2016 Nissan Titan XDXD models use different frame, 555 lb-ft Cummins 5.0l V8 turbo diesel and “heavy-duty attitude” to put Nissan’s new full-size 1/2-ton at head of pack
The 2016 Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab, which was shown in Detroit with the 310hp 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 2016 Titan lineup.
Nissan’s XD models, which are the new “heavy-duty” versions of the regular 1/2-ton Titans, utilize a unique frame and chassis to handle its Cummins diesel and its expanded towing and payload potential.
Titan XDs have 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). They are also snow plow-capable.
“The full-size truck market is the toughest market to crack in the entire industry, with so many outstanding products available,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc.
“This new Nissan Titan XD is designed to offer buyers something the others don’t – combining outstanding towing and hauling capabilities and exceptional towing and hauling fuel economy,” says Diaz. “It also offers excellent ride comfort and handling, and the features and amenities that real working truck owners want.”
While the original Nissan Titan targeted light-duty users, the new XD is much stouter with commercial-strength components – from the radiator to the rear axle and everything in between.
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 added stiffness, vertical and lateral bending, and torsional rigidity.
XDs also feature an extended 151.6-inch wheelbase – about 20 inches longer than non-XD Titan models.
Underneath is a double-wishbone front suspension (with stabilizer bar) reinforced and tuned for hard use, and the rigid rear axle suspension utilizes hefty leaf springs and leaf bushings, along with a 13-inches rear diff with 3.5-inch axle tubes. Nissan will also offer an Electronic Locking Rear Differential.
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).
Even the radiator’s heat radiation cooling capacity has been increased more than 25 percent (versus the previous model) to help enhance performance and meet SAE J2807 tow-rating compliance.
Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel
“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 XD Cummins 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.
5.0L Cummins V-8 brings together a compacted graphite iron (CGI) cylinder block, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength aluminum alloy heads, and composite valve covers to offer maximum durability in a lightweight package.The new V-8 diesel delivers about 45 percent more torque at cruising speed than similar-sized gasoline V-8 engines. Nissan projects it’ll get about 20-percent better towing fuel economy than gas V-8s. (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.
Nissan will also offer 2016 Titans with V8 and V6 gasoline engines. Details on those engines will be announced at a later date.
Towing and Hauling – Informed and In Control
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.
