Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner concept bows in Chicago

Nissan has unveiled the Frontier Diesel Runner concept at the Chicago Auto Show.

Designed with the intention to gauge consumer interest in a next-generation Frontier with a Cummins diesel engine, the concept is based on the Frontier Desert Runner 4×2 and comes equipped with an aggressive exterior with a mesh grille, a roof rack and an aerodynamic tonneau cover. Other highlights of the model include a transparent hood, a carbon fiber engine cover and 16-inch alloy wheels with off-road tires.

Inside the cabin, we can see it has two-tone coloring and comes nicely equipped with features such as leather seats, carbon fiber trim and grey accent stitching. There’s also an instrument pod that provides diesel-specific information.

Under the hood, motivation is provided by a 2.8-liter Cummins turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that generate an output of around 200 hp (149 kW) and more than 350 lb-ft (474 Nm) of torque. It is further mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which enables the truck to be 35 percent more fuel efficient than a standard model coming fitted with a 4.0-liter V6 petrol engine.