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At the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nissan enthusiast Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, presented two modified third-generation R51 Pathfinders: the off-road-focused Trailfinder and performance-focused Trackfinder. Their V8 and supercharged V6 setups are custom concepts, not announced Nissan production plans, but they illustrate possible directions for future body-on-frame Nissan SUVs.
Nissan enthusiast Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, presented two heavily modified third-generation R51 Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on Monday: the off-road-focused Trailfinder and the road-performance-focused Trackfinder. The builds are independent custom projects, not announced Nissan products, but they offer a striking demonstration of how the older body-on-frame SUV could be adapted for two very different uses.
The Trackfinder is built around the Pathfinder’s VQ40 V6, upgraded with a Z1 Off-Road supercharger system and an UpRev performance tune. The Drive reports that it produces 501 horsepower at the wheels. Scherr replaced the factory automatic with a six-speed manual transmission, Centerforce clutch and flywheel. Other visible details include Roll-forged wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 all-season tires and a quad exhaust exiting through the center of the rear bumper.
The Trailfinder takes a different route, pairing a Nissan VK56 V8 with 35-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires. Its equipment includes a big brake kit, performance intake, snorkel, auxiliary lights and Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components. The interior has red Katzkin upholstery and a burgundy dashboard and seatbelts intended to give the cabin a vintage look, according to The Drive.
Both vehicles use a front-end appearance inspired by the current D41 Frontier pickup. The Drive describes them as visions of what could be done with the R51 platform. The report does not say Nissan designed, sponsored or plans to sell either build.
Two Different Directions for Nissan SUVs
The builds matter as custom examples of body-on-frame SUV potential, not as confirmation of Nissan’s future product plans. The Trailfinder emphasizes off-road hardware and clearance, while the Trackfinder combines substantial claimed wheel horsepower with a manual gearbox. Together, they show how the same basic vehicle can be reworked for distinct enthusiast priorities.
The Drive connects the projects to interest in a possible Xterra revival and a body-on-frame three-row Pathfinder sibling. That connection is the publication’s interpretation: the source provides no Nissan announcement tying these builds to a production program. Still, the projects give fans concrete ideas for how an enthusiast-oriented Nissan SUV might look and perform.
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The R51 Platform Behind the Builds
The R51 is the third-generation Pathfinder, the platform used for both Scherr’s custom vehicles. The Trailfinder and Trackfinder share the same broad starting point but diverge in purpose: one is outfitted for off-road travel, the other for paved-road performance. Their different engines and equipment make the contrast central to the display.
The Drive also points to Scherr’s Xterra build from the previous year as another example of his Nissan-focused custom work. The article frames these projects as inspiration for Nissan, rather than evidence of a confirmed revival or new body-on-frame model.
“Pathfinder has always represented adventure to me, but adventure means something different to everyone.”
— Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick
No Nissan Production Plans Confirmed
The available report does not establish whether Nissan had any role in creating or presenting the vehicles, or whether either build will be offered for sale. It also does not provide independent verification of the Trackfinder’s reported 501 wheel horsepower, nor detailed specifications for the suspension changes, costs or road testing.
Any link between these builds and a future Xterra or body-on-frame Pathfinder remains speculation about design potential. The source gives no launch date, product details or confirmation from Nissan about such vehicles.
Watch for Nissan’s Own Plans
The next concrete development would be an announcement from Nissan about its future SUV lineup, or further information from Scherr about the builds’ specifications and availability. Until then, the Trailfinder and Trackfinder remain custom SEMA projects. The source does not identify a scheduled production decision or follow-up reveal.
Key Questions
What are the Trailfinder and Trackfinder?
They are custom third-generation R51 Nissan Pathfinders presented by Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, at SEMA. The Trailfinder is set up for off-road use; the Trackfinder is aimed at performance on paved roads.
How much power does the Trackfinder make?
The Drive reports a figure of 501 horsepower at the wheels from its supercharged VQ40 V6 and UpRev tune. The report does not provide independent testing details.
Does the Trackfinder have a manual transmission?
Yes. Scherr replaced its factory automatic with a six-speed manual, along with a Centerforce clutch and flywheel, according to The Drive.
Is Nissan bringing back the Xterra or launching these Pathfinders?
The source confirms no production announcement. The builds are custom projects, and their connection to a possible Xterra revival or body-on-frame Pathfinder is presented as potential inspiration, not confirmed company plans.
Source: thedrive.com
