Yahoo Autos Nissan at SEMA: A Leaf-powered Sunny, a V8 Frontier and an Ariya woodie
Although a number of major automakers have dropped out of SEMA, there are still a few with stuff to show. Nissan is bringing a seriously wide array of custom machines to the show from EVs to V8 and turbo rides. It also has a bunch of parts to show off that regular customers can get for the 2023 Nissan Z and Frontier.
Nissan Sunny Leaf concept
Our favorite of the cars coming to the Nissan booth is probably the 1987 Sunny pickup shown at the top. Nissan sold the pickup version of the Sunny compact for decades in various overseas markets, particularly Japan. This one was built by Tommy Pike Customs, and it features a very popular body modification: a first-generation "Hakosuka" Skyline front end and bolt-on fender flares. Far less common is the powertrain swap. The shop bolted up a 147-horsepower Nissan Leaf electric motor to the Sunny's manual transmission. So now it's a tiny rear-wheel-drive truck with electric power. The entire front suspension has been replaced by S13 240SX components. The finishing touches include the BRE tribute livery, Rotiform Aerodisc 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and custom interior.
Nissan Ariya Surfwagon concept
Also built by Tommy Pike Customs, this time at the behest of Nissan, is this Ariya Surfwagon. The modifications are minor compared to the Sunny, but it's still visually striking. It has a custom beige vinyl wrap with wood panel graphics printed on it. The car has a custom lowered suspension, 20-inch "smoothie" wheels painted blue with chrome center caps and whitewall tires, plus a custom roof rack with surfboards.
