Modified Frontier Features 3.5-L V6 from 350-Z

Normally these pages dont feature rally cars, but Nissans entry in this years Paris-Dakar event just cant be ignored. In a race that sees nearly every form of motor vehicle vying for dominance, from pickups and SUVs to motorcycles, dune buggies and off-roading industrial-sized trucks, Nissan has upped the challenge from last years Patrol to a highly modified version of their Frontier midsize pickup.

Running in this years race will be two factory-backed trucks driven by Finnish world rally champion Ari Vatanen, and South African veteran Giniel De Villiers.

So, what exactly makes this Pickup

The Frontiers engine bay was upgraded with a 272-hp 3.5 liter V6 borrowed from Nissans 350Z sports car. (Photo: Nissan)

With a top speed of 118 mph and 266 lb-ft of torque, the modified Frontier is ready to tackle dirt roads and sand drifts. (Photo: Nissan)

The engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox which allows for an adequately quick top speed of 118 mph - you dont want to go much quicker than that on muddy dirt roads and sand drifts.

While reliable power may be first and foremost when setting out to win the Paris-Dakar rally, a hefty amount of the burden is set on the cars aerodynamics. As evident in the photos, its front end has been slightly restyled to split the fierce desert winds that can often shift a car off course.

Enhanced aerodynamics, racecar suspension, and knobby tires may bring Nissan a victory. (Photo: Nissan)

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