The revival and revitalization of traditional off-roaders is proving to be very fashionable with consumers, and extremely worthwhile with automakers, notably with fashions just like the Defender, Bronco and revamped Land Cruiser. There are a few exceptions that have not appeared to totally capitalize on this development, with one noteworthy instance being Nissan. Doubtlessly its most well-known off-roader, the Frontier-based Xterra, has been absent because the 2015 mannequin yr, practically a decade in the past. However after speaking with Nissan Americas Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira, it appears we might even see a revival, but.
To be completely clear, Pandikuthira did not affirm an Xterra. However he did say that the thought is being “very actively thought-about.” Moreover, we discovered him to have a clearer concept of a contemporary Xterra than anticipated for one thing that is not actually confirmed. One of many chief standards he listed was that “it is obtained to be genuine,” and that it must be a “severe truck.” Mainly, it might probably’t be only a Rogue with all-terrain tires, however one thing with actual truck functionality. He additionally famous that it could each must be comparatively cheap, in addition to incorporate some trendy design particulars. Each of these sound refreshing in a world of extraordinarily costly and retro-styled off-road rigs. Moreover, that would appear to line up with one thing that Nissan’s Senior Vice President for World Design Alfonso Albaisa informed us about how he sees the chance now to have retro designs which are extra refined and allude to previous design cues with out being restricted by them.
As such, whereas we may see some retro cues and options, it appears to us that this hypothetical neo-Xterra would in all probability be based mostly on an present truck platform, in all probability the Frontier’s, which might be proper according to the unique, and certain what followers of the mannequin would really like. But it surely may not be as retro as anticipated, with nods being low-key and fewer apparent. Nissan has been releasing some fairly radical trying ideas previously yr, too. Certainly one of them being the Hyper Journey idea you see at high. That might present some design inspiration for the ultimate product.
These are our greatest guesses based mostly on what we all know, they usually usually appear so as to add up. The market appears proper, using an present platform would preserve prices down and feasibility up, and it looks as if Nissan higher-ups have an interest. So we expect a brand new Xterra may have shot at actuality. If nothing else, it looks as if an excellent concept to us.
