Nissan is taking its Frontier pickup truck to the off-road racing scene with the unveiling of a Frontier off-road concept. This concept truck is set to compete in the NORRA 500 race in Mexico, in partnership with Forsberg Racing, a race team founded by renowned drifter Chris Forsberg. While the Frontier concept will participate in the stock-vehicle class, it has undergone some modifications to enhance its performance in desert racing.
One notable upgrade to the Frontier off-road concept is the inclusion of a lift kit and high-performance suspension kit from Nissan’s Nismo performance division. These improvements will enhance the truck’s off-road capabilities and make it more adept at handling the challenges of the race. Additionally, the concept features 17-inch beadlock wheels equipped with Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires, providing excellent traction on rough terrains. The truck is also equipped with rock sliders and off-road lights to ensure its durability and visibility in off-road conditions.
Under the hood, the Frontier off-road concept retains its original specifications. Since its 2022-model-year redesign—a significant milestone after 17 years—the Frontier has been equipped with a robust 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and efficient performance both on and off-road. The Frontier concept’s powertrain has already proven its capabilities, as it was initially introduced in the 2020 Frontier.
The NORRA 500 race route will take competitors from Ensenada across the Baja to San Felipe, and then back to Ensenada. Nissan has a rich history in this part of the world, particularly in off-road racing. In the 1980s, Nissan Hardbody pickups achieved victories in the legendary Baja 1000 race. Paying homage to this heritage, Nissan recently launched a Hardbody Edition of the Frontier, which incorporated some of the iconic styling cues from the original truck into the modern Frontier.
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After the race, the Frontier concept built by Forsberg Racing will be showcased at the 2023 SEMA show, to be held in Las Vegas from October 31 to November 3. The truck will be displayed in its “as-raced” condition, allowing attendees to witness the modifications made specifically for the race. Alongside the Frontier concept, Nissan will also present other exciting concept vehicles at the SEMA show, with additional details to be revealed closer to the event’s opening.
The collaboration between Forsberg Racing and Nissan has produced thrilling concepts in the past, showcased at the SEMA show. Some noteworthy examples include a V-8-powered Frontier and an Altima drift car. However, the Frontier off-road concept stands out as it was designed and prepared specifically for off-road racing, unlike the previous concepts that were not intended for competition.
Nissan’s participation in the NORRA 500 race with the Frontier off-road concept demonstrates the company’s commitment to showcasing the capabilities of its vehicles in challenging off-road environments. Through partnerships with experienced race teams like Forsberg Racing, Nissan continues to push the boundaries of performance and innovation in the pickup truck segment. The Frontier off-road concept is a testament to Nissan’s dedication to delivering exciting and capable vehicles for off-road enthusiasts.
