The rumors have been flying for years about half-ton trucks getting diesel powerplants. Ford, then Chevy, then Ram – the news came and went with nothing to show but empty promises and broken dreams.
But finally Ram broke news about its new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 coming in 2014. It promises 240 hp and 420 lb-ft. of torque with class leading fuel economy. Truckers and auto journalist everywhere were elated.
Then out of nowhere, today, Nissan announces their partnership with Cummins Diesel and the future 5.0-liter V-8 Turbo Diesel that’s headed for the refreshed Titan pick-up. Looks like Ram and the other two have a little worrying to do.
No official numbers have been reported yet, but Nissan says the Cummins 5.0 will boast horsepower numbers in the 300 hp range and gloat about its torque rating which falls in the mid-500 lb-ft. range. Both figures are well above what Ram’s EcoDiesel offers. The jury is still out on whether the new Cummins can best the EcoDiesel’s expected 25 mpg highway rating though.
The new diesel isn’t the only good news coming with the refreshed Titan. New cab and box configurations, along with other new powerplant options will help boost sales of the new pick-up.
“We have done our homework on the next-generation Titan. Truck owners told us there’s a demand for the performance and torque of a diesel in a capable truck that doesn’t require the jump up to a heavy-duty commercial pickup,” says Fred Diaz, VP of Nissan Sales & Marketing. “There is no question that the new Titan will turn heads, and with the available Cummins 5.0-liter V-8 Turbo Diesel, we expect to win new fans and attract buyers looking for this unique configuration.”
The icing on the cake is the Cummins V-8 will be made in the USA within the walls of the Columbus Engine Plant in Columbus, Indiana – the home of Cummins for the last 90 years. The Titan itself will continue being built in the Canton, Miss. plant.
There’s no word on when the first redesigned Titan will roll down Canton’s assembly line, but rest assured, we’re keeping a close eye.
