Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Nissan
Chicago Preview: 2008 Nissan Titan
With the Chicago Auto Show kicking off next week, the automakers are starting to show off their wares. Nissan will have a trio of '08 truck updates (Titan, Armada, and Pathfinder) on display, and the first one we'll show you is the freshened Titan. Nissan's full-sized pickup gets a lightly updated face and will now be available in a new long-wheelbase version (shown). Also take note of the beefier rearview mirrors, which jut out on twin stalks instead of the more compact one-piece folding units used on the previous version.
A new PRO-4 trim level has also been added as well, but we don't have additional details on what that specifically includes at this time. We do know that heated leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are among the creature comforts available on the '08. Motivation comes from a V8 dishing out 317 horses and 385 lbs of torque, which all translates into a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 lbs. -- not enough to best either GM or Toyota's new trucks. We'll update you with more complete info as soon as we can get our hands on it.
Follow the jump for a rear shot.
[Source: Kicking Tires]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DarkKnight67 7:58AM (2/01/2007)
Wow! Major update ... not! Slapping new trim pieces on something doesn't make it a competitor for all the new hardware from GM or Toyota. This truck is going to be the recipient of the sales that Toyota will gain with their new, fugly truck.
Reply
Howard Kerr 8:13AM (2/01/2007)
I thought Titans had rear seat DVD systems in '06. My brother-in-law bought one of the first Titans and his had a rear seat DVD system, even though, as a passenger-less hauler no one would ever use it. Seems it was part of some package he wanted and the dealer could not find a truck with what he wanted and WITHOUT DVD.
Have to agree with first poster on the "update". It looks so minor, no one will know the '08 from an '07 and the non-power upgrade will probably keep Nissan from increasing sales over current levels. I imagine we will see Nissan capitalizing on fuel economy aspects of the "less powerful" Titan (compared to Toyota and domestic offerings).
As far as styling goes, if I were in the market for a truck of this size...I'd buy a Titan over a Tundra, even the new one. (Though the 5.7 regular cab/shortbed Tundra sounds sweet.) But would go for a F-150 over a Titan or Chevy/Dodge.
Reply
Michael Karesh 9:28AM (2/01/2007)
Live every one else without a recently designed V8, Nissan is falling behind the curve.
But even the Toyota engine doesn't use direct injection, which would boost both power AND fuel economy.
In a blog entry, I propose that direct injection should be recognized as "technology of the year":
http://www.truedelta.com/blog/?p=9
Reply
JW 10:06AM (2/01/2007)
If I had to pick between a Titan or Toyota...Nissan all the way!
Reply
D Man 10:25AM (2/01/2007)
Nissan is way better stylized than Dodge, GM and Toyota. I look forward to the re-designed Titan.
Reply
Drew 12:57PM (2/01/2007)
The mirrors are not new; they were available as early as 05 with the tow package. The same is true for the rear seat DVD. I have both in my 05. I tried to buy mine without the DVD, but Nissan lumps many of its options together, i.e. no nav-system or sunroof without the DVD.
Reply
roadside observer 1:12PM (2/01/2007)
Even with these updates, the Titan is the one full-size truck whose sales are at the highest risk of being taken away by the new Tundra.
Mr. Karesh, I fully agree with you that direct injection is the way to go. I hope that the automakers will quit being so cheap and start installing it on their vehicles.
Reply
brian Mita 2:28PM (2/01/2007)
I wonder if there is long wheelbase king cab, and if so, how long is the bed? and where the hell is the diesel that professionals have been looking for from this truck?
Reply
Bob R. 4:46PM (2/01/2007)
I sat in a Titan at a local autoshow. It had all the options like leather, DVD player etc. Then there was the Silverado on one side and an F-150 on the other. The domestics quality and materials were SO much better looking than the Titan's it was almost amazing. No wonder it has been a sales disappointment. This refresh looks a little better than the old one though.
Reply
far jr 6:51PM (2/01/2007)
Bob R you are right. The 04-06 interior looks very "Playskool" plastic like. But so does the new Tundra. The outside still looks very good... albeit with very little change. A 12 hp gain? sounds like they put a K&N filter kit on them (I believe that's what they add to the 04-06 models). I wish they had long wheelbase when I was truck shopping. I would love a long bed crew cab in a 1/2 ton truck.
Reply
MikeW 8:14PM (2/01/2007)
Nissan should add the ZF 6 speed automatic, make the 4x2 VQ40 and 4.083 axle ratio, move the V8 to the 3.357 axle ratio from 2.937.
Then maybe nissan can get around to adding variable exhaust valve timing (for mileage) and dual length intake runners (for more torque and power)
Reply
Bob R. 9:46PM (2/01/2007)
How long is the bed on this truck? Does anybody know?
Reply
Squid 7:32PM (2/07/2007)
We are discussing the new 08 Titans here at http://www.titantruckz.com/ and we invite you to come pick the brains of long term hard core Titan owners. I myself have over 88,000 miles on my 04 that I use for my business and I'm looking to add to the stable with an 08 or 09.
Reply
Toyota Tundra 11:54PM (2/20/2007)
I know its a couple years old, but I think they are going to lose alot of sales to Toyota. Toyota just has a better reputation then Nissan.
http://www.tundratalk.net
Reply
greg biddle 5:31PM (3/28/2007)
I have an early 2004 with navigation and DVD and has double post mirrors. With 50,000 miles and going strong am looking to buy an 08. My business partners also have 2005 years with no problems and chose them after driving the much sluggish Fords and Chevs.
Reply
Thomas 10:38PM (5/14/2007)
I have driven the 2007 Tundra and the Sierra and it really comes down to personal preference in the interior. Titan is bult intentionally with more outdoorsy easy to clean plastic where the sierra is more plush suburban driving sport utility truck. The titan won on the slolum course, offroad course, and urban driving course over Ford dodge chevy toyota and gmc and don't be concerned about towing, all the numbers are bogus anyway and are listed for safety reason, any of these trucks will tow 14,000 lbs but if your're towing that much get a Diesel! Titan is actually the strongest HP to Torque to truck weight ratio. Neighbors titan handles offroad conditions that my Ford King Ranch could not, I am trading in!
Reply
shane 8:29PM (9/02/2007)
the titan is still farely new, its coming up on its 5th year in production and still competes with the other 1/2 ton trucks. how long was it before they made the tundra a full size and able to compete with the big dogs. I beleive when the titan is redesigned its going to put all the other trucks to shame. just like it did when it first debuted,the titan was bigger and more powerful than its competition. nissan has something up their sleeve for the next generation titan and its gonna kick ass.
Reply
Will 12:38PM (11/03/2007)
I agree, Nissan is not just bowing out of this fight. They have something up there sleeve for the next gen and when it comes out it will dog the competition, much like it did in 04! That's why I'm waiting till 09 to trade my 05 in!
Reply