Introducing the Nissan Frontier TARMAC Concept
Nissan Motorsports is thrilled to unveil their latest achievement, the Frontier TARMAC, a remarkable concept truck that brings a fresh take on classic muscle trucks. In collaboration with racing expert Chris Forsberg, the team at Nissan Design America has transformed the traditional Frontier PRO-X into a performance-driven vehicle that is not just about looks, but also about exhilarating driving experiences.
The Concept Behind TARMAC
The TARMAC concept exemplifies an homage to muscle trucks of the past while introducing modern performance enhancements. Chris Forsberg notes, “Twenty years ago, having a performance truck was definitely a cool thing. But today, very rarely do you see lowered, performance truck builds.” This project, which commenced in 2021, reflects a desire to revive that spirit of innovation in the performance truck market.
The Need for Performance Trucks
According to Kevin Lutz, a member of the Nissan Motorsports team, trucks like the Frontier frequently attract owners who enjoy customizing their vehicles. This motivates Nissan to explore how they can cater to the performance market beyond just off-road capabilities.
Performance Features of the TARMAC
The Frontier TARMAC boasts an impressive array of features designed for track performance. Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine has been enhanced with a water-cooled supercharger, providing a whopping 440 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, it includes a prototype NISMO cold air intake and a performance cat-back exhaust, coupled with custom-mounted NISMO brakes for exceptional stopping power.
Innovative Modifications
One of the standout features of the TARMAC is its suspension system. To maintain a low stance, Nissan developed a specialized version of its high-performance street suspension, featuring fully adjustable coil-over suspension at the front and a flip kit with C-notch in the rear. This setup allows for a “slammed” appearance, ideal for both aesthetics and performance.
Design Aspects and Customization
Every detail of the TARMAC is crafted for performance and style, from its carbon fiber bodywork to its unique color scheme. The striking Afterburn Orange paint contrasts beautifully with the carbon fiber elements, such as the tailgate spoiler and ultra-wide fenders, which expand the truck's body width by four inches compared to a standard Frontier PRO-X.
The Interior Experience
Inside, the TARMAC maintains its performance-minded aesthetic with features like a carbon fiber steering wheel and Recaro seats, covered in custom upholstery to enhance the energetic vibe of the exterior color scheme. The new manual handbrake replaces the stock foot-pedal parking brake, emphasizing the performance-focused design.
A Collaborative Effort
The journey to create the TARMAC took six months, during which Forsberg partnered with talented designers at Nissan Design America. Hiren Patel, a senior manager in Exterior Design, provided essential insights throughout the build process, transforming the Frontier into a track-ready custom vehicle.
History of Nissan and Forsberg
Forsberg’s connection with Nissan dates back to 2003 and has flourished over time. He has a rich history of competing in various Nissan vehicles, all with custom enhancements, showcasing his deep passion for performance.
Introducing the Frontier Forsberg Edition
In addition to the TARMAC, Forsberg has recently introduced the Frontier Forsberg Edition, allowing even more customization options for 2022 and newer Frontier pickups. This further illustrates Nissan's commitment to bringing back high-performance trucks to a new generation.
The Legacy of TARMAC
The Nissan Frontier TARMAC aims to resonate nostalgia while appealing to younger audiences looking for a practical yet exciting vehicle. Forsberg encapsulates this vision, stating, “You can have a fun, fast, track-ready truck and still throw stuff in the bed.”
The TARMAC concept exemplifies not just Nissan's craftsmanship but also the evolution of muscle trucks in the modern automotive landscape. It will be featured prominently at an upcoming event, showcasing how Nissan continues to innovate while honoring its rich history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Nissan Frontier TARMAC unique?
The TARMAC features a custom build focused on track performance, enhanced horsepower, and specialized modifications distinguishing it from regular Frontier models.
What is the horsepower of the TARMAC?
The Nissan Frontier TARMAC boasts an impressive output of 440 horsepower.
How long did it take to build the TARMAC concept?
The transformation of the Frontier into the TARMAC concept took approximately six months.
Who collaborated with Nissan on this project?
Racing legend Chris Forsberg led the project in collaboration with Nissan Design America.
Is the Nissan Frontier TARMAC available for purchase?
No, the TARMAC concept is a specially modified vehicle and not available for purchase.
