The key to the Nissan's new SUT (sport utility truck) concept is a flip-up liftgate behind the rear passenger seat. The liftgate creates a link between what the designers call the "clean and dirty zones" of the vehicle—essentially the front SUV half and the rear shortened pickup bed.

The SUT is powered by a 127-kW (170-hp), 3.3-L, SOHC V6 and features four-wheel drive, a four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, 18-in. wheels and tires, with special roof rack and step rails. The truck retains the fenders, hood, windshield, A-pillars, and front doors from the Frontier Crew Cab. However, the roof was cut out and raised about 102 mm (4 in.) and the rear doors were shaped to provide a more distinctive, self-contained compartment. The rear door handles were moved up to the C-pillar for a cleaner profile and the rear windows angled at their lower rear corners. With the rear seat folded down and the hatch open, the SUT offers the utility of a full-length compact pickup bed and accommodates 4 x 8 ft sheets of plywood or other materials.

Kevin Jost