The Nissan Frontier, in its standard form, is a typical mid-size pickup known for its practicality and toughness, appealing to many truck enthusiasts. However, the Frontier Tarmac concept recently uncovered by Nissan for this year’s SEMA show alters this conventional approach. Instead of emphasizing durability, the Tarmac concept presents a lowered street truck that prioritizes aesthetics and performance.
This innovative truck was developed in partnership with Forsberg Racing, headed by Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg. Nissan reveals that the concept is built on the 2025 Frontier PRO-4X trim and the entire project took around six months to complete.
To convert the Frontier into a fully equipped drift vehicle, Nissan and Forsberg retained the standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine but enhanced it with a water-cooled supercharger, a prototype NISMO carbon-fiber cold air intake, and a custom cat-back exhaust system.
The modifications yield an impressive increase of 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque, bringing the total output to 440 horsepower and 400 pound-feet, all directed to the rear wheels.
Drifting performance extends beyond engine enhancements. The Tarmac also incorporates 15-inch floating two-piece rotors with brake calipers identical to those found in the Z NISMO.
Additionally, the rear wheels are equipped with two calipers—one for regular braking and another linked to a custom hydraulic hand brake, specifically designed for drifting. The Tarmac is fitted with Yokohama Advan V107 tires, measuring 275/40R-20 at the front and 315/35R-20 at the rear.
Numerous visual upgrades are present as well, with carbon fiber used extensively across the hood, fenders, roof cap, and tonneau cover. Inside, the truck boasts a carbon-fiber-trimmed steering wheel and two front Recaro seats featuring a retro upholstery pattern.
The entire vehicle is supported by a custom NISMO suspension setup, which includes a four-to-six-inch lowering kit, adjustable coil-overs, and remote reservoirs.