AUTONEWS

Nissan Frontier 2027 will not be entirely derived from Mitsubishi Triton

Nissan's path may not have been the smoothest lately, but that hasn't stopped the development of strategic models, including the next generation of the Frontier midsize pickup. The truck is expected to share its chassis-on-sideboard platform with the Mitsubishi Triton, a predictable decision in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. However, it won't share much else.

According to a senior Nissan executive, the new Frontier (called Navara abroad) will be much more than just a Triton with a different badge. Andrew Humberstone, general manager of Nissan Oceania, acknowledged that platform sharing is inevitable, but stressed that the company is making changes to ensure that the Frontier maintains its own identity.

"We will make a lot of changes to the product to ensure that it is in line with Nissan's expectations," he told Drive.com.au. "Yes, we have a partnership, but that relationship could be with any supplier." Humberstone's statements indicate that Nissan will make a real differentiation, going beyond the usual aesthetic changes that occur in shared models. This strategy follows the example of what Ford and Volkswagen did with the Ranger and Amarok, for example. The new generation of the Frontier should adopt the Triton's leaf spring rear suspension, replacing the coil spring system of the previous model, which received positive and negative reviews. In addition, Nissan will seek to maintain its competitiveness in the segment, ensuring towing and load capacities equivalent to competitors such as the Toyota Hilux.

Electrified versions and Nismo are not ruled out... The sixth generation of the Mitsubishi Triton has a 2.4 Turbodiesel engine with 204 hp in the most powerful version, and this engine could end up being used in the new Frontier, maintaining the use of diesel engines. Later on, an electrified variant (hybrid or plug-in hybrid) is expected to be introduced to comply with environmental regulations.

Nissan has also hinted at a high-performance version: a possible Frontier Nismo. If it comes to fruition, this sporty variant could compete with the Ford Ranger Raptor, featuring a more powerful V6 engine and an improved chassis to tackle off-road terrain with even greater capability.

Finally, although Nissan does not yet have an official launch date for the new generation of the Frontier, it has already confirmed that the pickup will arrive before March 2027. Meanwhile, in China, the brand is preparing to launch the Yuanye Z9. This other mid-size pickup may have few similarities to the global Frontier/Navara.

Mundoquatrorodas