Introduced in 2013 and revised for the 2017 model year, the second-generation Rogue has evolved into one of Nissan's best-selling vehicles in the United States. As a result, the SUV is getting a lot of attention from the brand, including a few special-edition models like the Midnight Edition. For the 2017 New York Auto Show, the Japanese firm transformed the Rogue into a snow bank and sand dune fighter. This go-anywhere Rogue is called the Trail Warrior Project and uses tracks instead of wheels.

As cool as it may sound, this isn't the first Rogue on tracks. In early 2016, Nissan unveiled a similar Rogue that was build by Motorsports in Action in Quebec, Canada. Also fitted with tracks, it was demonstrated on snow and created quite a lot of buzz on the Internet. However, it wasn't as spectacular as the Trail Warrior Project, as it lacked the military look and most of the gear. Before the Rogue, Nissan built the Juke Nismo RSnow, a Juke Nismo on track that was developed and showcased in Europe. So Nissan has a lot of experience with corssovers on tracks and could build a production model. Unfortunately, is appears that the Trail Warrior Project will remain a New York Auto Show exclusive concept only.

"This new Rogue Trail Warrior adds a new dimension to family adventures with its snow/sand tracks, gear basket, winch and camo paint," said Michael Bunce, vice president of product planning at Nissan North America. "If you want to stand out from the crowd during a day on the slopes or the beach, this is the vehicle to take."

Continue reading to learn more about the Nissan Rogue Trail Warrior Project.

2017 Nissan Rogue Trail Warrior Project

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  • Model: 2017 Nissan Rogue Trail Warrior Project
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What makes the Nissan Rogue Trail Warrior Project special

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the Trail Warrior Project is the track system in place of the standard wheels. Designed for both snow and sand, the Dominator Tracks are sourced from American Track Truck Inc and are 48 inches long, 30 inches high, and 15 inches wide. The track also increase the SUV's ride height and it appears as if this Rogue can drive just about anywhere. In order to fit the tracks Nissan modified the suspension and wheel wells, but the standard drivetrain system was kept without alterations.

In addition to the go-anywhere gear, the SUV also gained a custom livery that combines a cream front section and a military-style rear half. However, while traditional military camouflage has disruptive patterning, the one on the SUV is built from squares in a more modern, artistic fashion. Additionally, it the Rogues is equipped with yellow glass, tinted headlamps and foglamps, custom fender flares, and a Warn 4K winch just below the grille.

For enhanced visibility in poor weather conditions, Nissan added extra LED lighting in the front bumper as well as on the roof, in front of the ARB Gear basket.

The Japanese automaker had nothing to say about the interior, so it's safe to assume that the concept car is identical to the standard model inside the cabin. If you ask me, this type of vehicle needs a more solid roof and a rollcage because things can go wrong in both sand or snow. On the other hand, being just a concept explains why Nissan didn't bother.

The Trail Warrior Project is also standard under the hood, where the familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine feeds 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque through the Xtronic transmission to the massive tracks. Nissan says that the standard output is more than enough for climbing snow banks or sand dunes. I guess we'll never find out since this concept won't make it on the assembly line anytime soon.