Nissan Going for Glory in the Paris-Dakar with New Frontier Pickup

Modified Frontier Features 3.5-L V6 from 350-Z

Normally these pages don't feature rally cars, but Nissan's entry in this year's Paris-Dakar event just can't 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

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

year's Patrol to a highly modified version of their Frontier midsize pickup.

Running in this year's 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 so special? Aside from specified preparations required to make it race-ready, the engine is one of the biggest factors to its expected success. Neither the stock gasoline-powered four-cylinder or upgraded 3.3-L V6 would do, even in 210-hp supercharged guise, therefore the Frontier's engine bay was upgraded with a 3.5 liter V6 borrowed from Nissan's 350Z sports car. Rated at

With a top speed of 190 km/h and 266 lb-ft of torque, the modified Frontier is ready to tackle dirt roads and sand drifts. (Photo: Nissan)

272 horsepower with 266 lb-ft of torque, combined with a restricted weight of 1,750 kilograms (3,858 lbs), the modified Frontier is ideal for powering through sinkholes and sand dunes.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox which allows for an adequately quick top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph) - you don't want to go much quicker than that on muddy dirt roads and sand drifts.