The all-new third-generation 2022 Nissan Frontier is getting ever closer to the on-sale date in the summer of 2021. On this episode of TFL Talkin’ Trucks – I get an opportunity to see it in person, sit in it, and discuss the design details of the new truck with its chief exterior designer, Hiren Patel.
The new generation of Nissan’s midsize truck has approximately the same dimensions as before. It’s about the same width, it’s just a little bit taller, and it’s about 4.5 inches longer than before. Although, it grew a bit in length – it still just a little shorter than a comparable 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
Hiren takes me through the design process when we see the truck together on location at the Nissan Design America studio in San Diego, California. Hiren was one of the designers who was sketching the new Frontier truck during the internal design competition. His design was picked for production, he received a ceremonial dunk in the pool at the studio to celebrate, and the serious work began on getting it to production.
Hiren says the overall objective of the Frontier design is to make it more rugged and tough looking. It has many modern interlocking shapes that are functional and provide a solid appearance. This goes all the way down to the stamped Frontier in the grille and the tailgate.
Hiren also compares and shows me the D21 Nissan Hardbody truck – which was the first compact truck designed in America at the San Diego studios in the early 1980s. It’s really great to see the classic Nissan truck next to its most modern version.
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