2022 Nissan Frontier to borrow elements from the X-Class

KUALA LUMPUR: Did you know that Mercedes-Benz X-Class rode on a Nissan Frontier chassis (obviously modified to its requirement)? Another exciting piece of information is that the German automakers have decided to end X-Class's production, meaning there will be no Mercedes car in the luxury pickup segment. But wait, we hear that the X-Class will continue to live on, thanks to the all-new 2021 Nissan Frontier. How? Well, the latter will borrow some of the elements from the former.

According to Autoblog.com.ar, when Mercedes adopted the Frontier chassis, it made several modifications. And now, Nissan will carry over many of those modifications for the new Frontier pickup. Structural reinforcement made by Mercedes to enhance the vehicle's driving dynamics and chassis strength will now be seen in Nissan's latest pickup.

Here are a few things we know about the next Nissan Frontier chassis -

• It will use four new chassis models; their internal codes are Euro 54 x 2, eURO 54 x 4, Euro 64 x 4, and Euro 64 x 2.
• The new Frontier chassis is built on the foundation of the H60A set with a few parts borrowed from the H60B (X-Class) chassis
• The Frontier chassis will feature a supplementary crossbar and cab-mounted crossbar below the torpedo
• The prototype will be manufactured by the end of this year in Argentina with testing starting from 2021 summer

For now, a complete redesign of the Frontier seems out of the question, however, the pickup is part of the automakers restructuring plan. Speaking of which, the plan includes the launch of 12 new models over the next 18 months, all to increase sales, raise profit, and lower costs. The 2021 model will still feature parts from the current-gen pickup, including the 310 hp 3.8-litre V6 mill that is coupled to a 9-speed gearbox.

More concrete details about the pickup are yet to surface, but as per rumours, the V6 will be the only available engine option. If true, it will significantly increase the pickup's entry-level price. We expect to see design revisions both inside and outside, as it will face stiff competition in the market with rivals like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevy Colorado.

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