This SEMA Nissan Frontier Perfectly Captures the Nickelodeon Hot Wheels Monster Truck Vibe

      Nissan, edited by the author

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      This year at the SEMA tuner show, a diverse selection of Nissans is on display. In addition to the V8 manual Xterra built by Nismo Nick, the company is showcasing a stylish desert-running Armada SUV, an attractive vintage Saudi-style Patrol, and an amusing “Frontier Rapid Runner” featuring a river kayaking theme and vibrant graphics. As a child, I had many toys like this, and I suspect those who created it did too.

      It seems this is the same Frontier that appeared at last year's show as the “Trailgater,” designed for off-road adventures to transform any campsite into a TV-watching spot. Personally, I prefer this river-running version much more, primarily due to its splash-themed wrap and absence of doors.

      I really enjoy driving Jeeps without their doors. Every time I take on a new project vehicle, I contemplate how practical it would be to create some tube doors for a similar experience (and each time, I reach the same conclusion: it’s not feasible). However, Nissan, in collaboration with POWERNATION TV, possesses greater resources and creative engineering skills than I do, allowing them to bring this concept to life.

      We’ll share all the images of this vehicle in a slideshow for you to browse:

      The wide stance of this build, made possible by Titan truck suspension, takes it to caricature levels. But I think that was likely intentional. The wheel setup, color scheme, and accessories give the entire package a toy-like appearance that I would have loved in the '90s, without trying too hard to seem retro, and I’m fully on board with it.

      Here’s the complete parts list as provided by Nissan:

      Nissan Frontier Rapid Runner Build Sheet

      Suspension

      - Nissan TITAN suspension components + rear axle swap

      - BILSTEIN adjustable coilovers

      - BILSTEIN front upper control arms

      - BILSTEIN rear shocks

      - Two-inch body lift

      Wheels and Tires

      - Prototype NISMO 17-inch x 8.5-inch +20 Ascend wheels

      - 37×12.50R17 Yokohama GEOLANDAR X-MT tires

      Exterior

      - NISMO Off-Road high bed rack

      - NISMO Off-Road roof rack

      - Prototype NISMO Off-Road 40-inch low-profile light bar

      - Prototype NISMO Off Road 6-inch roof rack flood lights

      - NISMO Off-Road A-pillar light mounts with 4-inch NISMO Off-Road driving lights

      - Custom open/tube door concept

      - Steel front and rear bumpers

      - Custom fender flares

      - Storage for up to four kayaks

      - Bed storage system with pull-out drawers + shelving system

      - NISMO Gear rack shower

      - NISMO Gear solar panels

      - NISMO Gear ratchet straps

      - NISMO Gear tow straps

      - NISMO Gear power cubes

      Interior

      - Covercraft waterproof seat covers

      - All-purpose lined floor and interior area

      - NISMO Off-Road All-Season floormats

      Engine

      - Prototype NISMO cold air intake

      - Prototype NISMO snorkel

      - NISMO exhaust

      - Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil

      Have a tip? Or have you managed to create tube doors like this? Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].