No Shortage of Retro Themes
If there’s one thing we’ve started noticing about Nissan’s new design language, a good number of its upcoming models are unashamedly looking back at heritage models. If anything, some have already gone retro. The most obvious example is the Z, which has echoed the shape of the original 240Z since 2003.
Then there are the SEMA builds, particularly the Pathfinder XE-V6 Concept that gave the crossover a bespoke and rugged appearance with graphics to boot. Even international models are looking back at the past, with the most recent one being the Navara Pro.
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What is the Navara Pro?
Nissan uses the Navara name for its global midsize pickup. It rides on a different platform from the American Frontier, although said Navara is also called the Frontier in markets that had become accustomed to that name. The thing is, Navara Pro/Frontier Pro is yet another variation of Nissan’s midsize pickup family, and its roots are from China.
The pickup is a result of Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng Motors in China, and it’s slowly making its way around the world. In fact, it just landed in Mexico as the Frontier Pro recently, sporting a 350 hp plug-in hybrid powertrain. Inevitably, they’ve made rugged versions, at least in China. There’s the Dune Knight Edition, along with other homegrown builds.
However, the Navara Pro/Frontier Pro just got a unique one-off version outside of China. In the Philippines, one particular example brought out more of the Hardbody’s classic cues, far beyond the three-slot grille-inspired daytime running lights.
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The Build
This special one-off was built by Overland Kings for Nissan Philippines. Overland Kings is a specialty shop that can pretty much turn anything into an adventure vehicle to your liking. In this case, the Navara Pro gets bespoke parts that actually look like they come straight from a Nissan catalog.
For instance, the Navara Pro doesn’t come with fog lights, so Overland Kings modified the bumper to accommodate a pair of PIAA lights. The grille panel, body-colored from the factory, is painted black and, again, altered to fit PIAA driving lights. As a nod to the higher-spec Hardbody models from back in the day, a black stripe adorns the tailgate, along with red graphics on the flanks that bring you back to the mid-’80s.
A set of unique 12-hole alloys further bring out the classic touches, and of course it’s shod in all-terrain tires. Those retro wheels complement the tubular sports bar on the bed, which is another custom job.
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The Specs
As far as we can tell, its powertrain and interior are left untouched, but the specs are still worth talking about. Instead of a V6 engine, the Navara Pro/Frontier Pro comes with a 1.5-liter turbo (not related to the Rogue’s 1.5-liter) paired to two electric motors for a total system output of 350 hp and 487 lb-ft. It’s mated to a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, so it has actual gears unlike a CVT.
Nissan claims a towing capacity of 7,000 lbs and a 1,907 lb payload capacity. Four-wheel drive is standard and includes the usual high- and low-range gearing, plus a rear differential lock. Ground clearance is an impressive 9.1 inches, and it is claimed to have the ability to ford floods up to 27.5 inches high.
Its battery capacity is rated at 20.24 kWh, and combined with its 17.7-gallon tank, total range is estimated at 600 miles, with pure EV range at 46 miles. There’s no chance of this model ever coming stateside, but it does show Nissan’s capability to build an electrified pickup without losing its DNA. Builds like these also make us hope that it’ll inspire a production version someday for the rest of the world to enjoy. It also makes us pretty excited about the aftermarket potential of the upcoming Xterra, Pathfinder, and next-generation Frontier.
Anton Andres/Autoblog
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