From Sand to Tarmac, Nissan Unleashes Four Concepts for SEMA Show
While its luxury brand Infiniti will probably steal the show with a 1,000-horsepower QX80 R-Spec concept, Nissan will once again focus on adventure and racing as it introduces four special builds at the upcoming 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas (November 4-7).
These include a custom Armada and Frontier, a Z NISMO race car, as well as an awesome, high-powered Patrol restomod. Take a look.
Nissan Dune Patrol
For starters, the Armada transforms into a desert patrol and support vehicle for off-road events and competitions. Based on the rugged Pro-4X model and paying homage to the legendary Patrol sold worldwide since the 1950s, it adopts a long-travel racing suspension, widened fenders and custom 18-inch NISMO AXIS wheels fitted with 37-inch Yokohama Goelandar M/T G003 tires.
Also, check out the high-clearance bumpers with a swing-out spare tire and traction board mount, frame-mounted rock sliders, additional skid plates, off-road lighting and roof rack. Oh, and the cat-back exhaust system, too.
Since the Dune Patrol concept is designed for long adventures away from resupply points, it features storage and mounting solutions both inside and out for all essential gear such as roof-mounted storage cases, MOLLE panels for fuel and water canisters, an on-board air compressor system and even a long-range radio antenna.
Forsberg Racing Patrol
Speaking of the Nissan Patrol, a 1990 model was transformed into a true turbocharged beast for the SEMA Show, in partnership with the Forsberg Racing team. Completely reworked for extreme performance, its 4.8-litre inline six-cylinder TB48 engine now delivers an unreal 1,000 horsepower (compared to only 280 horsepower at the time).
The suspension and wheels all come from the NISMO Off Road catalog. Specifically, the wheels are 17-inch NISMO AXIS rims fitted with 35-inch Yokohama Geolandar tires. Can you imagine blasting through the dunes with this bad boy?
Nissan Frontier Rapid Runner
The Frontier is a vehicle Nissan likes to modify for the SEMA Show. This year is no exception. In fact, the Project Trailgater concept from 2024 is making a comeback, going from the ultimate tailgate party truck to an adventure machine for whitewater kayaking, with the help of PowerNation TV.
This Frontier PRO-4X ensures paddlers can reach nearly any portage site thanks to NISMO roof rack and bed rack systems for carrying multiple kayaks. It also boasts paddle and wetsuit storage, a rack-mounted portable shower and solar panels for recharging gear. Meanwhile, custom Covercraft waterproof seat covers and all-purpose lined floors deal with soggy passengers and waterlogged gear. In addition, one-off custom tubular doors enhance the open-air experience.
Prototype 17-inch NISMO ASCEND wheels wrapped in 37-inch Yokohama GEOLANDAR X-MT tires help provide maximum traction. In order to accommodate them, Nissan has installed track-widening suspensions and axles from the departed Titan. Elsewhere, custom-fit front and rear bumpers and widened fender flares add protection to the vehicle on dirt roads and trails.
Forsberg Racing NISMO GT-Z
Continuing its collaboration with Forsberg Racing, Nissan will hit the SEMA Show with a track-ready NISMO GT-Z race car planned to enter competition in the Gridlife GLGT series in 2026. Starting life as a standard Z NISMO, the build incorporates suspension components, exhaust kits and miscellaneous other parts from the NISMO catalog.
The 18-inch NISMO LM-RS1 wheels are shod with Yokohama ADVAN A052 tires and slowed by Z1 high-performance brakes, while the body is modified with APR Performance parts including a swan-neck rear wing. The single seat is a carbon Recaro bucket with a Z1 seat bracket and NISMO racing harness. Of course, there's also a window net, roll cage and all the other necessary safety equipment for racing.
SEMA Show visitors will even get the opportunity to virtually drive the car using a custom Podium 1 racing simulator that features a bespoke racing seat.