Nissan’s Project X Brings The Xterra Back With The Engine It Always Deserved

Nissan has confirmed it’s developing a new generation of the Xterra with a hybrid V6, following a decision to shelve its previous EV project. Before that arrives, though, the brand will take a nostalgic detour at SEMA with a one-off restomod that blends modern Nissan hardware with a V8 heart under the hood.

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The Project X comes from Nick Sherr, a long-time Nissan and NISMO devotee who has documented its creation on his YouTube channel. His aim was to reimagine the original Xterra through a modern lens, combining power, technology, and design into what he calls a “love letter” to Nissan’s off-road heritage.

What Makes It Tick?

At first glance, Project X could be mistaken for an SUV version of the Frontier. Its headlights, grille, bumper, fenders, front doors, and taillights are lifted directly from Nissan’s current midsize truck.

Look closer, though, and the greenhouse, roofline, rear door handles, and rear fenders confirm its foundation remains the first-generation Xterra, the one that debuted in 1999.

The build wears off-road bumpers, a Seibon aftermarket hood with a carbon fiber vent, a Z1 roof rack, and a snorkel. Additional LEDs complete the rugged look. It rides on bronze 17-inch NISMO beadlock wheels wrapped in 33-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme tires, paired with a notably raised suspension setup.

Inside, the dashboard, center console, seats, steering wheel, and door cards are also sourced from the 2022+ Frontier, bringing a touch of modern tech and comfort into the classic off-roader. However, the Project X is a manual, so it features three pedals and a short-throw shifter by LOJ Conversions.

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The cabin’s black leather upholstery is detailed with Citrus Strike inserts, color-matched seatbelts, and a black headliner. WeatherTech mats protect the floor, while the cargo area gets an Inyati Bedliners coating for durability.

Upgraded Underpinnings

While Project X still rides on the Xterra’s ladder-frame chassis, much of what lies beneath has been extensively reworked.

Power comes from a modified 5.6-liter V8 (VK56) equipped with a Z1 intake, JBA Performance headers, and a CSW radiator. It’s paired with a six-speed manual transmission featuring a Z1 flywheel and clutch kit, sending power to all four wheels through a traditional 4WD system.

The Titan full-size truck donates its axles and suspension, which have been further enhanced with aftermarket components. Z1 supplied forged upper control arms and medium-duty leaf springs, while CJD provided the shackles and rear shocks.

Braking power improves thanks to Paragon six-piston front calipers, complemented by Z1 slotted rotors, pads, and brake lines at the rear.

Project X will take the stage at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Like most creations at the event, it isn’t meant for production, and it’s almost certain to remain a one-off. Still, it demonstrates how the Xterra can be brought back to life with an inventive mix of OEM engineering and aftermarket imagination.

Below is the latest video from “Nismo Nick,” where he walks through his creation in detail.