Nissan, in partnership with Tommy Pike Customs of Greenville, S.C., unveiled two EV concepts to 2022 SEMA Show, providing inspiration as to how car enthusiasm can thrive in a future of electric vehicles.
The first is a Nissan Sunny LEAF project, a classic Sunny pickup truck with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery pack from a Nissan LEAF, providing all-electric power for the classic Nissan model.
Rated at 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the LEAF motor has around twice the power and more than three times the torque of the gasoline four-cylinder engine originally equipped in the Sunny.
“I bought the Sunny Truck because I thought it was such a cool piece of Nissan history and heritage – especially when I saw it was a right-hand-drive model,” said Tommy Pike. “Taking the unexpected step of converting the Sunny to electric power while wrapping it with the Brock Racing Enterprises livery felt like the perfect way to pay homage to Nissan’s heritage and modern innovation.”
The complete list of modifications to the LEAF-powered Sunny includes:
– Nissan LEAF electric motor conversion with factory-original 56A manual transmission
– Custom CNC-machined motor-to-transmission bellhousing adapter
– “Hakosuka” Skyline widebody kit
– Aluminum battery box
– Custom driveshaft
– LED lighting conversion
– Heavy-duty rear leaf springs and suspension
– Nissan 240SX S13 front suspension conversion, including front coilovers, disc brakes and lower control arms
– Tommy Pike / Peter Brock collaboration custom Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) “46” livery
– Custom user interface display designed by Clemson University ICAR
– TPC custom-designed and handcrafted interior with Laedana material by Tesca
– 17-inch Rotiform wheels
– 205/45/17 Toyo Extensa tires
The Nissan Ariya Surfwagon concept also combines retro design with modern technology, reimagining the all-new 2023 Ariya all-electric crossover as a beach-style surf wagon, complete with a wood panel-style wrap and other accessories.
The Ariya Surfwagon immediately draws the eye with a custom vinyl wrap featuring wood paneling and chrome trim evoking beach cruisers of decades past. The Surfwagon features “smoothie” 20-inch wheels with polished stainless-steel center caps, white-wall tires, a custom roof rack holding two 7-foot surfboards and a custom lowered suspension.
The Surfwagon is intended to provoke conversation and imagination about what vehicle customization looks like in a future of electric vehicles, as owners seek to modify their EVs to suit their hobbies and preferred activities. The Surfwagon retains all the utility and functionality of a standard 2023 Ariya, yet with a look and purpose that is decidedly unique.
