Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) "Project X" Xterra
Not to be outdone by outside shops, the engineers at NTCNA tried a customizing exercise of their own, creating the "ultimate" Xterra, combining the best from Nissan's parts bin and top-tier aftermarket suppliers. Maintaining the inherent style of Xterra was key, with minor exterior additions of CALMINI front and rear off-road bumpers and rocker skids, as well as a custom paint scheme applied by Drew Brothers Customs in Phoenix, Ariz.
The biggest surprise comes under the hood, where the original powerplant has been replaced by a 300-plus horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine and transmission from the 2008 Nissan Titan. The engine remains stock, other than a custom 2.5-inch mandrel-bent exhaust by Apache Muffler. Advance Adapters provided a two-speed transfer case, and Tom Wood's Custom Driveshafts created front and rear driveshafts.
Xterra's legendary off-road capabilities have been further enhanced by American Axle electronic stabilizer bar disconnects, a GKN electronic locking front differential, a CALMINI 5-inch suspension lift kit, and custom-built Centerline wheels with 33-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires. To add additional visibility for tough-terrain off-road excursions, a VisorView exterior camera system has been added, which features cameras mounted in the front, rear and under the body.
Inside, the Project "X" Xterra features Wet Okole waterproof neoprene seat covers, a Clarion DVD multimedia stereo head unit and Rockford Fosgate amplifiers and speakers.