Nissan and Chris Forsberg Bring the Ultimate Track-Ready Truck

Image Name: Nissan Frontier TARMAC

Image Credit: Nissan

In the world of high-performance vehicles, Nissan Motorsports and Formula Drift Champion Chris Forsberg are bringing back a classic concept for SEMA 2024, but with a modern twist. Instead of the usual sports car, they’ve created something truly unique—a track-ready version of the Nissan Frontier truck. This daring creation, known as the Nissan Frontier TARMAC Concept, is set to impress with its blend of rugged design and high-speed capability. If you’re into performance trucks or just love the idea of a pickup built for speed, this might be the one to keep an eye on. Here’s everything you need to know about the Frontier TARMAC Concept and why it’s already making waves.

The Vision Behind the TARMAC Concept
Nissan and Chris Forsberg’s collaboration on the TARMAC Concept is not just about power—it’s a nostalgic nod to the days when performance trucks dominated the scene at SEMA. Forsberg, a three-time Formula Drift Champion, sees this build as a return to an era when midsize-performance trucks were the ultimate showstoppers. As Forsberg explains, “Twenty years ago, having a performance truck was definitely a cool thing. But today, very rarely do you see lowered, performance truck builds. 

Revving Up the Power
The Frontier TARMAC Concept’s powerhouse under the hood is among its most intriguing features. Starting with strapping on a water-cooled supercharger to the 3.8-liter V-6 engine, Forsberg turned this already strong truck into a high-performance machine. This supercharged arrangement, together with a prototype NISMO carbon fiber cold air intake and NISMO cat-back exhaust, drives the truck’s performance to a whole fresh degree. That produces 440 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque produced really impressively. These tweaks make the TARMAC Concept a real beast on the track regardless of your level of speed enthusiasm or just enjoyment of raw power.

Precision Braking for Drifting Excellence
With all that added power, stopping is just as important as speed. Nissan has outfitted the TARMAC Concept with NISMO brakes installed using custom mounts. The braking setup features two-piece floating and slotted rotors, and in a nod to Forsberg’s drifting roots, there are two calipers per rear wheel, with the second caliper linked to a custom handbrake. This design is tailored to Forsberg’s drifting expertise, allowing him to handle the truck with precision even at high speeds. For those dreaming of a drift-ready truck, the TARMAC Concept is a game-changer.

Perfection Lowered from Sleek Suspension
Nissan Motorsports created a special high-performance street suspension system to attain the elegant, low profile of the TARMAC Concept. This arrangement has a flip kit matched with a C-notch in the back and an adjustable coilover suspension in the front. Nissan guarantees that the TARMAC Concept is not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to meet the rigors of the track by precisely developing the suspension. This customized suspension system provides the precise handling required to make the TARMAC Concept feel completely at home on any racetrack, so preserving stability.

Strong design decisions
Regarding appearance, the TARMAC Concept distinguishes itself with custom carbon fiber flared fenders adding four inches to its width. This broad approach not only provides the vehicle with a more aggressive silhouette but also allows room for the special 20-inch NISMO wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan tires (size 315/35). These fenders are a real monument to the meticulous attention to detail paid to this idea vehicle.

The carbon fiber covers more ground than just the fends. Additionally made from carbon fiber, the tailgate spoiler and tonneau cover helps to lighten the truck and improve its visual attractiveness. Inside, the TARMAC Concept has an anodized handbrake built by Forsberg personally, a carbon fiber steering wheel, and custom-made upholstery on Recaro seats. From the chairs to the steering, every component radiates quality and performance-driven design, thereby guaranteeing that the TARMAC Concept looks as exciting as it drives.

Image Name: The Vision Behind the TARMAC Concept

NISMO Products for Show
The TARMAC Concept serves as a demonstration for forthcoming NISMO components that might soon be available for the Nissan Frontier, not only about building a distinctive track-ready truck. Nissan offers a window into the future of performance truck customizing by including these prototype NISMO components. These NISMO components, which will soon be available, let enthusiasts duplicate some of the TARMAC Concept’s performance characteristics on their own Frontier vehicles.

One-of-a-kind creation
The hitch is that, although the TARMAC Concept is meant to wow, it is now a one-off model meant just for SEMA 2024. Nissan and Forsberg have no intentions for mass manufacturing, hence this Frontier variant is probably going to stay a unique build. Still, the TARMAC Concept inspires those with the means and inclination for personalizing. With the correct NISMO components, the pieces displayed on this model can enable aficionados for cars to replicate elements of this performance truck.

Why the TARMAC Concept Is More Than Just a Showpiece
The Frontier TARMAC Concept is really unique because of its mix of modern technologies with retro charm. Although it honors the period of performance trucks, it also brings fresh design ideas and power enhancements that distinguish it in the modern automotive landscape. From its bold carbon fiber styling to its powerful engine modifications, the TARMAC Concept isn’t just a truck—it’s a statement. For car enthusiasts and Nissan fans alike, it embodies the spirit of SEMA: pushing boundaries, breaking norms, and redefining what’s possible in vehicle customization.

The Future of Performance Trucks
The TARMAC Concept brings attention to a rising trend—performance trucks with a track-ready edge. Opening at SEMA 2024, this innovative concept challenges established wisdom on what a car can be. Perfect on the road yet remaining true to its hardy beginnings, Nissan and Forsberg have transformed a utility car into a high-performance machine. Whether or not mass production ever occurs, the Frontier TARMAC Concept represents a sea change in the automobile industry by demonstrating that performance trucks complement sports cars at shows like SEMA.

Conclusion:
Although the Nissan Frontier TARMAC Concept is a one-of-a-kind creation, it is definitely a window into sport truck evolution. This idea shows that it is feasible to have both utility and performance in one truck if you are looking for one that meets both criteria. Though this specific model might never find a showroom, the NISMO goods shown on the TARMAC Concept point to interesting opportunities for Frontier owners seeking a bit extra excitement in their vehicle. Therefore, keep an eye on Nissan’s range if you’re ready to discover the next great thing in performance trucks—who knows what could be just around the corner.

Whether you’re looking to buy cars, search used cars, or simply check out the latest car deals, keep an eye on Nissan’s ever-evolving lineup. With the Frontier TARMAC Concept, they’ve proven that there’s plenty of life left in the performance truck segment, and this unique build may just inspire future models that bring power and style to everyday driving.