Nissan Trucks Gain Utility, Power

Though the lion’s share of Nissan media coverage goes to its upcoming torrent of new cars – not to mention the ballyhoo over a possible GM alliance –  the automaker has quietly released more details on what’s in store for 2007.

Among the changes is a long-box Crew Cab for the midsize Frontier pickup truck, whose previous four-door dimensions left room for a strictly ornamental bed. Higher up the chain, Nissan’s full-size Titan pickup gains 12 hp (for 317 hp total) thanks to improved airflow to its 5.6-liter V-8. It’s also compatible with regular or ethanol-based E85 fuel. Amid mediocre reliability scores and lackluster sales, the Titan needs all the help it can get, especially with the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra right around the corner.

Other beneficiaries of the fortified V-8 include the 2007 Nissan Armada and, likely, the 2007 Infiniti QX56. High fuel prices have torpedoed sales for both models this year – and don’t count on these improvements bringing an appreciable increase to their gas mileage, which lingers in the teens. The 2007 Armada, Frontier and Titan go on sale this fall.

Offering E85-compatible engines and eking out 1- or 2-mpg gains with cylinder deactivation systems or advanced transmissions may not amount to much in real-world driving, but it’s allowed GM, Ford and other mammoth-SUV makers to pay lip service to America’s gas problem. With at least two E85-ready trucks for 2007, Nissan could be looking for space on the crowded bandwagon.

[Source: Nissan]