From the ever-exciting world of ‘why not?’ at SEMA comes Nissan’s mid-size Frontier Desert Runner packed with a 600-hp V8.
Under the hands of the extreme performance specialists at MA Motorsports in Glen Arm, Md., working in tandem with the Nissan Motorsports team, this Desert Runner resembles the factory version in name only – going from weekend adventurer to near full-blown race truck.
The conversion started under the hood by replacing the factory 4.0-liter V6 engine with a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 from a Nissan Titan full-size pickup. The big V8 underwent a complete race-spec rebuild, including the addition of a Garrett GTX3584RS turbocharger, custom intercooler, Jim Wolf Technology camshafts, pistons and valves, and MA Motorsports custom turbo header and exhaust system. The engine boasts 600-plus horsepower and 700 lb.-ft. of torque. The new V8 is matched to a Nissan 6-speed manual transmission with Jim Wolf Technology clutch and lightweight flywheel.
The suspension makeover includes a BTF Fabrication long travel front suspension kit, King Racing Triple Bypass front shocks and coil-overs, rear King Racing Triple Bypass shocks and Giant Motorsports Link Killer rear leaf springs. The Frontier Desert Runner rides on Fifteen52 TurboMac HD wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich Baja T/A tires. The shock hoops, engine cage and bed cage were fabricated by MA Motorsports.
Turning attention to the body, MA Motorsports installed Fiberworx Pre Runner fenders and fabricated new front and rear bumpers, along with a custom spare tire carrier. A full package of off-road lighting from Rigid Industries and a body wrap by Speed Designs complete the exterior.
Inside, the factory interior was replaced by a no-frills cockpit – including coated floor, MA Motorsports custom harness bar and Sparco harnesses. Sparco also supplied the racing seats and steering wheel with quick release steering wheel adapter.
The new 2020 Titan made its world debut in late September at the State Fair of Texas. For its debut at SEMA, the 2020 Titan received a wide range of Genuine Nissan Accessories, including:
- All Season Floor Mats
- Rear Bumper Step Assist
- Sliding Bed Extender
- Tie-Down Cleats
- Assist handle (tailgate access)
- Mud flaps – front and rear (PRO-4X)
- Front and rear mud flaps (PRO-4X)
- Sport bar with off-road lights and light covers
- Illuminated kick plates
- Door scuff protector
- Rugged Step Boards
- Marker lights for fenders and grille
- 4-inch drop hitch ball mount, Class III
- Hitch Ball Class III (2-inch coupler)
Titan photos follow Frontier.
2020 Nissan TITAN. Every Genuine Nissan Accessory is custom-fit, custom-designed and durability-tested under Nissan’s rigorous engineering standards. When installed by dealer at the time of truck purchase, each Genuine Nissan Accessory is backed by TITAN and TITAN XD’s America’s Best Truck Warranty3 – with 5-year/100,000 mile coverage.
