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Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, displayed two heavily modified third-generation Nissan Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas: the road-focused Trackfinder and off-road Trailfinder. The builds demonstrate customization possibilities, but Nissan has not announced plans to adopt their designs or specifications for future models.
Nick Scherr, the Nissan enthusiast known as Nismo Nick, unveiled two extensively modified third-generation Nissan Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on Monday. The builds, named Trailfinder and Trackfinder, take the same R51 platform in opposite directions—one toward off-road travel and the other toward high-powered road performance—offering a custom-built vision, not a Nissan production announcement.
The Trackfinder is based on the Pathfinder’s VQ40 V6, upgraded with a Z1 Off-Road supercharger system and an UpRev performance tune. The report gives its output as 501 horsepower at the wheels. Scherr also replaced the standard automatic transmission with a six-speed manual paired with a Centerforce clutch and flywheel. The build rides on roll-forged wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 all-season tires and has a quad-exhaust arrangement exiting through the center of the rear bumper.
The Trailfinder is configured for off-road use. It has a Nissan VK56 V8, 35-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires and Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components. Other listed equipment includes a big-brake kit, performance intake, snorkel and auxiliary lights from Rigid Industries. Its interior combines Katzkin red upholstery with a burgundy dashboard and seatbelts intended to evoke an older style.
Both vehicles share a front-end appearance inspired by the current D41 Nissan Frontier pickup, according to The Drive’s report. The two builds are part of Scherr’s custom Nissan work; the outlet also references an Xterra project he showed the previous year. The reported specifications describe these particular vehicles, not factory Pathfinder options.
Two Directions for the R51 Platform
The builds matter as a demonstration of how differently the same R51 Pathfinder platform can be adapted. The Trackfinder combines a supercharged V6 with a manual gearbox, while the Trailfinder pairs a V8 with larger tires and off-road suspension parts. For enthusiasts, the contrast makes the vehicles a concrete example of Nissan-based customization rather than a single speculative concept.
The Drive frames the projects as a possible design prompt for Nissan, pointing to the company’s anticipated Xterra revival and a body-on-frame, three-row Pathfinder sibling. That is the outlet’s interpretation of the builds’ relevance. There is no reported statement from Nissan that it will use Scherr’s styling, components or performance approach in a future vehicle.
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Custom Builds, Not Factory Prototypes
The vehicles use the third-generation Pathfinder, known as the R51, rather than representing a newly announced production model. The source describes the Trailfinder and Trackfinder as highly modified builds designed to explore what could be done with the chassis. Their shared Frontier-inspired front end ties the pair visually together, while their mechanical setups serve distinct purposes.
The projects follow Scherr’s earlier Xterra build, according to The Drive. The outlet connects these examples to possible future Nissan body-on-frame vehicles, but that connection is forward-looking commentary rather than confirmation of a company program. The source does not provide a Nissan response or say whether the builds were commissioned, endorsed or supported by the automaker.
““Pathfinder has always represented adventure to me, but adventure means something different to everyone.””
— Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick
Nissan’s Plans Remain Unconfirmed
The report does not say whether Nissan has evaluated or endorsed either vehicle, or whether any elements will inform a future Pathfinder or Xterra. It also does not provide a detailed parts list, build costs, measured acceleration or other test results. The Trackfinder’s stated 501-horsepower figure is described as output at the wheels; the source does not give testing conditions or a measurement method.
It is also unclear whether the Trailfinder’s modifications have been tested for reliability, towing, road use or production feasibility. The builds show what Scherr’s team assembled, but they do not establish that the same configuration would be suitable for a factory vehicle or available to buyers.
Future Nissan Models Await Word
The immediate development is the public display of the two SEMA builds. The source names no follow-up presentation, production schedule or Nissan decision tied to them. Any claim that the Trailfinder or Trackfinder previews a future model should remain speculation unless the company confirms a connection.
Readers interested in whether the designs influence Nissan’s future lineup will need to watch for company announcements about the Xterra revival or a body-on-frame, three-row Pathfinder. Until then, the builds stand as custom interpretations of the R51 rather than evidence of a change in Nissan’s product plans.
Key Questions
What are the Trailfinder and Trackfinder?
They are two modified third-generation Nissan Pathfinders built by Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, and unveiled at SEMA in Las Vegas. The Trailfinder is set up for off-road use; the Trackfinder is focused on pavement performance.
How much power does the Trackfinder make?
The report lists 501 horsepower at the wheels from its supercharged VQ40 V6 and UpRev performance tune. It does not give testing conditions or a measurement method.
What engine is in the Trailfinder?
The Trailfinder has a Nissan VK56 V8, along with 35-inch Hankook all-terrain tires and Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components, according to the report.
Are these official Nissan concepts or upcoming models?
The source describes them as custom builds by Scherr. It reports no Nissan announcement confirming that either vehicle is an official concept or a preview of a production model.
Will Nissan use these builds as a blueprint?
That remains unknown. The Drive suggests the projects show possibilities for future Nissan body-on-frame vehicles, but Nissan has not confirmed that it plans to adopt their designs or modifications.
Source: thedrive.com
