When it comes to delivery vans, there isn't usually much to get excited about. They're typically big boxes on wheels, designed to hustle parcels and boxes about the city in the most efficient way possible. The one-off Nissan NV Cargo X is an exception to the rule. With a proper off-road suspension, Cummins diesel engine and bright sticker kit, it'll get your package delivered – no matter the destination.
Based on a standard NV2500 HD van, the Cargo X has been reworked from the ground up for off-road duties. The standard suspension was thrown out in favor of a fully bespoke off-road setup, which now has enough suspension travel to accommodate a set of 37-inch tires under the wheelarches. Interestingly, the front suspension shares nothing with the regular van, but the rear end maintains a more conventional leaf spring design.
Also new on the NV Cargo X is the front bumper and skid plate, 10,000-lb (4,536-kg) winch and a custom off-road LED lighting rig. Coupled with the huge lift kit and a custom sticker wrap, the changes make for a Nissan unlike any other, although the finished product can't quite match the Toyota Sienna Ultimate Utility Vehicle when it comes to rugged looks.
Mean looks aside, the biggest change to the van comes under the hood. Gone is the petrol V8, and in its place is the Cummins diesel powertrain from the Titan XD pickup. Although its 310 hp (231 kW) of power won't set the world on fire, the 752 Nm (555 lb ft) of torque is perfect for effortless low-speed rock crawling.
The final area to receive attention is, as you might expect, the load bay. Given more the 230 cubic feet (6,513 liters) of cargo space to work with, Nissan has been able to kit it out with all the tools you'd expect to find in a dedicated support vehicle, making this a self-sustaining adventure vehicle. With an air compressor, fluid storage, a full-size spare wheel, recovery rope and tracks, jack and a portable welder, you can venture into the wilderness and be confident of coming back in one piece.
Unlike most concept cars, the Cargo X is actually a fully functional van, which has already been put through its paces on the Pyeatt Draw trail in Arizona. Nissan says it handled the rocky, muddy ravine with aplomb.
The truck will be on display at the Chicago Auto Show, where New Atlas will be on the floor covering all the action.
Source: Nissan
