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Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, presented two heavily modified third-generation Nissan Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas: the road-focused Trackfinder and off-road Trailfinder. The builds show how the R51 platform can be adapted for very different uses, but Nissan has not announced that either concept will influence future production models.
Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, unveiled two extensively modified third-generation Nissan Pathfinders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on Monday, presenting one as a road-performance build and the other as an off-road vehicle. The Trackfinder pairs a supercharged V6 with a six-speed manual transmission and is reported to produce 501 horsepower at the wheels; the Trailfinder uses a V8 and 35-inch tires. The vehicles are custom builds, not announced Nissan production plans.
The Trackfinder is based on the R51 Pathfinder and retains its VQ40 V6, modified with a Z1 Off-Road supercharger system and an UpRev performance tune. The source report gives its output as 501 horsepower at the wheels. Scherr replaced the original automatic transmission with a six-speed manual, paired with a Centerforce clutch and flywheel. Other visible changes include Roll-forged wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 all-season tires and a quad-exhaust system exiting through the center of the rear bumper.
The Trailfinder takes a different approach, with Nissan’s VK56 V8, 35-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires and Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components. Its listed equipment also includes a big brake kit, performance intake, snorkel, off-road accessories and auxiliary lights from Rigid Industries. Inside, Katzkin upholstery and burgundy dashboard and seatbelt details give the cabin a throwback look. Both vehicles share a front-end appearance inspired by the current D41 Frontier pickup.
The builds are presented as Scherr’s interpretations of what an R51 Pathfinder can become, rather than factory prototypes. The source report describes them as demonstrations of the platform’s potential and connects them to interest in Nissan’s future body-on-frame vehicles. It does not report that Nissan has endorsed the builds or committed to similar specifications for any future model.
Two Builds, Two Pathfinder Directions
The pair gives Nissan enthusiasts a concrete example of how one body-on-frame SUV platform can support very different priorities. The Trackfinder emphasizes power and driver involvement through a supercharger and manual gearbox, while the Trailfinder focuses on tires, suspension and equipment suited to off-road use. That contrast is the main point of the showcase: the Pathfinder name can be interpreted as both a performance project and an adventure vehicle.
The builds may also sharpen interest in Nissan’s product direction. The source report suggests they illustrate ideas that could be relevant to the anticipated Xterra revival and a body-on-frame three-row Pathfinder sibling. That is an interpretation of the builds’ significance, not a Nissan statement about design plans. For buyers, the distinction matters: custom vehicles can signal enthusiast interest, but they do not confirm what a manufacturer will sell, how capable it will be, or when it might arrive.
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The R51 Platform Behind the Builds
The two vehicles are based on the R51 Pathfinder, the model’s third generation, rather than the first-generation Pathfinder or a current production vehicle. Scherr’s modifications alter major parts of each build’s powertrain and intended use: the Trackfinder’s six-speed manual conversion changes the standard transmission arrangement described in the report, while the Trailfinder combines a V8 with larger off-road tires and suspension components.
The report also mentions Scherr’s Xterra build from the previous year as another custom project. Together, the vehicles are framed as enthusiast interpretations of Nissan platforms. No additional details are provided about whether the builds were commissioned by Nissan, how much they cost, or whether their parts are offered as a package for customers.
“Pathfinder has always represented adventure to me, but adventure means something different to everyone.”
— Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick
No Nissan Production Plans Confirmed
The source does not say that Nissan sponsored, approved or plans to reproduce either vehicle. It also provides no confirmation that the Trackfinder’s 501-wheel-horsepower figure was independently tested; that output is reported in the original article. The exact build costs, full parts lists, drivability, reliability and performance testing are not given.
The future products mentioned in the report are not detailed with launch dates, specifications or official announcements. It is unclear whether Nissan will offer a body-on-frame three-row Pathfinder sibling, or what form an Xterra revival would take. The two SEMA builds alone do not establish those plans.
Future Nissan Models Remain Unspecified
The immediate development is the SEMA presentation of Scherr’s two custom vehicles; the source gives no later event, production decision or Nissan response. Readers looking for a factory connection will need an official announcement from Nissan about its future SUV lineup or any plans to use ideas from these builds. Until then, the Trackfinder and Trailfinder remain demonstrations of what their builder created from the R51 platform.
Key Questions
What are the Trackfinder and Trailfinder?
They are two custom R51-generation Nissan Pathfinders built by Nick Scherr, known as Nismo Nick. The Trackfinder is designed around on-road performance, while the Trailfinder is set up for off-road use.
How much power does the Trackfinder make?
The source report says the supercharged VQ40 V6 makes 501 horsepower at the wheels. It does not provide independent test results or further details about the measurement.
Does the Trackfinder have a manual transmission?
Yes. Scherr replaced the stock automatic transmission with a six-speed manual, paired with a Centerforce clutch and flywheel, according to the report.
What makes the Trailfinder an off-road build?
It has a VK56 V8, 35-inch Hankook tires, Titan-swap X-Pro suspension components, a snorkel, auxiliary lights and other off-road equipment listed in the report.
Has Nissan confirmed it will build either vehicle?
No. The source describes them as custom builds and does not report a Nissan commitment to produce them or use their specifications in future vehicles.
Source: thedrive.com
