Nissan showcases 'retro-inspired' Frontier-based concept trucks at 2022 Chicago Auto Show

MANILA: Nissan Design America (NDA) is displaying three unique concept trucks at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show.

The three concepts — the Project 72X, Project Hardbody, and Project Adventure  — are all based on the US-market 2022 Nissan Frontier mid-size pickup that NDA played a primary role in designing.

“People want to get out of the house, have adventures and do it in style, so timing of the adventure-ready 2022 Frontier couldn’t have been better,” Senior Vice President Nissan US and Marketing and Sales Michael Colleran said. 

All three of the Frontier concept trucks combine readily available Nissan and aftermarket parts and accessories with custom-designed pieces and graphics, Nissan said in a release. 

Based on the 2022 Frontier Crew Cab S 4x4 grade, the Project 72X is a modern take on one of Nissan’s most popular trucks, the Datsun 720.

First introduced in fall 1979, the 720 eventually became the first vehicle assembled by Nissan in the United States. Known as the “Lil Hustler,” it was a bare-bones, affordable truck designed for fun and was advertised as ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

For the 2022 interpretation, the design team used gray exterior tones and graphics complemented by white-painted steel wheels, which are actually 2022 Frontier spare wheels shod with PRO-4X tires.

Other key modifications include a 2.5-inch lift kit with adjustable front upper suspension arms and a sport bar behind the cab.

Next, the Project Hardbody pays homage to a classic Nissan truck called the D21 “Hardbody.” 

“Hardbody” name came from its double-wall bed and aggressive stance and was a champion in on- and off-road in competitions and on the beaches of Southern California.

Project Hardbody is built on a 2022 Frontier Crew Cab SV 4x4. It features a three-inch lift kit with adjustable upper control arms, overfenders from the current PRO-4X model, classic Hardbody block-style wheels designed and milled at NDA mounted with 33-inch tires, bed- mounted spare tire carrier, sport bar with modern 10-inch rectangular LED lights, blacked- out front end and door graphics with ‘80s-style shadow outlining.

The last of the three is Project Adventure, the NDA’s take on the popular overlanding trend. A key feature of the Project Adventure is the custom body wrap depicting an atlas of the US.

Based on a 2022 Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X, Project Adventure features a five-inch lift kit, 34- inch mud terrain tires, Yakima bed rack system, and Yakima LoadWarrior roof basket.

The Project Adveture also features a sky tent and Bluetooth bed audio system by Kicker. The special carbon fiber snorkel was designed and crafted by NDA.

The 2022 Chicago Auto Show runs from February 12 to 21 at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. 

Photos from Nissan

Also read: Nissan PH uses Leaf EV to cook meals for Blue Switch launch guests