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Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, unveiled two heavily modified third-generation Nissan Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas: the road-focused Trackfinder and off-road Trailfinder. Their contrasting builds showcase possible directions for Nissan’s body-on-frame vehicles, but they are individual projects, not announced Nissan production plans.
Nick Scherr, the Nissan enthusiast known as Nismo Nick, unveiled two radically modified third-generation R51 Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on Monday. The builds split the SUV’s potential into a road-performance version called the Trackfinder and an off-road-focused Trailfinder—showcase projects, not Nissan announcements about future production models.
The Trackfinder is built for pavement performance. It retains the Pathfinder’s VQ40 V6 but adds a Z1 Off-Road supercharger and an UpRev performance tune. The report gives its output as 501 horsepower at the wheels. Scherr also replaced the original automatic transmission with a six-speed manual, paired with a Centerforce clutch and flywheel. Roll-forged wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 all-season tires and a quad-exhaust arrangement complete the setup.
The Trailfinder takes a different route, pairing a VK56 V8 with 35-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires. Its equipment includes a big brake kit, performance intake, snorkel, auxiliary lights and other off-road accessories. The report highlights Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components as a defining part of the build. Inside, a Katzkin red interior and burgundy dashboard and seatbelts give it a throwback appearance.
Both Pathfinders share a front-end appearance modeled on the current D41 Nissan Frontier. The report describes the vehicles as highly modified interpretations of what could be done with the R51 chassis. It does not provide build costs, full technical specifications for every modification or independent performance testing.
Two Builds, Two Pathfinder Directions
The projects matter less as evidence of an imminent Nissan product than as a demonstration of how one platform can be reworked for sharply different uses. The Trackfinder emphasizes power and driver involvement, including a manual gearbox and a stated 501 wheel horsepower. The Trailfinder prioritizes clearance, traction and off-road equipment, with its V8, large tires and modified suspension.
The source argues that the builds point to ideas Nissan could draw on for a future Xterra revival and a body-on-frame three-row Pathfinder sibling. That is the author’s interpretation, not a stated Nissan plan. Still, the contrast gives enthusiasts a concrete example of the kinds of performance and off-road character that could shape discussion around Nissan’s body-on-frame vehicles.
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The R51 Chassis at SEMA
The R51 is the third-generation Pathfinder, the platform used for Scherr’s two builds. The source also notes that he presented an Xterra build the previous year, placing the Pathfinders within a continuing series of Nissan-focused projects. SEMA provides a setting for modified and specialty vehicles to be displayed; appearing there does not mean a vehicle is a factory concept or approved product program.
The source report frames the builds against possible future Nissan models, including an Xterra revival and a body-on-frame, three-row Pathfinder sibling. It gives no details from Nissan confirming those vehicles, their timing or whether design ideas from these custom Pathfinders would influence them. The builds therefore offer a creative reference point, not a roadmap announced by the automaker.
“Pathfinder has always represented adventure to me, but adventure means something different to everyone.”
— Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick
Production Plans Remain Unconfirmed
Nothing in the source report indicates that Nissan plans to sell either vehicle or adopt its modifications for a production Pathfinder or Xterra. It is also unclear whether Nissan has formally confirmed the future models mentioned in the report. The stated 501 horsepower at the wheels is presented as the Trackfinder’s output, but the source does not include independent verification or testing conditions.
Full technical details, including the complete suspension setup, the builds’ costs and their road or trail test results, are not provided. The vehicles’ appearance at SEMA alone does not establish Nissan involvement, factory approval or a production timeline.
Nissan’s Next Model Decisions
The immediate next step is for Nissan—not the builders—to clarify whether the possible body-on-frame vehicles discussed in the report are part of its plans and whether any design direction has been set. No such announcement or follow-up date is provided in the source. Until then, the Trailfinder and Trackfinder remain custom builds that show two ways enthusiasts have reimagined the R51 Pathfinder, rather than previews of confirmed Nissan products.
Key Questions
What are the Trailfinder and Trackfinder?
They are two heavily modified third-generation R51 Nissan Pathfinders unveiled by Nick Scherr, also known as Nismo Nick, at SEMA in Las Vegas. The Trailfinder is designed for off-road use; the Trackfinder is built for pavement performance.
How much power does the Trackfinder make?
The source report states that its supercharged VQ40 V6 produces 501 horsepower at the wheels with an UpRev tune. It does not provide independent test results or the conditions for that figure.
What engine and equipment does the Trailfinder have?
The Trailfinder uses a VK56 V8 and 35-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires. The reported modifications also include Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components, a big brake kit, a snorkel, an intake and auxiliary lights.
Are these Nissan production vehicles?
No. The report describes them as modified enthusiast builds. It does not say Nissan plans to sell them or use their parts or styling in future production models.
Source: thedrive.com
