After launching the redesigned new 2022 Frontier in the fall, Nissan's design studio has developed three concept trucks for debut at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show.
The three concepts, Project 72X, Project Hardbody and Project Adventure, are all based on the 2022 Frontier Crew Cab platform. They each address three different mid-size truck audiences and start with three different Frontier grade levels — S, SV and PRO-4X.
"Truck culture is now very broad – hard core off-roaders, overlanders, surfers and kayakers, environmentalists, fishing and hunting outdoor enthusiasts and more," Hiren Patel, project lead designer, Nissan Design America, Inc said in a press release.
"The common ground is that they all use their trucks as canvases for personalization. We're offering three styles to show how they could modify their own new Frontier."
All three of the Frontier concept trucks are made from available Nissan and aftermarket parts and accessories with custom-designed pieces and graphics.
Nissan Frontier Project 72X Frontier
Based on the 2022 Frontier Crew Cab S 4x4 grade, Project 72X is a modern take on Nissan's classic Datsun 720.
The 720 was first introduced in fall 1979 and eventually became the first vehicle assembled by Nissan in the United States at the Smyrna, Tennessee Vehicle Assembly Plant in 1983. Nicknamed the "Lil Hustler," the affordable truck was advertised for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nissan's 2022 interpretation consists of gray exterior tones and graphics with white-painted steel wheels. The rig rides on spare 2022 Frontier spare wheels wrapped in PRO-4X tires. Project 72X has a Calamini 2.5-inch lift with adjustable upper suspension arms and a sport bar behind the cab.
Nissan Frontier Project Hardbody
Project Hardbody pays homage to the Nissan D21 "Hardbody," which was the first truck design completed at Nissan Design America. The "Hardbody" name came from its double-wall bed and aggressive stance. The design was a champion in on- and off-road competitions.
The latest Project Hardbody is built on a 2022 Frontier Crew Cab SV 4x4. The build features a 3-inch lift kit with adjustable upper control arms, overfenders from the current PRO-4X model.
It rides on classic Hardbody block-style wheels by Nissan Design America wrapped in 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA tires. There's a bed-mounted spare tire carrier.
The concept truck has a sport bar with modern 10-inch, rectangular LED lights, blacked out front end and door graphics with '80s-style shadow outlining.
Nissan Frontier Project Adventure
The final concept represents Nissan Design's take on the industry's overlanding trend. Project Adventure is based on a 2022 Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X. It wears a 5-inch lift kit, 34- inch mud terrain tire. The build features a Yakima bed rack system, Yakima LoadWarrior roof basket, a sky tent and a Bluetooth bed audio system by Kicker.
A key feature of the Project Adventure is the custom body wrap, depicting a view of the U.S.
The concepts will not be up for sale but some of the bits and bobs from them are available for consumers to use to upgrade their Frontier via their Nissan dealership or aftermarket specialty shop.
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