Nissan Hints at Hardbody Revival: What Can We Expect?
We know there are more than a few members of the B&B who look upon the era of small trucks with no small amount of fondness. Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup, Mitsu Mighty Max – they all hold a place in the minds of many.
Nissan seems to be on the cusp of reintroducing something with the Hardbody name, releasing this image just the other day and promising answers next week.
The Current Frontier as a Canvas
There’s an argument to be made that the current-day Frontier is as close as we’ll get these days to those trucks mentioned earlier: handsome square face, relatively simple powertrain, and no-nonsense interior. In short, it’s the perfect canvas on which to create a Hardbody trim – even if it does end up being a sticker package with an appropriately retro-inspired hoop bar with auxiliary lights.
Rebelle Rally Connection
Here’s another possibility: The annual Rebelle Rally is an endurance event challenging a few tough-as-nails teams to navigate areas in the southwest without the benefit of any modern GPS or wayfinding technology. A couple of years ago, one of the teams campaigned a Nissan-backed entry that paid homage to the Desert Runner, complete with a tribute paint scheme and the like. With the Rebelle set to hit the dirt in about a month, the timing is right for some sort of announcement.
The Legacy of Hardbody
Or not. Maybe we’ll be writing about the new Frontier Hardbody package this time next week. After all, the official line of dross from Nissan states the “beloved compact truck begins its next chapter” on Thursday. It’s worth noting that in 1987, Hardbody off-road racing trucks won the Baja 1000, Mint 400, and Gold Coast 300 competitions, accomplishments which led directly to the creation of the aforementioned Desert Runner.
Anticipation Builds
Whatever they’ve up their sleeve, we don’t have long to wait. Nissan promises an announcement on September 14th.
The revival of the Nissan Hardbody has truck enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. The Hardbody, along with other small trucks from the past like the Toyota Pickup and Mitsu Mighty Max, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Nissan has recently released an image hinting at the return of the Hardbody, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more information.
One possibility is that Nissan will introduce a Hardbody trim for their current Frontier model. The Frontier already embodies many of the qualities that made the original Hardbody so beloved, such as a rugged exterior design, a simple powertrain, and a practical interior. Adding a Hardbody trim to the Frontier would be a fitting tribute to the iconic truck.
Another potential connection to the Hardbody revival is the upcoming Rebelle Rally. This endurance event challenges teams to navigate through the southwestern terrain without modern GPS or wayfinding technology. In a previous Rebelle Rally, a Nissan-backed team paid homage to the Desert Runner, a variant of the Hardbody, with a tribute paint scheme. With the Rebelle Rally just around the corner, it would be the perfect opportunity for Nissan to make an announcement regarding the Hardbody.
The legacy of the Hardbody is also worth mentioning. In 1987, Hardbody off-road racing trucks achieved remarkable success by winning competitions like the Baja 1000, Mint 400, and Gold Coast 300. These victories directly influenced the creation of the Desert Runner. The rich history and accomplishments of the Hardbody make its revival all the more exciting for fans of Nissan trucks.
The anticipation for Nissan’s announcement continues to build as we approach September 14th. Whether it’s a new Frontier Hardbody package or something entirely unexpected, truck enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see what Nissan has in store. The return of the Hardbody nameplate is sure to bring a wave of nostalgia and excitement to the market.
In conclusion, the potential revival of the Nissan Hardbody has generated significant buzz among truck enthusiasts. With hints from Nissan and the upcoming Rebelle Rally, fans are eagerly awaiting more information about what the future holds for the iconic truck. Whether it’s a new trim for the current Frontier or a completely new model, the return of the Hardbody is sure to be met with enthusiasm and anticipation. Stay tuned for Nissan’s announcement on September 14th to find out what they have in store for the beloved compact truck.
