No. 9 Story in 2015
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If you’re a foreign automaker looking to end years of middling market share in the U.S. pickup truck market, it’s hard to fault Nissan’s strategy with the new Titan. The Titan debuted in 2004 and didn’t see one major design refresh during that time, giving unimpressed buyers little reason to switch.
But with this new 2016 Titan XD, Nissan has made those last 10 years count and the automaker played up the reveal of the truck as a very big deal. And it definitely is for Nissan. Whether the hype and many changes will translate to sales remains to be seen, but Nissan was smart to key in what many light-duty pickup owners want but can’t have: a diesel V8.
Three powertrain parings will be available to XD buyers as well as three cab configurations, two frame sizes and give trim levels.
Because Nissan figures you’ll be towing a lot in this truck, the XD has several towing assist features including a built-in trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, a tow/haul mode with downhill speed control and a trailer light check system which makes hooking up a trailer all by yourself a heck of a lot easier.
The truck also features a rearview camera with trailer guides while Nissan’s handy Around View camera gives you an overhead look at the truck, assisting in parking.
There’s no word yet on exact fuel economy, but Nissan says it has successfully been able to offer heavy-duty pickup power in a half-ton with half-ton-like fuel efficiency.
“And more than just power and torque, this engine is refined, starts fast and is responsive and quiet. It’s also lightweight and offers clean emissions,” said Fred Diaz, Nissan senior vice president of U.S. marketing and operations. The block of the engine is built from compacted graphite iron which Nissan says is lighter and stronger than traditional iron.
Nissan says the Titan XD will be the first commercial application of Cummins’ new M2 two-stage turbocharger system which helps in reducing lag by “balancing between high-pressure and low-pressure turbos.”
Love it or hate it, even the look of the new Titan was influenced by that Cummins engine. Nissan says the extended front overhang of the Titan’s profile was designed to incorporate the truck’s “high performance grille, charged air cooler and two-battery installation.” The truck’s new design also includes improved aerodynamics; front, roof and tailgate spoilers; a front tow hook hole cover; underbody covers; rear tire wind deflectors and a seal between the cab and bed.
The truck’s wheelbase is 20 inches longer than the previous generation Titan.
Inside the cab, there’s more room for storage. The center console for instance is especially big, capable of holding a 15-inch laptop. The truck also features remote start, climate control and 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets in addition to those in the bed.
