Fingers Still Crossed for Titan Diesel

[Nd4SpdSe]

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/2016-niss ... 5/+pgeorge







The 2016 Nissan Titan is an American-built truck with an American-built turbodiesel Cummins 5.0-liter V8, giving consumers a chance to own a V8 diesel in a light-duty truck. It'll tow 12,000 pounds and do it while saving 20% of fuel relative to other V8s they said.

Nissan has managed the impressive task of smartly weaseling its way into nearly very niche in the market by delivering reasonably nice cars at an Abenomically-depressed price. They still haven't cracked full-sized trucks.

When the Nissan Titan first was unveiled in 2004 they entered a competitive market and, rather than thrive as they have in the past in other areas, they never managed to grab so much as a foothold (last year the Nissan Titan made up 0.005% of the total truck market). Complicating matters, a redesign of the truck was supposed to see it share a platform with the then-Dodge Ram in a deal that would have Nissan sharing small cars with a Cerberus-owned Chrysler.

The bankruptcy halted those plans and Fiat's merger with Chrysler effectively killed it. Curiously, the Fiat move also meant that Dodge had a new source of diesel motors that wasn't its longtime supplier Cummins. Thus, we end up with a newly redesigned Nissan Titan that carries a Cummins diesel engine.

What Nissan has to offer is any viable reason why you should buy this truck over Ram, F-150, and Silverado. Hell, they need to give people a reason to buy the truck over the Tundra.

It's called "whitespace" in the market and the Nissan Titan fills that space with a turbodiesel V8, giving it the power of an HD truck in something (slightly) smaller. Nissan's CEO telegraphed that they'd offer better power than the V6 in the Ram EcoDiesel.

Aesthetically, the truck maintains the Titan's original greenhouse in profile, but adds a strong nose that's slightly F-150esque but somewhat recognizable as a Nissan. From the rear it might as well be a Tundra. It's attractive if not slightly derivative.

[Nd4SpdSe]

2016 Titan (www.facebook.com/Nissannationpodcast)

2016 NISSAN TITAN XD CREATES "NEW CLASS" OF FULL-SIZE PICKUP WITH COMMERCIAL STRENGTH COMPONENTS, 555 LB-FT CUMMINS 5.0L V8 TURBO DIESEL AND HEAVY-DUTY ATTITUDE

– Nissan challenges full-size pickup segment with bold new design
– Flagship TITAN XD model combines the capability of a heavy-duty hauler with the drivability and affordability of a light-duty pickup
– TITAN's legendary innovation leadership continues with cutting-edge towing, utility and driving aids
– New TITAN positioned as a "powerful precision tool" for hard-working, hard-playing buyers

The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD, which made its world debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is set to shake up the highly competitive full-size pickup segment when it goes on sale in the United States and Canada beginning in late 2015 – with a bold all-new design that stakes out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries.

Called the "XD," it offers the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – including an available maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds* and maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds* (when properly equipped) – yet has the fuel-efficiency* and affordability of a half-ton pickup.

The new TITAN XD Crew Cab, which was shown in Detroit with its powerful Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, is the first of three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings and five grade levels to be available in the full TITAN lineup.

Built from the Work Job Up with Commercial Strength

While the original Nissan TITAN is known for its consumer-focused innovations such as the Wide-Open rear doors, bedside storage compartment, factory spray-on bedliner and Utili- trackTM Bed Channel System, the next-generation starts with a focus on commercial strength components – from the radiator to the rear axle and everything in between.

"TITAN XD is a truck that uniquely utilizes both technology and strength to add confidence to the completion of everyday work tasks," said Diaz. "Half of all full-size truck owners tow more than 10 times a year, with a quarter of owners using them to haul tools, so we engineered TITAN XD's toughness from the ground up."

Nissan TITAN XD models utilize a unique frame and chassis to handle its Cummins diesel and its expanded towing and payload potential. Starting with a durable, proven chassis design from Nissan Commercial Vehicles, the new fully boxed, full-length ladder frame is extensively reinforced and strengthened for use with the TITAN XD with added stiffness, vertical and lateral bending, and torsional rigidity. It also features an extended 151.6-inch wheelbase – about 20 inches longer than non-XD TITAN models.

To maximize stability, handling and ride comfort, TITAN XD uses a new heavy-duty, highly stable suspension design. The double-wishbone with stabilizer bar front suspension is reinforced and tuned for hard use and the rigid rear axle suspension utilizes hefty leaf springs and leaf bushings, along with twin-tube shock absorbers. The axle is a large purpose-built American Axle Manufacturing design. The rear differential measures 13.0 inches with 3.5-inch axle tubes, while the front differential (4x4 models) measures 9.25 inches. Also available is an Electronic Locking Rear Differential.

Hydraulic cab-mounts help isolate the occupants from the advanced TITAN XD chassis. The new TITAN XD rides on 17-inch, 18-inch or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with LT245/75R17, LT275/65R18 or LT265/60R20 tires for strong all-weather/all surface traction.

Braking is provided by a 4-wheel disc system with 14.2 x 1.5-inch front/14.4 x 1.2-inch rear ventilated discs front and rear with hydraulic power assist. The high brake fluid pressure generated by an electric pump assists brake pedal force for a confident feel. The system is designed to provide improved noise and judder control (versus the previous generation Titan).

Responsive steering is provided by a recirculating ball-type high-capacity steering system with parallel rod steering linkage to optimize steering effort characteristics, even under heavy axle weight and towing conditions.

Even the radiator's heat radiation cooling capacity has been increased more than 25 percent (versus the previous TITAN) to help enhance performance and meet SAE J2807 compliance. TITAN XD engine capacity meets 12,000-pound tow requirements* through use of the large radiator, air transmission cooler and large 23.6-inch engine cooling fan diameter.

Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel – Power, Durability and MPG

"A new class of truck also demands a new class of engine. Like the TITAN XD itself, the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel fills the space between more expensive big bore diesels and less capable smaller displacement diesels," said Diaz. "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."

The TITAN XD Cummins diesel is the first commercial application of the new Cummins M2 two-stage turbo system, which helps reduce traditional turbo-lag through precision balancing between high-pressure and low-pressure turbos. The patented Rotary Turbine Control provides solid performance across the powerband and manages exhaust gas temperatures.

The new engine also features a Bosch® HPCR fuel system to deliver precise fuel control and multiple injections per combustion stroke, which helps increase efficiency and reduce traditional "diesel clatter." And, the advanced, maintenance-free Bosch® ceramic glow plugs provide quick engine starts, even in extreme low temperatures.

Another key advantage of the new Cummins diesel design is that it provides maximum durability and power in a lightweight package. Weight was reduced by building the cylinder block out of compacted graphite iron (CGI), which is stronger and lighter than traditional iron.

Other lightweight engine components were added, including high-strength aluminum-alloy heads and composite valve covers. The CGI block, along with the dual overhead camshafts, also contributes to the engine's excellent noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics. The new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel exhaust system has a particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction that enable the engine to run cleaner. That technology also serves a second purpose – reducing typical diesel noise.

As a result of all these advanced systems, the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel is more capable than small displacement diesel engine offerings and less expensive than big bore heavy-duty diesels.

It is also designed to be fun to drive, with about 45 percent more torque at cruising speed than similar-sized gasoline V8 engines. And, its low revving powerband requires less downshifting and provides more confidence while towing, as well as saving fuel whether towing or carrying heavy loads.

"Since the majority of full-size pickup owners drive more than 10,000 miles a year, fuel economy is also critical. TITAN XD's Cummins diesel is expected to provide a projected 20 percent better fuel economy* than a gasoline-powered V8 while towing full loads," said Diaz. Actual mileage figures are not yet available.

Helping handle the power and torque of the engine is a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission developed and tuned exclusively for the TITAN XD.

TITAN will also be offered with V8 and V6 gasoline engines. Details on those engines will be announced at a later date.

Nissan TITAN XD 4x4 models will feature a new transfer case designed to ensure maximum power distribution in every gear. It distributes torque to both ends and provides four-wheel drive when added traction is needed on snow, ice, sand, mud, muck, dirt, water, gravel – whatever the job site presents.

Durable off-road performance has also been emphasized, with features such as Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Brake Limited-Slip Differential (BLSD). A new off-road gauge uses accelerometer data to calculate the vehicle's pitch and roll angles.

Towing and Hauling – Informed and In Control

TITAN XD has a maximum payload of more than 2,000 pounds (when properly equipped) and a maximum towing rating of more than 12,000 pounds (when properly equipped). It is also snow plow-capable.

Among the list of new available towing aids are an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights from inside the TITAN cab.

Also assisting trailer hook-ups is the TITAN XD's available RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides, while the available Around View® Monitor (AVM) provides a unique "bird's eye" view of the surrounding area from front, rear and side cameras to help with parking and pulling in and out of tight spaces. The system also includes Moving Object Detection (MOD), which helps the driver to detect moving objects such as vehicles, shopping carts or other large objects when backing out via an on-screen notification and warning chime.

Helping TITAN XD owners take advantage of its ample towing power are a range of available hitches – including an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame and easily accessible in the bed. Gooseneck hitches put the load in front of the rear axle, enhancing the ability to control the vehicle.

"In early trials held in sweltering Arizona – the testing ground for the new SAE J2807 towing standard– we put more than five tons in a gooseneck trailer and the TITAN XD performed with total confidence," explained Diaz. The all-new 2016 Nissan TITAN XD meets the new J2807 certification's standards.

The new TITAN XD also includes a range of available advanced driving aids in addition to RearView Monitor and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Front and Rear Sonar System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Smart Design, Smart Utility

The all-new Nissan TITAN XD exterior and interior designs were created at Nissan Design America. Where the original Titan broke new ground in terms of smart cabin and bed utility, the goal this time around was to keep things simple but smarter – making owners' lives easier.

Inspired by a theme of "powerful precision tool," the TITAN XD exterior provides a bold, commanding presence with a fresh, modern technical feel. "The designers sought to give TITAN a feeling of athletic strength – a look that honors the power of the Cummins diesel engine," explained Diaz.

The profile of the TITAN XD, with its extended front overhang, was actually influenced by the engine, to incorporate the high performance grille, charged air cooler and two-battery installation. Aerodynamics also played a role in the exterior design, which is improved from the previous Titan and incorporates a front spoiler, roof and tailgate spoilers, front tow hook hole cover, underbody covers, rear tire wind deflectors and a seal between the cab and bed.

Available exterior features include LED headlights and taillights, signature Daytime Running Lights, puddle lamps, and step rails for cabin and bed entry/exit. Door closing effort has also been reduced (compared to the previous generation Titan).

"We see the TITAN XD as a truck with bold presence – tough enough to roll on to a job site with confidence, but refined enough for everything else," said Diaz. "And the bed, like on the original Titan, check all the boxes with user-friendly features and attention-to-detail."

TITAN's industry-first Utili-trackTM Bed Channel System continues, once again featuring four heavy-duty aluminum alloy cleats that move and lock anywhere along the walls, bed floor and header tracks that give the user endless tie-down possibilities.

While the previous Titan offered a bedside storage compartment in the lower outside fender panels, the new TITAN XD features an available dual lockable in-bed storage boxes that sit sight-unseen at street level and can hold a wide range of essential work and recreational equipment. Unlike other pickup bed storage boxes, the TITAN XD units are accessible from inside the bed without having to remove a camper top or tonneau cover. The boxes are watertight (and drainable) and can be used as a cooler for picnics or tailgating. They are also removable for times when extra bed capacity is required.

Other TITAN XD bed features include the popular spray-on bedliner, flush-mounted LED bedrail lighting, cargo and tailgate lamps, 120-volt in-bed access and a damped tailgate that is light to lift and smoothly damped when lowering.

The all-new Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab is the first in a lineup of TITAN trucks that will be offered in Crew Cab, King Cab and Single Cab configurations, along with three available bed lengths.

A Big Cabin with a Bold and Commanding Presence

Trucks today are multi-functional, used as work and everyday vehicles – so the interior has to be multi-functional as well. The designers focused on enhanced utility and on making the interior easy to use through improved layout of switched, driver control and storage spaces.

Front storage has been increased 33 percent and rear storage 28 percent, for example, over the previous generation Titan. New 2nd row underseat storage includes a locking lid for added security and the integrated fold-out flat floor. The center console can hold a computer tablet with case or a 15-inch laptop.

All switches are now grouped by function type and location is based on frequency of use. Other convenient interior design features include seven assist grips, console-side map pockets, 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets (in addition to the bed), remote start with climate control function, and Rockford Fosgate premium 12-speaker audio system. The special attention to detail even includes moving the glove compartment handle to the left hand side for easier access by the driver.

The TITAN XD also features a tilt and telescoping steering column with a standard column- mounted transmission shifter lever – a move that helps increase the visibility and usability of the center stack area. This also opened up the center console for additional storage and can fit a laptop in the center console without giving up rear cupholders and 2nd row climate control vents.

The premium grade instrument panel includes a combination of analog and digital gauges, along with a 5.0-inch color display, unique diesel monitoring and maintenance displays, and 7.0-inch NissanConnectSM with Navigation, Mobile Apps and Services color monitor.

As in other Nissan vehicles, the new TITAN XD offers seating that is out of this world – or at least inspired by NASA. The standard front and rear Zero Gravity seats help maximize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long-distance driving. Heating and cooling front seats are also available, along with a choice of water-repellant fabric or durable leather-appointments. Heated front and rear seats are available in both cloth and leather trim levels.

"While worksite-tough, the interior styling also projects a premium quality and style inspired by outdoor gear such as quilted hunting jackets," said Diaz. "In the new TITAN XD, power and comfort easily co-exist."

Special attention was also paid to reducing the intrusion of noise and vibration into the cabin. TITAN XD utilizes laminated front and rear side glass, the first full-size pickup to do so. Engine noise isolation and body sealing was also improved versus the previous generation TITAN design.
Durability, Quality and Reliability

The TITAN design and engineering teams also set one other bar extremely high, what they designated as "120 percent DQR." That meant infusing the vehicle with exceptional fit and finish, top quality components inside and out, and unrelenting attention to detail – in areas that can be seen and areas that are not.

The 2016 TITAN has undergone some of the most rigorous and extensive testing of any vehicle in company history, building on the foundation established for Nissan Commercial Vehicles extended durability evaluations.

"TITAN is about one thing – getting the job done," concluded Diaz. "While dimensionally the TITAN XD will fit in most garages just like a light duty truck, it has the heart and soul of a heavy duty machine. Owners will never have to worry about having towing or hauling power in reserve – without having to pay the price in terms of drivability, fuel efficiency or affordability."

The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD will be assembled in Canton, Mississippi, with engines assembled in Indiana and Tennessee (5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel and gasoline V8 and V6 respectively). Pricing and full specifications will be announced at a later date.

[Miner]

Mostly good, with a few odd bits, and a few details that are missing or wrong.

The good: Large diffs / axles, Cummins, Asin, 12000lbs+ towing, multiple bed lengths, return of 17" wheel size, stronger brakes, trailer brake controller, factory goosneck hitch.

Odd bits: Afterthought recovery hooks that hang down and stick out, side vents / port holes.

What's missing: Where's the payload? 2000 lbs won't cut it with a 12000 lbs gooseneck. The truck needs at least 2500 lbs. No details on the S and SV trim trucks. Where's the sixth seat? A good work truck and family toy hauler needs a front split bench seat! The current trucks wide rear sliding window is gone, in it's place a tiny doggy door.

My pick of the available pictures from Nissan.

[Snafu]

More good: it comes in Solar Yellow

[Miner]

We need more pictures.

[PiDGE]

Well that's different! Looks a lot like a F150 to me. Not really liking the redesign, but like many redesigns I'm sure it'll look cool in 9 months. I'm kinda disappointed they got away from the traditional three slats in the grill look..oh well. The interior looks Lexus like, that's pretty neat looking. Thanks for posting this.

[Miner]

Drove the 2015 F-150 and F-250 last night. The F-150 is a very nice truck, and finally a half ton with decent capacity without having to order a rare combination of options and packages. The F-250 is an old and outdated work horse in need of more performance than the 6.2 V8 is providing.

Nissan needs to start releasing the details on the 2016 Titan (std) and Titan XD. Every day they wait potential customers are buying competitive product.

[Miner]

Speak of the devil...

http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/ ... rt-of-cold

More testing propaganda....no details. Also, I know how Ford tests in the cold and hope Nissan is a lot more thorough than this video suggests.

[Miner]

The more I think about this truck, the more I think:

- Nissan has waited to long for a new Titan;
- Nissan needs to release XD specific details (GVWR, GCVWR, payload, model details, option details);
- Nissan needs to release the standard Titan, and
- Perhaps the XD should never be built.

The more I think about the XD the more I think it will be a bigger sales failure than the original Titan. Until they release the GVWR and the curb weight its hard to tell if the truck will actually be useful.

From the spec's we've been given:

"Nissan believes that up to 150,000 buyers per year find themselves in that position. Indeed, with a payload rating in excess of 2000 and max towing of 12,000 pounds, as well as a gross-vehicle-weight rating greater than 8500 pounds—which technically makes it a heavy-duty..."(Car and Driver)

So a Titan XD will have a GVWR of 8500+ lbs, with a payload of 2000+ lbs, which translates to a curb weight of 6500+ lbs. I doubt that the XD weighs in under 6500 lbs. With heavier diffs, Aisin trans and the Cummins I wouldn't be surprised to see 7000 lbs. A F-150 4x4 with the same cab and box configuration weighs 5200-5500 lbs with a GVWR of 7000-7850 lbs, netting a payload "in excess of 2000 lbs". Towing 12000 lbs vs the F-150 9100-11500 lbs. The weight capacities aren't a compelling argument.

I don't doubt that the XD will not perform well. I'm sure it will tow 12,000 lbs up the gauntlet faster than any gas 1/2 ton. But the 1/2 ton will tow almost the same weight up the hill at illegal speed, and a 3/4-1 ton diesel will tow two times that. Maybe it will fill the gap between the 1/2 ton and the 3/4 ton for RVer's, and provide diesel fuel economy without 3/4-1 ton diesel prices. But for that the payload needs to be increased to support the king pin weights.

The 5.0 Cummins is likely better suited as a second diesel option in the heavy trucks. It would be excellent in the Ram 2500, especially the Power Wagon, compared to the poor performing gas and the overkill of the 6.7 Cummins. There may be a market for 5.0 Cummins in a half ton with a HD GVWR upgrade and a towing package, but not enough to dedicate a model to it.

I don't know if Nissan built the XD as a variant of the Titan to house the Cummins, or if the XD was planned before the Cummins was made available to Nissan. If its the later and Nissan believed there's a market for the XD without a diesel than the XD Cummins may be successful. However that would mean Nissan thought the XD would be successful without the Cummins and I don't think anyone would believe that.

I'm frustrated by this. Nissan may have (eventually) built the truck that we said we wanted, but I'm worried that they're building a truck no one needs.

[Miner]

Good article. Note much for additional information.

trucktrend.com/.../2016_nissan_titan_xd

If it's priced comparatively to a domestic gas 3/4 ton it may have a chance.

[Bow_Tied]

amazing list of amenities

[Miner]

nissan-titan-truckumentary-chapter-6-diesel-goodness

Truckumentary Chapter 6 "Diesel Goodness"

Still not releasing any real information Nissan has blessed us with a video explaining "Diesel Goodness"

WTF is wrong with Nissan? Who is in control of the BS they release as marketing? "Diesel Goodness" means nothing, it's an engine with a turbo and no spark plugs that runs on diesel and makes more torque than any competitor. Market the specs and provide details, if you don't know how to do that watch a RAM or Ford commercial.

Probably be another month, or more, before they release anything else. Maybe it will be of value...but I doubt it.

[Miner]

Chapter 7 - Truck Love

http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/ ... truck-love

No information, not really marketing either...really I have no idea what the value of these videos is.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Probably doesn't have the answers your looking for, but still some interesting details on the motor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYfeKs0RbhQ

And they're saying 17mpg (combined) :s

http://www.slashgear.com/real-world-mpg ... -26411480/

[Morpheus]

I'm still doing training for it, and they have told us they do not have fuel economy numbers, and they don't have vehicle price yet.

Not sure if they actually don't have it, or just saying that so we don't find out...

[Miner]

Every mag and site has posted a "first drive" over that last few days. Nothing insightful. One or two have confirmed 17 mpg combined, which is very disappointing. Some good news is the expectation of aggressive pricing vs existing high trim level half-tons. Some bad news is the 6,709-7,480 lbs curb weight and a payload between ~1,500 lbs and 2,091 lbs, as it doesn't make sense to buy a truck that weights as much as a Cummins RAM 2500HD that has the payload of a F-150.

I'll personally see one for the first time at Kingston Nissan on the 19th (Thursday), hopefully the Nissan people on site will have enough product knowledge and the specifications to answer my questions. If the design and build quality impress me, the pricing is reasonable, and the specs justify the "in between" segment, I'll seriously look at one. If not I'll be just up the road seeing how the RAM dealer is making out finding a 2015 6.7 Cummins for me.

[Miner]

Specifications - http://www.nissan.ca/en/trucks/2016-tit ... nt.button3

[Miner]

Build Option is up on the US site - http://www.nissanusa.com/trucks/2016-titan/configure/

[Drizit]

And how will it compare to a ram 1500 diesel both in price and specs. So far everyone I know who bought one loves it.

[Miner]

And how will it compare to a ram 1500 diesel both in price and specs. So far everyone I know who bought one loves it.

I have one crucial specification that the RAM Ecodiesel does not achieve, minimum payload.

EcoDiesel Crew Cab 6.4' Box - Payload 1,260 lbs. https://www.ramtruck.ca/en/2016/1500/spec

To tow a trailer a truck must have sufficient payload to accommodate passenger load, cargo, and tongue weight. It must also stay withing GVWR, GCWR and GAWRs. With only 1,260 lbs the RAM cannot carry passengers and haul a reasonable size trailer at the same time. If we assume a typical family with three children would be 650 lbs (200 lbs man, 150 lbs women, 3x100 lbs kids), *** EDIT manufactures include a 150 lbs driver in the payload *** No they do not *** EDIT ***, and the tongue weight of trailer is 800 lbs, we get 650-150+800 = 1450 lbs. 1450 lbs exceeds the EcoDiesel payload. Also the addition of ANYTHING to the truck be it additional options, a tonneau cover, recovery strap, kids bikes or fire wood, women's purse... pushes the Ecodiesel beyond its legal limit.

Please note the Hemi doesn't far much better with 1,460-1,500 lbs less options. Every RAM crew cab I've checked doesn't have enough payload to be considered as family tow vehicle. This will not change until RAM offers and increased GVWR and heavier rear coil springs.

Fuel mileage wise the RAM Ecodiesel is capable of returning greater than 30 mpg, which is ~10 mpg better than the most optimistic report on the Titan XD.

I try to talk to every Ecodiesel owner I see. ALL are very happy with their trucks. Most do not tow heavy (>5,000 lbs).