We’re not sure if Nissan thought the Chicago Auto Show was actually SEMA, but we’re not complaining about this trio of 2022 Nissan Frontiers the company is showing off. Two of them are some charming retro builds, and the other is what looks like a very capable overlander. They were all designed by Nissan Design America, and if you like the way they look, probably a few can be replicated without much effort.
Nissan Frontier Project 72X
The first is the Frontier Project 72X. It’s based on the humble Frontier S 4×4 trim, and it’s meant to evoke the Datsun 720 compact pickup. Much of the retro-lifting is done by the gray paint and custom vinyl graphics, but the white-painted steel wheels also play a big part. It turns out those wheels are just Frontier spare wheels that have been given a coat of white paint and wrapped with Pro-4X spec tires. It also gets a sports bar for dealer accessories and an aftermarket 2.5-inch lift with adjustable front upper wishbones from Calmini.
Nissan Frontier Project Hardbody
Next up is Project Hardbody, which takes its inspiration from the Hardbody pickup of the 80s and 90s. It started out as a mid-level SV 4×4. This has a bit more substantial change and custom parts, but it still has some existing Nissan Frontier bits. For example, the fender flares and skid plate come from the Pro-4X. The sports bar and rock rails are also dealer accessories, as is the hood decal. Of the custom parts, the most impressive are the specially machined Hardbody-style alloy wheels, which are also fitted with 33-inch tires. The truck sits on a 3-inch Calmini lift with adjustable front wishbones and has a bed-mounted spare tire and LED off-road lights. It also gets some retro graphics on the sides and on the tailgate.
Nissan Frontier Project Adventure
Rather than a retro look, the Project Adventure is a relatively simple overland rig. It is based on the Pro-4X. It gets a big and literal boost from a Calmini 5-inch suspension lift plus 34-inch mud-terrain tires. Other off-road upgrades include a huge LED light bar, a custom carbon fiber snorkel and rock rails for dealer accessories. For the camping aspect, the bed is equipped with a rack system, roof basket and roof tent. A dealer accessory Kicker Bluetooth audio system is also mounted in the bed. And the truck is fitted with a vinyl film based on an atlas of the United States.
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