Pathfinder Show Builds Pair Boost With Off-Road Grit
Owners of R51-generation Pathfinders can see how aftermarket supercharging and off-road parts transform the SUV at SEMA.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
At the 2026 SEMA Show, builder Nick Sherr debuted two modified Nissan Pathfinders, the Trackfinder and the Trailfinder, both built on the R51-generation platform to celebrate the Pathfinder's 40th anniversary. The Trackfinder is a supercharged, six-speed-manual performance build claiming 501 horsepower at the wheels, while the Trailfinder is an off-road-focused V-8 build.
Why it matters
For owners of older Pathfinders and enthusiasts weighing modifications, the builds show how far an SUV platform can be pushed in both street performance and off-road capability. The vehicles were created to mark the Pathfinder's 40th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the nameplate's long run in the U.S. market.
The Trackfinder uses a VQ40 V-6 with a Z1 Off-Road supercharger and an UpRev tune, claiming 501 horsepower at the wheels. The Trailfinder uses a VK56 V-8 with 35-inch Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires and a Z1 Off-Road Titan-swap X-Pro suspension.
The players
Nick Sherr
Arizona-based builder who created the Trackfinder and Trailfinder Pathfinder show vehicles for the 2026 SEMA Show.
Z1 Off-Road
Aftermarket supplier whose superchargers and X-Pro suspension components were used on both builds.
The details
The Trackfinder pairs its supercharged VQ40 V-6 with a six-speed manual gearbox, a Centerforce clutch, and a flywheel to get power to the tires. Its exterior adds roll-forged wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Season tires, a Seibon carbon-fiber hood, Nismo-inspired graphics, and quad exhaust outlets. The Trailfinder takes a different route, using a V-8, a big brake kit, an aftermarket intake, a snorkel, rock sliders, Hammerhead Armor bumpers, and Rigid Industries lighting. Both builds received body and interior changes that include visual links to the current D41-generation Nissan Frontier.
Timeline
2026 SEMA Show: Trackfinder and Trailfinder debut
The Home Front
Both builds are concept-level show vehicles and do not signal a change in the mainstream Pathfinder lineup. Modified SUVs like these generally remain a niche enthusiast segment rather than a shift in everyday vehicle ownership costs.
If you own an R51-generation Pathfinder and are thinking about performance or off-road upgrades, get quotes from a licensed mechanic or specialty shop before buying parts, since modifications can affect warranty coverage and emissions compliance. Keep receipts and documentation for any work so you can show it at resale or insurance review.
The takeaway
Show builds like the Trackfinder and Trailfinder demonstrate what is possible on the Pathfinder platform, but their claimed figures are builder-reported rather than independently verified. Before modifying your own vehicle, have a licensed shop confirm that planned upgrades are legal and compatible with your model.
Further reading
Explore more Performance Vehicles coverage to see how aftermarket builds like these are shaping the enthusiast market.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Road & Track.
