--- title: "These Extreme Pathfinder Builds Are the Blueprint Nissan Should Stick To" date: "2026-11-03" modified: "2026-11-03" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/these-extreme-pathfinder-builds-are-the-blueprint-nissan-should-stick-to" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" --- # These Extreme Pathfinder Builds Are the Blueprint Nissan Should Stick To ![Nissan Trackfinder]() For the record, I'll just state that the first-generation hardbody-based Nissan Pathfinder was the absolute coolest Pathfinder. My Uncle, [Unc, owned a blue-on-blue model with a manual transmission](). But these two builds by Nismo Nick are pretty darn rad. On Monday in Las Vegas at the SEMA show, Nick Scherr, aka "Nismo Nick" unveiled the Trailfinder and Trackfinder. The two highly modified R51 Pathfinders (third-gen for non-Nissan nerds) aim to be the ultimate vision of what could've been based upon the chassis. The names tell you everything. The Trailfinder is the ultimate expression of what an R51-based off-road Pathfinder could be while the Trackfinder goes the opposite direction for on-pavement performance. Both share the front end appearance of the current D41 Frontier pickup truck, which isn't a bad thing, if you ask me. ![Nissan Trackfinder]() ![Nissan Trackfinder]() ![Nissan Trackfinder]() ![Nissan Trackfinder]() The Trackfinder takes the VQ40 V6 engine and adds a Z1 Off-Road supercharger system paired with a performance tune from UpRev for 501 horsepower at the wheels. Things get a bit crazier as Scherr dropped the stock automatic transmission and swapped in a six-speed manual transmission with a Centerforce clutch and flywheel. Yes, this is a three-pedal R51 Pathfinder with 501 hp at the wheels. The power goes to the ground through Roll-forged wheels on Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Season tires while the engine breathes through a quad-exhaust setup poking out from the center of the rear bumper. ![Nissan Trailfinder]() ![Nissan Trailfinder]() ![Nissan Trailfinder]() ![Nissan Trailfinder]() ![Nissan Trailfinder]() The Trailfinder goes an entirely different direction than its on-pavement sibling. Nissan's VK56 V8 sits under the hood while 35-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires sit beneath the fenders. Bolt-ons include a big brake kit, performance intake, snorkel, and a laundry list of off-road accessories. But it's the Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components that peek through and catch my eye. There's an array of Rigid Industries auxiliary lights, of course. ![Nissan Trailfinder]() ![Nissan Trailfinder]() ![Nissan Trailfinder]() Inside, the Trailfinder gets a red interior created by Katzkin with a completely throwback burgundy dashboard and seatbelts for that vintage look and feel. “Pathfinder has always represented adventure to me, but adventure means something different to everyone,” Scherr said. Scherr also said, “For some, it’s finding a trail that leads somewhere incredible. For others, it’s finding the limits of what a vehicle can do. These builds are what happens when you give a Nissan enthusiast the freedom to create without limitations, without committees, and without anyone telling you something can’t be done.” These two builds, along with [Scherr's Xterra build last year](), just go to show the potential upon which Nissan could tap with the [upcoming Xterra]() [revival]() and [body-on-frame three-row Pathfinder sibling](). *Got a story? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he sits on the Board of Directors for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]() ## More - [Nissan Xterra Arriving in 2028 Alongside Body-on-Frame Pathfinder and Infiniti Variants]() - [This New Xterra Would Crush the 4Runner if Nissan Made More Than One]() - [This Clever Dealer Will Sell You a Sportier 2026 Sentra That Nissan Won’t Build]() - [Nissan Is Considering Making the Pathfinder a Body-on-Frame SUV Again: ‘It’s Logical’]() - [Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder Are Coming Back as Body-on-Frame, Hybrid SUVs: Report]() - [2019 Nissan Pathfinder Gets Outdoorsy With New Rock Creek Edition]() - [This SEMA Nissan Frontier Really Nails the Nickelodeon Hot Wheels Monster Truck Aesthetic]() - [The Next-Gen Nissan Xterra Is Real, and Here’s Your First Look]()