Nissan is killing the Titan, but they’re turning their thoughts to happier times and the iconic Hardbody pickup.
The automaker is keeping details under wraps, but said the “beloved compact truck begins its next chapter” on September 14. While that sounds like the company is preparing to introduce a Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz competitor, that’s wishful thinking.
As you can see in the teaser image, Nissan is instead preparing to introduce a two-tone truck that pays tribute to the Hardbody. The company isn’t saying much, but the Frontier has been equipped with a gloss black bumper, a blacked out grille, and a black hood appliqué. They’re joined by gloss black mirrors and matching tow hooks.
More: Nissan Lands In Chicago Auto Show With Three Frontier Concepts
That isn’t much to go on, but the model appears to be a production version of Project Hardbody. The concept was introduced at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show and was based on the Frontier Crew Cab SV 4×4. It featured a similar two-tone design as well as special graphics and retro-inspired wheels. Rounding out the highlights were a 3-inch lift and a bed-mounted spare tire carrier.
The new Frontier appears to be a special edition and it will likely arrive as a 2024 model. While that remains to be seen, it should have a familiar 3.8-liter V6 with 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque.
Regardless of what Nissan has up their sleeve, the Hardbody debuted in 1985 as a cheap and cheerful compact pickup. It was a hit, but the model was eventually replaced by the Frontier in 1997.
