Nissan Project X – A V8-Hearted Rebirth of a Legend

Nissan has revived one of its most beloved off-road icons — the Xterra — with a daring new concept called Project X. But this isn’t a nostalgic rebuild. It’s a complete reinvention that blends the rugged soul of the original with modern engineering, enhanced capability, and the heart fans always wanted under the hood: a 5.6-liter V8.

The man behind this resurrection is Nick Scherr, better known in the Nissan community as Nismo Nick. His creation bridges Nissan’s glorious past and its uncertain present. The foundation is a first-generation Xterra (1999–2004), but nearly every element has been reworked.

At first glance, Project X could be mistaken for a Frontier. It borrows the truck’s headlights, grille, bumpers, fenders, and taillights. Yet the roofline and signature rear pillars make it unmistakably Xterra. Its off-road spirit shines through functional upgrades: a Seibon carbon hood, a Z1 roof rack, heavy-duty bumpers, and a factory snorkel for deep-water crossings. The 17-inch bronze NISMO wheels wrapped in 33-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme tires, paired with a lifted suspension, prepare the SUV for serious off-road challenges.

Step inside, and you’re essentially in a 2022 Frontier cabin. The dashboard, infotainment system, steering wheel, seats, and door panels all come from the modern pickup. The interior is trimmed in black leather with bold Citrus Strike yellow-green accents on the inserts and seatbelts. WeatherTech mats and a reinforced cargo bed coating add utility, bringing comfort and tech far beyond what the original Xterra offered. But the real magic is the third pedal — yes, this SUV comes with a six-speed manual transmission, giving drivers a pure, mechanical connection to the road.

Under the hood lies what Xterra fans always dreamed of: the 5.6-liter VK56 V8, borrowed from the Titan and Armada. It’s been tuned with a Z1 intake, JBA Performance headers, and a CSF radiator. The powertrain is paired with a manual gearbox and a transfer case for full-time four-wheel drive. The underpinnings borrow axles and suspension components from the Titan, upgraded by Z1 and CJD for added strength. Stopping power comes from Paragon six-piston front calipers and Z1 rear discs.

Unfortunately, Project X won’t see production — it’s a one-off SEMA show car. However, Nissan has confirmed that a new Xterra generation is in development, reportedly featuring a hybrid V6 powertrain. Until then, custom builds like Nick Scherr’s Project X remind enthusiasts that legends don’t have to stay in the past — sometimes, they just need a little reengineering to roar again.