FYI: Nissan Reveals the High-Performance Frontier Tarmac Concept at the 2024 SEMA Show.
Nissan’s Bold Vision for Street Performance Trucks
Nissan is pushing the boundaries of pickup performance with the unveiling of the Frontier Tarmac Concept at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Developed in collaboration with professional drifter Chris Forsberg, this concept truck integrates cutting-edge Nismo prototype parts aimed at enhancing street performance.
An Inside Look at the Frontier Tarmac
Unveiled alongside the off-road-ready Frontier Project Trailgator, the Frontier Tarmac is a revelation for street enthusiasts. Taking the base of a 2025 Frontier PRO-X, Nissan installed a supercharger that turbocharges the 3.8-liter V6 engine, elevating its output from the standard 310 horsepower to an impressive 440 horsepower. The combination of a Nismo carbon fiber cold air intake and a Nismo exhaust system contributes to this significant power boost.
Enhanced Components for Impressive Performance
To match its enhanced engine capabilities, the Frontier Tarmac boasts a series of aesthetic and functional upgrades. Extensive use of carbon fiber for the front and rear pump fenders accommodates 20-inch Nismo wheels with robust Yokohama Advan tires—275/40 at the front and 315/35 at the rear. These modifications are complemented by an upgraded braking system, featuring two-piece floating rotors and slotted rotors engineered to handle increased performance demands.
The suspension too has been reimagined, integrating a prototype Nismo setup with adjustable coilovers and remote reservoirs. Drivers can enjoy a lowered ride height by six inches, providing a closer, more controlled connection to the road.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come?
While the Frontier Tarmac is not expected to enter production, it represents Nissan’s exploration into potential future performance parts offerings. According to Kevin Lutz, head of Nissan’s motorsports division, the concept is part of a strategy to engage with customers eager to elevate their trucks’ street performance.
"The SEMA Show has historically showcased low-slung, performance-focused trucks, and this trend appears to be reemerging. By developing the Frontier Tarmac, we’re exploring how we can satisfy the performance desires of our customers beyond just off-road capabilities," Lutz explains.
Conclusion
Nissan’s Frontier Tarmac Concept is an exciting step forward in street performance trucks, marrying bold design with robust engineering. As the automotive world watches, the concept serves both as a testament to Nissan’s innovative spirit and as a precursor to future offerings that could cater to a growing demographic eager for street-ready trucks.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
