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Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, presented two modified third-generation Nissan Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas: the road-focused Trackfinder and off-road Trailfinder. The builds show one enthusiast’s ideas for the R51 platform; Nissan has not announced that it plans to put either design into production.
Nick Scherr, the Nissan enthusiast known as Nismo Nick, presented two heavily modified third-generation R51 Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas: a 501-horsepower-at-the-wheels, manual-transmission Trackfinder and a V8-powered Trailfinder designed for off-road use. The custom vehicles offer competing visions for the Pathfinder platform, but Nissan has not said it will adopt either build.
The two builds share a redesigned front-end appearance inspired by the current D41 Nissan Frontier, while taking the R51 in sharply different directions. The Trackfinder is set up for pavement performance; the Trailfinder is equipped for off-road travel. Scherr described them as creations made without the limits that shape a production vehicle program.
The Trackfinder retains the Pathfinder’s VQ40 V6, fitted with a Z1 Off-Road supercharger system and a performance tune from UpRev. The Drive reports an output of 501 horsepower at the wheels. Scherr replaced the stock automatic transmission with a six-speed manual, Centerforce clutch and flywheel. Roll-forged wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 all-season tires and a quad-exhaust outlet at the rear complete the road-oriented setup.
The Trailfinder instead uses Nissan’s VK56 V8 and rides on 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 adds red Katzkin upholstery, along with a burgundy dashboard and seatbelts intended to give the cabin a vintage appearance, according to The Drive.
Two Directions for the R51 Platform
The builds matter as custom examples of what enthusiasts can do with an older body-on-frame Pathfinder, not as announced Nissan products. One prioritizes high-output road performance and a manual gearbox; the other combines a V8, larger tires and suspension modifications for off-road use. Together, they make the case for keeping distinct uses in view when thinking about the nameplate’s future.
The Drive frames the pair as inspiration for Nissan’s future lineup, including a planned Xterra revival and a body-on-frame three-row Pathfinder sibling. That is the publication’s interpretation of the builds’ relevance, rather than confirmation that Nissan is developing production versions based on Scherr’s vehicles. For readers, the distinction is key: the specifications belong to custom builds, and no production commitment is reported.
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From R51 Pathfinder to SEMA Builds
The R51 is the third-generation Pathfinder, distinct from the first-generation, hardbody-based model and from the current Frontier whose styling informs the front ends of these builds. Scherr presented both vehicles at SEMA, a show where modified and custom vehicles are displayed. The Drive also notes that he showed an Xterra build the previous year, placing the Pathfinders within a series of Nissan-focused projects.
The source describes the two vehicles as visions of what an R51 could become, rather than factory prototypes. Their engines, suspension, transmission, tires and interiors have been substantially altered. That means their reported performance and equipment should not be read as specifications for a Nissan production Pathfinder.
“Pathfinder has always represented adventure to me, but adventure means something different to everyone.”
— Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick
Production Plans Remain Unconfirmed
The source does not report that Nissan has endorsed the builds, approved them as concepts or plans to use their designs in future vehicles. It also provides no independent verification of the Trackfinder’s reported wheel-horsepower figure. The output is attributed to the report’s description of the build, and no test method or measurement details are supplied.
Details such as the vehicles’ full build costs, weight, road legality, durability and performance testing are not included. The source mentions a coming Xterra revival and a body-on-frame three-row Pathfinder sibling, but does not provide dates, specifications or confirmation that either will reflect Scherr’s designs.
Nissan’s Next Moves Are Unknown
The next confirmed step for these vehicles is not specified; the source says they were shown at SEMA but gives no schedule for further public appearances or testing. Readers can expect more information only if Scherr or the event organizers announce it.
For Nissan’s future models, the article identifies the prospective Xterra revival and body-on-frame Pathfinder sibling as relevant developments, but reports no new company announcement tied to the builds. Until Nissan releases details, the Trailfinder and Trackfinder remain custom interpretations of the platform, rather than a preview of confirmed production vehicles.
Key Questions
What are the Trailfinder and Trackfinder?
They are two modified R51 Pathfinders presented by Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, at SEMA. The Trailfinder is built for off-road use, while the Trackfinder is configured for pavement performance.
How much power does the Trackfinder make?
The Drive reports 501 horsepower at the wheels from its supercharged VQ40 V6 with an UpRev performance tune. The source does not describe the measurement method or provide independent test results.
What engine is in the Trailfinder?
The Trailfinder uses Nissan’s VK56 V8. It also has 35-inch Hankook all-terrain tires and Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components, according to The Drive.
Will Nissan build either Pathfinder?
No production plan is reported. The vehicles are custom builds, and Nissan has not announced that it will adopt their designs or specifications.
Source: thedrive.com
