No matter how you slice it, Nissan Titan buyers will have more options under an agreement with Chrysler to build the next-generation full-size pickup from the Dodge Ram architecture for sale in 2011.
Nissan will still design the next-generation Titan—the name may change—but its underpinnings will be all Ram for ease of assembly at Chrysler’s Saltillo, Mexico, plant. Nissan will stop building the current Titan in 2010.
And while the two automakers are reluctant to divulge too many specifics before an agreement is signed—likely this fall—officials from both companies confirm most aspects of the Ram are subject to negotiation.
Where Nissan really looks to gain is in more available powertrain options and cab configurations.
Currently, the Titan only has one powertrain: the 317-hp, 5.6-liter V-8. The partnership opens the door to a full pantry of potential Chrysler gasoline and Cummins diesel engines. The Ram is available with a 215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6; a 310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8; a 390-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8; and there is a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel in the heavy-duties.
Chrysler officials have confirmed the famed Hemi is available to Nissan—for a price of course. For 2009, the Hemi saw its horsepower grow 13 percent to 390 hp from 345, and torque is now 407 pound-feet from 375.
With high gasoline prices striking a stake in the heart of big-truck buyers, Nissan also embraces the idea of a V-6 for the next Titan.
Nissan will still design the next-generation Titan—the name may change—but its underpinnings will be all Ram for ease of assembly at Chrysler’s Saltillo, Mexico, plant. Nissan will stop building the current Titan in 2010.
And while the two automakers are reluctant to divulge too many specifics before an agreement is signed—likely this fall—officials from both companies confirm most aspects of the Ram are subject to negotiation.
Where Nissan really looks to gain is in more available powertrain options and cab configurations.
Currently, the Titan only has one powertrain: the 317-hp, 5.6-liter V-8. The partnership opens the door to a full pantry of potential Chrysler gasoline and Cummins diesel engines. The Ram is available with a 215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6; a 310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8; a 390-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8; and there is a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel in the heavy-duties.
Chrysler officials have confirmed the famed Hemi is available to Nissan—for a price of course. For 2009, the Hemi saw its horsepower grow 13 percent to 390 hp from 345, and torque is now 407 pound-feet from 375.
With high gasoline prices striking a stake in the heart of big-truck buyers, Nissan also embraces the idea of a V-6 for the next Titan.
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