Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel generates 555 lb-ft of torque

Following a rather lengthy teaser campaign, Nissan has unveiled the 2016 Titan XD in Detroit.

“XD” doesn’t refer to a trim level as it serves as a different model above the regular Titan and will be powered by a newly developed Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine producing 310 bhp (231 kW) and a massive 555 lb-ft (752 Nm) of torque. It’s enough to provide the vehicle with a maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds while the payload capacity stands at more than 2,000 pounds.

Shown here is the Titan XD in Crew Cab configuration but the model will also be offered in King Cab and Single Cab specification, along with three different bed lengths. Various trim levels are going to be available, including a rugged Pro-4X and a range-topping Platinum Reverse model. 2WD and 4WD will be available on all versions, with the exception of the 4WD-only Pro-4X.

In terms of design, it looks far more refined than its predecessor and can be had with goodies such as LED headlights and taillights while the upscale interior can hold an extra 33 percent front & 28 percent rear storage. There’s a 5-inch color display, 12-speaker sound system, 12-volt & 120-volt power outlets and a 7-inch NissanConnectSM with navigation.

2016 Nissan Titan XD makes world debut at North American International Auto Show
Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn unveils 2016 TITAN XD, marking Nissan's aggressive return to the full-size pickup battlefield

All-new TITAN XD design, anchored by powerful Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, carves out "new class" of full-size truck between current heavy-duty and light-duty offerings
Bold TITAN XD exterior and interior designs follow "powerful precision tool" theme – topped with new Warrior-inspired TITAN badging

Created for American buyers – with core planning, design and engineering conducted in Tennessee, California, Michigan and Arizona – new Nissan TITAN will be assembled in Mississippi, with engines from Tennessee and Indiana

DETROIT – Nissan today debuted the all-new Nissan TITAN full-size pickup to a standing room-only crowd of international media at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Presiding over the dramatic reveal was Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn, who stated, "With the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD, we weren't just going for 'best-in-class.' Instead, we are offering the 'Best New Class.'"

The new TITAN XD, the first of the new generation of Nissan TITAN models, creates a new segment of the American market. It offers the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – yet has the fuel-efficiency and affordability of half-ton pickups. It is projected to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late 2015.

Powered by a new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel rated at 310 horsepower and hefty 555 lb-ft of torque, the 2016 TITAN XD will offer an available maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds (when properly equipped), along with available cutting-edge towing features such as an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame.

Additional available TITAN XD utility features and convenience aids include RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides, Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights from outside the vehicle. Also available are Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and a Front and Rear Sonar System.

The wide range of available interior features includes front and rear NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats and a large center console designed to serve as a mobile workstation.

"The new TITAN will deliver toughness, capability and quality," added Ghosn. "In addition to a range of cab configurations, the TITAN lineup will ultimately encompass multiple powertrain choices. These include an all-new workhorse gasoline V8, as well as our first V6 offering in this class."

More details on the full Nissan TITAN lineup will be announced at a later date.

The all-new TITAN, like the first-generation Titan, was developed with core Nissan planning, design, engineering and manufacturing teams contributing from Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi.

The all-new TITAN also underscores Nissan's commitment to localized production. Nissan has invested more than $5 billion in the United States in the past five years and has moved manufacturing for several models from overseas to its North American plants.

"Our growing U.S. presence is bolstering our performance and helped to make 2014 a year of significant growth for Nissan in the U.S.," said Ghosn. "Our operations, our network of partners, and – most importantly – our products are stronger than ever. Nissan is targeting 10 percent market share in the U.S. And the all-new TITAN is a key part of our growth strategy."

The new TITAN XD Crew Cab is the first of three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings and five grade levels to be available later in the Nissan TITAN lineup. More information on the full lineup will be available at a later date.

For photography and additional information about the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD, along with the complete lineup of 2015 Nissan vehicles, please visit NissanNews.com.
About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sitesNissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan Motor Co.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

Nissan is going about a smarter, more precise approach in pitching the 2016 Titan pickup.

In Monday's presentation at the Detroit auto show, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said the company's second attempt at an American truck is filling a niche between light and heavy duty pickups -- or about 150,000 customers as they predict. It appears they've learned from making just another full-size truck like the last Titan.

The buzzwords for this Titan XD (its official, extended name) are "commanding" and "hard-working," which is basically trying to reinforce its place as the truck for people who want/need something heavier-duty than an F-150 or Ram 1500, for example. Of course, the styling inside and out conjures up reminders of just about every other truck on the market – but in this somewhat conservative segment that's a smart move to reach sales targets.

While the outside isn't particularly grabbing, even in the PRO-4X trim's yellow paint, the inside really well done for a truck. The leathers and textures are surprisingly pleasing, and that's even before you get to the new Platinum Reserve top-dog trim. Lots of hands were stroking those door panels on Monday.

At a time when trucks are trying to be tougher than ever, the Nissan Titan XD could stand as a tough-looking entry in the segment. It may be up to that Cummins turbodiesel V8 to sway loyalists in from one of the American brands, but those who are willing to try new products in this segment might find something they like.