspension created with lower control arms, front spindles, wheel hubs, and the rear axle from the Titan. Axis 18 x 9-inch wheels with 295/70R18 mud-terrain tires round out the package. The impressive suspension also features custom upper control arms, Nismo/Bilstein coil-over shocks, and a custom rear leaf spring pack with Nismo/Bilstein external reservoir shocks for increased ride height and payload capacity.

A custom wide body kit accommodates the new suspension with carbon-fiber front fenders and hood, along with a prototype Nismo Off-Road front bumper that improves the truck’s approach angle and tire clearance. Other Nismo accessories include rock rails, in-bed spare wheel and tire carriers, and LED lighting, complemented by a Warn winch.

Such a stunning concept vehicle has us asking which products are available now for the more travel-oriented vehicle setup. The following Nismo accessories are available for the Frontier, Xterra, Titan, or Pathfinder models, but bear in mind not all products are available for all models.

Rooftop tent

Nissan’s roof tent is a classic design featuring a simple setup, spacious, comfortable accommodation for two adults, a thick wall-to-wall mattress with a washable cover, and three windows for ventilation. The tent is constructed of durable, weather-resistant rip-stop polyester canvas and attaches to a Nismo Off-Road Overland Bed Rack or other vehicle roof rack systems with suitable crossbars. Dimensions (in feet): 7.85 (L) x 4.6 (W) x 4.2 (H).

Overlanding Bed Rack

The modular design of this bed rack allows load bars to be mounted in multiple configurations and is constructed from 3/16-inch high-tensile strength steel with a two-stage textured black powder-coat finish. The load capacity is 1,200 pounds static/750 pounds dynamic, and the bed rack is only available for the 2005-2022+ Frontier.

Heavy-duty Off-road Front and Rear Bumpers

These attractive bumpers are designed to add protection, increase clearance, and aid recovery. The Nismo Off-Road bumpers are manufactured with laser-cut, high-tensile steel finished with a durable, textured powder coat to provide maximum strength and durability in demanding off-road conditions. The front bumpers include two attachment points for recovery shackles and lighting mounts and are winch capable. The front bumper is available for the 2005-2021 Frontier and the 2008-2015 Xterra. The rear bumper shackle mounts extend through the bumper and bolt to the vehicle frame. They also feature 4-inch LED auxiliary lights. The rear bumpers are exclusively available for the 2008-2015 Xterra.

17-inch Axis Alloy Wheels

Axis custom-designed and manufactured the attractive alloy wheels for Nismo Off-Road; they’re finished in Axis gray and include a Nismo center cap. The wheels are 17 x 8-inch, with a 6 x 114.3-inch bolt pattern, +30mm backspacing, and are load rated for 1,950 pounds—higher than factory OEM spec. These wheels are available for the 2005-2022 Frontier, 2005-2015 Xterra, and 2005-2012 Pathfinder.

High-performance Shock Absorber Systems

These monotube, gas-pressurized shocks feature digressive valves that react to challenging off-road conditions. The front shocks feature higher-rate springs and can be set at stock height, 1 inch for leveling, or a maximum of 2 inches of total lift, while the rear shocks have increased oil capacity for greater heat dissipation and fade resistance. These shocks are Nismo tuned to accommodate the additional weight of typical overlanding equipment such as heavy-duty bumpers, winches, and larger, heavier tires and are available for the 2005-2021 Frontier and 2008-2015 Xterra.

nissanusa.com

Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to ensure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.

Graeme Bell is an author and explorer who has dedicated his life to traveling the planet by land, seeking adventure and unique experiences. Together with his wife and two children, Graeme has spent the last decade living permanently on the road in a self-built Land Rover based camper. They have explored 27 African countries (including West Africa), circumnavigated South America, and driven from Argentina to Alaska, which was followed by an exploration of Europe and Western Asia before returning to explore the Americas. Graeme is the Senior Editor 4WD for Expedition Portal, a member of the Explorers Club, the author of six books, and an Overland Journal contributor since 2015. You can follow Graeme's adventures across the globe on Instagram at graeme.r.bell