Nissan has redefined what a street truck can be with its latest Frontier Tarmac concept, a high-performance, drift-oriented version of its mid-size pickup. Moving away from its usual off-road utility, this custom-built truck is designed for street enthusiasts, revealing a fresh side to Nissan’s Frontier lineup. Built in partnership with Forsberg Racing, led by Formula Drift icon Chris Forsberg, this concept is set to be a standout at this year’s SEMA show.
Nissan Frontier Tarmac Concept: Drifting into the Spotlight
Power Boost and NISMO Upgrades: Engineered for Performance
Built on the 2025 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, the Tarmac concept pushes boundaries with a series of performance-focused upgrades. Maintaining the 3.8-liter V6 as its core, Nissan and Forsberg Racing equipped it with a water-cooled supercharger, along with a prototype NISMO carbon-fiber cold air intake and a custom cat-back exhaust system. This combination catapults the engine’s output well past the 400-horsepower mark, delivering a remarkable 440 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, channeled directly to the rear wheels for an authentic drift experience.
Track-Ready Braking and Tires for Maximum Drift Control
Drifting demands more than raw power, and the Tarmac concept meets this need with a meticulous brake and tire setup. Up front, 15-inch floating two-piece rotors work with Z NISMO brake calipers, while the rear wheels sport dual calipers: one for traditional braking and a second, controlled by a custom hydraulic hand brake, dedicated to drift maneuvers. This high-performance truck rolls on Yokohama Advan V107 tires, sized 275/40R-20 in the front and a robust 315/35R-20 in the back, maximizing grip and control on the tarmac.
Standout Styling: A Blend of Carbon Fiber and Bold Design
The Afterburn Orange paint, exclusive for 2025, immediately catches the eye, but the Tarmac concept’s visual appeal goes much deeper. Carbon fiber is used extensively, adorning the hood, fenders, roof cap, and even the tonneau cover, lending both a striking appearance and weight-saving functionality. The Frontier’s new widebody design enhances its stance, emphasizing its performance-driven personality while hinting at the raw power it holds.
Interior Modifications: A Driver-Focused Cockpit with Racing Flair
Inside, the Tarmac concept keeps the driver front and center with a carbon-fiber-trimmed steering wheel and two Recaro front seats, featuring a throwback upholstery pattern for a touch of retro styling. This interior upgrade complements the truck’s performance aesthetics while offering a comfortable, secure seating experience for spirited driving.
Suspension Setup: Lowered and Tuned for Precision
To ensure this drift truck handles as impressively as it looks, the Tarmac concept incorporates a custom NISMO suspension. The setup includes a four-to-six-inch lowering kit with adjustable coil-overs and remote reservoirs, allowing for optimal tuning and stability on the street. This lowered stance not only enhances the truck’s center of gravity but also improves its agility, making it ready for both track days and drifting challenges.
Conclusion: Nissan’s Frontier Tarmac Concept – A New Chapter in Drift-Centric Design
The Nissan Frontier Tarmac concept reflects a bold shift in the typical street truck narrative, showcasing what a mid-size pickup can achieve when tailored for drift culture. With its elevated performance, striking design, and race-ready features, the Tarmac concept solidifies Nissan’s place in the performance segment, appealing to drift enthusiasts and performance truck fans alike.