Nissan has unveiled a musclebound redesign of its Titan pickup at the Detroit Auto Show – the Titan XD. Designed to slot into the "white space" between light and heavy duty pickups, the XD is powered by a 310 horsepower (228 kW) Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel that delivers 555 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque and has a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds (5440 kg).
The XD's designers were aiming for something a little more "grown-up" and imposing than the original Titan, and there's little doubt that they've succeeded. But it's not all about the 20-inch alloy wheels and tough aesthetic, with elements like the one-piece bumper, rear tire wind deflectors and integrated spoilers promising improved aerodynamics compared with the original design, though mileage figures for the XD are not yet available.
In the back, LED rail lighting is featured and the dual lockable storage boxes have been moved into the bed for ease of use with camper shells or tonneau covers. There's also an integrated gooseneck hitch that's accessible through the bed and the storage boxes are waterproof and drainable for when the ice needs replacing.
There's also plenty of tech options on hand to help drivers keep the XD's extended 151.6-inch wheelbase under control. These systems include the company's "bird's eye" view Around View Monitor, RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides, Moving Object Detection, Downhill Speed Control, Blind Spot Warning, Tire Pressure Monitoring and a Trailer Light Check system that lets you check whether trailer lights are working without leaving the cab.
Inside said cabin, the shifter lever has been moved to the column to free up cabin "workspace" and storage space has been increased by around one third over the old model, with room for a 15-inch laptop in the center console, lockable underseat storagein the rear and some useful design touches like bigger cup holders and a glove compartment handle positioned on the side that's closest to the driver. Navigation and other infotainment systems (including a Rockford Fosgate 12-speaker audio system) are controlled via a centrally-mounted 7.0-inch monitor.
The XD is the first in a new line of Titans that Nissan says will include three different cab cab configurations, two frame sizes, several bed lengths and V6 and V8 gasoline engine options.
Pricing and full specifications for the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD are still under wraps.
Source: Nissan
