Nismo Nick Returns to SEMA with Twin R51 Nissan Pathfinder Custom Builds

Automotive enthusiast and builder Nicholas Scherr, known as Nismo Nick, is heading to SEMA 2026 in Las Vegas with a pair of custom Nissan SUVs called the Trailfinder and Trackfinder. Built with support from Pinnacle Nissan in Scottsdale, Arizona, the duo celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Pathfinder nameplate. Instead of modern unibody models, Scherr chose the older R51 generation as a starting point because it was the last to use a rugged ladder-frame chassis. Both SUVs share Ruby Slate Pearl paint borrowed from the 2021 Nissan Maxima 40th Anniversary sedan and incorporate modern components from the D41-generation Nissan Frontier, including the grille, LED headlights, front fenders, front doors, LED taillights, dashboard, center console, and door panels.

The Trackfinder is inspired by the GMC Typhoon, sitting lower to the ground on forged 20-inch black wheels backed by cross-drilled and slotted brake discs with red calipers. It features a Seibon carbon fiber hood with a scoop, a rear spoiler, quad tailpipes, custom graphics, and glossy black trim with red accents. Power comes from a 4.0-liter V6 engine upgraded with a Z1 Off-Road supercharger, custom carbon fiber intake piping, a heat-shielded airbox, and an UpRev tune, delivering 501 HP (374 kW / 508 PS). It also uses an Xterra-sourced six-speed manual gearbox with a Centerforce clutch and flywheel.

The Trailfinder leans into extreme off-roading with a lifted suspension, an X-Pro Titan Swap Package, a Z1 Off-road big brake kit, and 35-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires on white alloy wheels. It features Hammerhead Armor steel bumpers, rock sliders, a front winch, dual recovery shackles, a rear swing-out spare tire carrier, a roof rack with a tent, and extra Rigid Industries LEDs. Under its hood is a 5.6-liter V8 engine equipped with a Z1 Off-Road intake and snorkel. Inside, it features a red-finished Frontier-sourced dashboard alongside leather seats with tartan cloth inserts.