The Desert Runner trim is a special edition that gives the truck a unique appearance to set it apart from its rivals in addition to offering certain performance benefits. The 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine in the Desert Runner level is more potent and produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque.
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The Nissan Frontier Desert Runner is what?
The 2019 version of the yearly Specialty Equipment Market Association event is almost finished. Because automakers like Nissan show customers some incredibly creative concept vehicles at SEMA, it’s one of those events that gets a lot of attention from the automotive industry. As a result, we are now in a better position to answer one of the more intriguing queries that has surfaced in the showroom this week: “What is the Nissan Frontier Desert Runner?” For a very long time, fans of off-road driving have favored the Frontier platform. The Desert Runner concept car cranks that up to eleven. Let’s examine this unique car.
Nissan hired MA Motorsports, a Glen Arm, Maryland-based company, to design the Frontier Desert Runner concept. MA Motorsports collaborated with a team from Nissan Motorsports on the project. The oversized fender panels are the most obvious exterior distinction between the Desert Runner and the Frontier’s basic model. The larger wheels, which are shod with 37-inch BFGoodrich Baja T/A tires, need to fit within the high arches. The engine cage and shock hoops were made specifically by MA Motorsports, although the majority of the shock absorber parts came from King Racing.
Even though the engine was taken from the Titan line, it is in no way close to being a stock engine. In order to fulfill the demands of a racing team, the engine was rebuilt to incorporate a turbocharger, a custom intercooler, as well as aftermarket camshafts, pistons, and valves. Ultimately, the Nissan Frontier Desert Runner’s upgraded V-8 engine will produce more than 600 horsepower and close to 700 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary was removed from the Desert Runner’s interior. MA Motorsports installed quick-release steering wheels, safety harnesses, and specialty bucket seats.
The likelihood that the Nissan Frontier Desert Runner will be produced in large quantities is unknown. But when we visualize our ideal truck build, looking at these SEMA concept builds usually helps us come up with a handy wish list.
The 600-HP V-8 in the Nissan Frontier Desert Runner is paired with a manual transmission.
- For SEMA, Nissan’s racing division collaborated with MA Motorsport to create this Frontier Desert Runner off-road race vehicle.
- The same 5.6-liter V-8 engine that powers the Titan also powers this vehicle, however it is turbocharged, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, and enhanced to produce 600 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque.
- High-clearance bumpers, BFGoodrich off-road tires, King triple-bypass shocks, and a special spare tire carrier are all components of the Desert Runner off-road racer.
The 2020 Nissan Frontier has been in continuous production for 16 years and is still a top seller in the US market. Throughout that time, Nissan’s mid-size truck has only ever been available as a factory model with a four- or six-cylinder engine. Nissan is equipping a ferocious Frontier off-roader with eight cylinders and a six-speed manual transmission for the SEMA event.
The Frontier Desert Runner is one of the five trim levels available for Nissan’s mid-size pickup, so we are already familiar with it. This is not the production version, which only comes with a 4.0-liter V-6. The moniker is essentially the only similarity between this crazy racing variation and the production vehicle.
It is propelled by a heavily modified version of the Titan’s 5.6-liter turbocharged V-8 engine, which generates 600 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. In order to construct a full race-spec build with an unique intercooler, turbo header, and modified exhaust, Nissan partnered with MA Motorsports. Jim Wolf Technology camshafts, pistons, and valve springs and retainers are additional improvements.
Additionally heavily altered is the Frontier Desert Runner’s body, which has a unique spare-tire carrier. The Frontier grille and headlights are still present, but MA Motorsports-made bespoke front and rear bumpers are installed, giving it extra ground clearance. Massive BFGoodrich Baja T/A tires mounted on 17-inch Fifteen52 Block Bronze Turbomac HD rims are made possible by Fiberwerx front fenders and rear bedsides.
A long-travel front suspension upgrade from BTF Fabrication increases the vehicle’s off-road rigidity and high ground clearance. The front is equipped with King 2.5-inch triple bypass shocks and coil-overs, and the rear is lifted by using 3.5-inch triple bypass shocks.
Although the stock dashboard is still in place to some extent, the inside is a full-blown race truck. Along with Sparco racing seats and harnesses, a Sparco steering wheel with a quick-release adaptor is mounted.
Sadly, this ridiculous off-road vehicle won’t be for sale. However, Nissan is going to update its mid-size pickup, and we’d love to see the firm add a brash, off-road-capable V-8-powered model to its range to compete with the Ford F-150 Raptor, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, and rumored Ram Rebel TRX.
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Upgraded wheels, identical to those on the Pro 4X, All Terrain Tires rather than street tires, larger profile tires giving it a taller posture with additional ground clearance, lumbar support with adjustable seats, and of course the Bilstein Shocks.
I drive on dirt trails, so I don’t require 4 wheel drive. Because of the shocks and taller all-terrain tires that gave it more ground clearance, I decided to go with the Desert Runner. I probably would have chosen the SV if I was only driving on city streets. YMMV
The 2018 Nissan Frontier SV and Desert Runner Trims should be compared. What is the distinction?
Although it is available in both King Cab and Crew Cab body designs, the Desert Runner is only offered with an automatic transmission, a V-6 engine, and rear-wheel drive, in contrast to the preceding grade levels. The 2018 Frontier’s rear-wheel drive off-roader grade is called the Desert Runner. The same standard features as the SV are included, but with an off-road twist. It has an off-road look, skid plates, Bilstein shock absorbers, an elevated suspension, and all-terrain tires.
The Desert Runner’s cloth trim has a distinctive appearance that differs from the fabric used for the basic SV upholstery. The only option available in the Desert Runner trim is the choice between the two cab designs.
Although a rear-wheel drive off-road vehicle may seem weird, the Desert Runner is one of, if not the cheapest off-road vehicle available today. On the condition that they accept the fact that it won’t be able to keep up with most other cars once they start tackling the more challenging trails, it can be a respectable option for drivers wishing to get into the hobby on a budget.
Even for people who don’t intend to venture off the paved surface with their Frontier, the Desert Runner can still be a viable styling option given that it costs only a little over $1,000 more than the SV’s base price in order to get all the additional off-road equipment it offers. However, the majority of people would not benefit from this model.
Nissan, do you still produce the desert runner?
In the United States, where it has been produced for seventeen years, it has had its longest production run. This year, the model was ultimately phased out, and its place was taken by a newly designed vehicle made specifically for the North American market.
Is a 4×4 a desert runner?
Due to the Frontier Desert Runner’s heavy-duty 4-wheel drive chassis, it has the same stiffness, ride height, ground clearance, and rugged appearance as the 4-wheel drive truck. This consists of a whole ladder structure that has been designed with several measures to increase torsional strength and prevent twisting.
What distinguishes the pro-4X from the desert runner?
Ability and Power Nissan’s 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, which produces 261 horsepower and achieves up to 23 mpg on the interstate, powers both variants. Towing is simple with the accompanying 281 lb-ft of torque: The PRO-4X can handle up to 6,450 lbs., while the Desert Runner can pull up to 6,710 lbs.
What is the name of Nissan’s compact truck?
Since 1997, Nissan has been producing the Frontier, a pickup truck with a smaller body for US customers. Since its conception, it has gained a sizable following as a favorite among both pickup enthusiasts and fans of tiny trucks.
Which Nissan Frontier model is the best?
The 1999, 2019, and 2022 model years of the Nissan Frontier are the three best ones ever produced. The 2005, 2006, and 2007 model years, on the other hand, are the poorest Nissan Frontier models ever produced. It’s crucial to pay attention to these model years, especially if you want to buy a used Nissan Frontier.
Are the seats on the Nissan Frontier heated?
With the all-new Frontier, enjoy next-level comfort made possible by state-of-the-art Zero Gravity front seats.
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With the heated front seats and steering wheel options available on the Frontier, you won’t have to experience the biting cold on those winter mornings.
With the optional Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control, you can remotely start your Frontier so that it is pre-warmed or pre-cooled to a pleasant temperature.
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What are the various Nissan Frontier packages?
- Work Truck package—offered with the S trim. splash barriers. floor mats for all seasons. sprayed-on bedlining. bed rail covers.
- Available on the SV trim, the Value Truck package. security apparatus. fog lamps. Front seats that are heated in two separate zones. steering wheel and gear knob covered in leather
Ever have a V8 in the Nissan Frontier?
Despite its age, the Nissan Frontier continues to be a well-liked midsize truck. This has required sticking with the same four-cylinder and V6 engines for the entire period, and while if 261 is sufficient to do day-to-day tasks, the base Frontier is just a straightforward and honest pickup, even as its rivals become more sophisticated. So, how can your Frontier be made more interesting, especially if it has two-wheel drive? Nissan recently unveiled a special Frontier Desert Runner package, but not in the way you may expect.
You may praise Glen Arm, Maryland’s MA Motorsports for its unique Frontier Desert Runner build. In addition to replacing the normal 4.0-liter V6 with a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 from the larger Titan, it is turbocharged as well. This truck boasts a Garrett GTX3584RS turbocharger and a bespoke intercooler in its fully race-spec constructed engine.
A powerful beast is created by combining Jim Wolf pistons, valves, and camshafts with MA Motorsports’ unique custom turbo header and exhaust. This Frontier Desert Runner with a turbocharger actually has “600-plus” horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. The Jim Wolf clutch and flywheel are paired with the six-speed manual transmission.
What distinguishes a Nissan Frontier SL from a Nissan Frontier SV?
What exactly does Nissan SV mean? Simply said, SV and SL stand for Standard Value and Standard Luxury, respectively. Nissan SV vehicles are popular with those who want to upgrade from base trim levels but still need to make significant savings. Nissan SL vehicles are likely to be chosen by Chesapeake drivers who desire even more features and options.