By Steve & Tamami Laser
Nissan is making tracks to the Chicago Auto Show with a pair of cool new concept vehicles. The 370Zki (say “370-Ski”) is a highly modified roadster “snowmobile” while the Armada Snow Patrol “towmobile” transports it to the slopes in style.
370Zki
Starting off with a 370Z Roadster, Nissan says the drivetrain was pulled to clear the way for rear-mounted Dominator® Tracks from American Track Truck. This was no easy task requiring a three-inch lift, custom mounts for the rear springs, rerouted brake lines and exhaust, plus modified wheel wells.
The stock 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine with 332 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque transmits power to the rear treads. Up front, a pair of skis, measuring 12 inches wide by 56 inches long, replace the front wheels. Mods include spacers for the stock wheel hubs, plus custom mounts for the engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. A front skid plate was added to help protect the running gear.
The Z’s power top is fully functional providing protection from the elements. Yet the best way to blast through the snow is with the top down. If the sight of a Z snowmobile isn’t enough to make heads turn, a custom body wrap applied by Icon Image Graphics really makes it stand out. Yellow-tinted headlights and a color-keyed helmet for the test driver provide the finishing touches.
Armada Snow Patrol
Nissan crafted the perfect towmobile to transport the 370Zki to the slopes. The Armada Snow Patrol concept sports a three-inch Pro Comp lift kit, and 20-inch Cognito Series 61 Satin Black wheels wrapped with 35-inch Pro Comp MT2 extreme off-road tires.
Smittybilt parts include an off-road front bumper, grille protector bar, XRC 12,000-lb winch, side steps, sport overfenders, and roof rack. Pro Comp supplied 5-inch LED motorsports fog lights, plus an Explorer Lighting S4 LED Cube and light bar.
Weather shields from Nissan Australia contribute to the rugged look while geometric body wrap from Icon Image Graphics features an Armada Snow Patrol logo. The word “Patrol” pays homage to the Nissan Patrol, an iconic off-roader that was Nissan’s first SUV in America. The 2018 Armada is based on the current sixth-generation Patrol.
Armada’s stock 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance® V8 engine delivers 390 horsepower and 294 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s teamed with a 7-speed automatic transmission, All-Mode® automatic all-wheel drive, and offers an 8,500-lb. maximum towing capacity.
Inside, premium pearl Katzkin leather-wrapped front seats are dressed with cement color perforated inserts and contrasting stitching. Armada Snow Patrol logos are affixed to the seatback inserts while Weather Tech all-weather floor liners rest underfoot.
The new Nissan 370Zki and Armada Snow Patrol concepts are set to debut this week at the Chicago Auto Show.
News source and photos courtesy of Nissan North America, Inc.
Story (commentary) © 2018 CarNichiWa.com