By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(September 8, 2015) To say the Nissan Titan faces challenging headwinds would be the ultimate understatement. Only 7,175 of the trucks were sold in the U.S. YTD July. Putting that in perspective, it’s about 10 percent of Toyota Tundra sales during the same period and 1.5 percent of GM’s combined sales (Chevy Silverado plus GMC Sierra).

With an all-new truck coming in 2016, Nissan was looking for a way to stand out from the crowd. Discussions with truck owners revealed a niche between light-duty “half-ton” pickups and heavy-duty “three-quarter-ton” models.

“We got to the Titan XD by talking to both half-ton and three-quarter-ton customers to get input on the next Titan,” said Rich Miller, Chief Product Specialist – Titan. “The half-ton customers said they wanted a diesel engine without moving up to a half-ton truck and three-quarter-ton customers asked for something less expensive with better ride quality, improved fuel economy, and trailer-towing performance. We went to Cummins and asked if they had an engine that could do that.”

You probably know Columbus, Ind.-based Cummins for diesel engines in heavy-duty Ram pickups and over-the-road semis. The engine builder was founded in 1919 by Clessie Cummins and Columbus businessman W.G.Irwin. Its first successful diesel was the 1933 Model H used in small railroad switchers, but became a leader in heavy duty truck engines during WWII. In 2014, Cummins posted sales of $19.2 billion and employed 54,600.

Cummins’ expertise was in inline-six-cylinder diesels like the 5.9-liter and 6.7-liter units employed by Ram since 1989, but it just happened to have a smaller 5.0-liter V8 diesel under development when Nissan came calling. It’s the perfect size to fit in the engine bay of a full-size pickup while producing 320 horsepower and 555 lb.-ft. of torque — enough to tow 12,000 lbs. and haul 2,000 lbs. of payload. Nissan did not release figures, but claims fuel economy will be 20% better than comparably-capable gasoline engines.

But, the strategy to exploit unexplored space between light- and heavy-duty meant doing more than partnering with Cummins for a diesel engine. There will actually be two Titans — a “regular” model and Titan XD with beefier frame, chassis, and brakes. That may sound like a heavy duty truck, but it’s not.

Let’s use Ram for comparison. Ram 1500 (1/2-ton) in its most capable configurations can tow up to 10,650 lbs. and offers 1,900 lbs. payload. Titan XD handles more. On the other side of the divide, Ram 2500 (3/4-ton) can move up to 17,970 lbs. of trailer or 3,970 lbs. of payload with a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel and 6.4-liter HEMI respectively. I used Ram for comparison, but GM and Ford have a similar staggering of specs. Toyota does not offer a heavy-duty truck. Titan threads the needle nicely.

The big news for the all-new 2016 Titan is obviously its diesel engine, but it’s a fully-developed truck that should please buyers.

Exterior styling is uncannily similar to the Ford F-150’s, but interiors are upscale, looking like they could have come out of the new Murano save for the column shifter with tow/haul mode. Rockford Fosgate audio, tilt/telescoping steering column, and deep console with 120v plug and USBs should please owners — as will a roomy rear seat with comfy Zero Gravity cushions. Heated/cooled front and heated rear seats will be available.

Acknowledging Titan’s intended purpose, engineers added an integrated dash-mounted brake controller, pre-installed fifth-wheel bed attachments, and bed channel system with tie-downs. LED bed lights, spray-in bedliner, and 120v plug add utility to the rear. Nissan’s Around View Monitor aids tight maneuvering.

To prepare for production of the new V8, Cummins overhauled 500,000 square feet of its original engine plant with state-of-the-art equipment and assembly processes that employ a dedicated focus on safety, quality, and lean production. On tour, it was obvious that everybody from floor-level hourly employees to company leadership are engaged in making this partnership a good deal for all.

“We’re proud to be able to partner with Nissan and to provide this engine,” said Wayne Ripberger, Plant Manager, Cummins. “We will soon ship engines to Nissan’s plant in Canton, Miss., and sell lots of them!”

Building a lighter-duty diesel engine is nothing new for Cummins. Back in 1936, Clessie Cummins took his family’s 1936 Cadillac convertible sedan, transplanted its V8 for a Cummins Model A diesel engine, and took it on vacation to Florida. After years of storage at headquarters, the car was recommissioned. With little more than an oil change and once-over, it fired right up.

Let’s hope the relationship between Nissan and Cummins proves as durable. Sales of the 2016 Titan begin later this year; prices TBA.