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Nissan Titan
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Nissan Titan
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Titanic Change
An all-new dash layout features a new infotainment system and old-school column shifter.
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Titanic Change
Nissan says that the interior was fashioned from a comfortable yet rugged hunting jacket.
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Titanic Change
Not to worry, a PRO4X trim level will return.
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Titanic Change
The new 5.0L Diesel V-8 has been a joint venture between Nissan and Cummins.
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Titanic Change
An integrated Gooseneck hitch is built right into the frame.
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Titanic Change
Bilstein suspension will suspend the PRO4X on harsh terrain.
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Story & photos by Budd Stanley, additional photos courtesy of Nissan
I don’t need to tell you that the full-size truck market is one of the hottest segments in the automotive industry at the moment. For the last couple years, Ford, GM and Ram has been slugging it out for full-size supremacy, introducing alternative power and drivetrains, unheard of levels of comfort and convenience and more tech than was required to get to the moon. With the Toyota Tundra getting a refresh last year, there was only one missing player in the “big boys club” that has yet to see any real development – the Nissan Titan.
With ghostly white sheets draped over three rather large vehicles in Nissans booth at the North American International Auto Show, the world’s press was introduced to the 2016 Nissan Titan. Carlos Ghosn, Mr. Nissan-Renault himself, delivered the introductory speech, confirming that the new Titan would sport a fresh new look and make use of an unconventional partnership between Nissan and Cummins, but we’ll get back to that a little later. Nissan knew they needed something big to take on the EcoBoost’s, EcoDiesel’s and EcoTec’s of the world, and deliver big they did. While we were expecting just the second generation of the outdated Titan, Ghosn hit us with the biggest most capable Titan ever, the Titan XD.
XD isn’t just a trim level; it’s a whole new member of the Titan family. While the domestics have half tons and three-quarter tons, think of the XD as a sort of half-ton and a half, a 5/8ths ton if you will. Nissan noticed that with all the three-quarter tons moving into stratospheric capabilities, a rather large window of opportunity opened up between the half and three-quarter tons, for those who may need 5,400 kg (12,000 lb) towing capability, but just don’t need 13,600 kg (30,000 lb).
The most obvious changes come in the new design and we have a bold new statement from Nissan. While most manufacturers would keep the design safely reminiscent of the outgoing generation, Nissan knew that the sharp lines of the Titan were a little too common to the eye. As such, we now have a body that is more shapely formed, making use of aerodynamic aids and more pronounced stance.
Unfortunately, both Japanese half-tons suffer from a public stigma that they lack superiority, more common with the Americans. Even though the Titan is designed, engineered and built in the U.S., it still doesn’t quite get the respect it deserves. The Titan really doesn’t have anything to be ashamed of here, big power, big torque, big capability and lots of space makes it a winner in my books before it even makes it to market. However, focus groups still think the Titan looks too small, and as a result, Nissan is forced to stick out its chest a little more than it should to help overcome that stigma. This comes to fruition with a high hood line that creates an overly large front grille and headlights to portray a larger more masculine shape. I think it looks like they are trying a little too hard, but other than this design characteristic, I think they’ve done a great job.
The interior gets an equally handsome upgrade, most notably in the quality of materials, but in both build quality and design as well. Nissan say their inspiration came from hunting jackets, and one look will see the resemblance. The seats are very comfortable and feature Nissan’s zero gravity technology. What that means is that the shape of the seat simulates the position the human body naturally takes in zero gravity. This reduces pressure points and holds the body in a neutral position, which helps combat fatigue.
Design and features aside, what really makes the new Titan XD standout is the adoption of an all-new Cummins 5.0L twin-turbo V-8 diesel powerplant. While the big diesel will no doubt be much more civil than older Cummins products that deafened anyone within a one-block radius, any question there is a diesel under the hood will be answered with the giant “Cummins” badge dominating the front fenders, another show of force, or “my belt buckle is bigger than yours” type proclamation.
Chest thumping aside, Nissan say that the new Cummins makes use of a compacted graphite iron cylinder block, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength aluminum alloy heads, and composite valve covers to offer maximum durability in a lightweight package. These features, along with dual overhead camshafts, also contribute to reduced noise, vibration and harshness characteristics. The engine is fed by a high pressure common rail system in conjunction with twin, two-stage sequential turbochargers, designed to provide optimum power throughout the rev range to produce 310 hp and 555 lb-ft.
The frame has been designed specifically for the XD, allowing drivers to haul up to 907 kg (2,000 lb) and tow up to 5,400 kg (12,000 lb) both safely and confidently. Some smart thinking also went into the frames construction as an integrate fifth wheel trailer hitch has been supported directly into the frame, allowing for the flush fitment of a gooseneck ball to the bed when the need to haul heavy trailers arise.
To aid those who tow, several towing functions have also been added such as an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control and a Trailer Light Check system that allows for one person to hook-up a trailer, capable of checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights from inside the cab.
Like all other Nissan 4WD’s, a PRO4X trim will be available, with increased off-road capability over the regular and Platinum Edition Titan XD’s. This includes a proper mechanical eLocker in the 10.5-in solid rear axle, Bilstein shocks and skid plating on the underside of the chassis. Of course, there is an electric two-speed transfer case that will allow the driver to switch from 2WD, to 4-high or 4-low. We hope to learn a little more about this trim level later this fall for the planed launch of the Titan XD.
This first wave of Titans will only be available in the XD trim with Cummins diesel, 4WD and double cabs to start. After the first run of vehicles, Nissan will slowly start adding regular Titans, gasoline powertrains (an all-new 5.6L V-8 and an as of yet unknown V-6), 2WD and both Crew and Regular cab configurations like a rolling barrage. Stay tuned, as we will be all over the many different faces of Nissan’s new Titan.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- MSRP: TBA
- Engine: 5.0L Twin Turbo V-8 Diesel
- Power: 310 hp, 555 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Curb Weight: TBA
- Wheelbase mm (in): 3,850 (151.6)
- Ride Height mm (in): 236 (9.3)
- Approach Angle Deg: 21.4
- Departure Angle Deg: 24.2
- Ramp Breakover Angle: 20.7
- Wading Depth mm (in): TBA
- Tow Capacity: 12,000+ kg est.
- Fuel Efficiency (L/100km): TBA