Off-road abilities should be enhanced by the availability of an optional switch-on-demand electronically locking rear differential and Rancho performance shocks. Titan's BFGoodrich P285/70R17 all-terrain tires (standard on SE and LE models) are the largest skins in class. For binders, large-diameter four-wheel discs with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and Brake Assist are all standard. The system is programmed with an off-road setting for driving in sand and gravel, which allows for more slippage before engaging ABS. The Titan is also available with Vehicle Dynamic Control, which can apply individual brakes or dial back engine power to control understeer, oversteer or simple straight-line traction loss. A tire-pressure warning system is standard on all models.
The new Titan may be big, but it isn't clumsy. There's a finer edge to the Titan, evident even in the early prototype mules, than is normally found in this segment. First of all, Nissan's 5.6 liters of DOHC V-8 grunt feels at least as potent as the Dodge Ram Hemi's 5.7-liter/345-horse OHV V-8. Throttle response is crisp, no doubt aided by the Titan's Variable Intake System.
Transmission upshifts and downshifts are handled quickly without hesitation or fumbling around for the right ratio. The Titan's engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is notably more communicative than the full-size truck norm. And the truck is agile in tight maneuvers, its 41-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter considerably tighter than that of the Tundra or Dodge Ram.
Well-thought-out touches and interesting details abound, as well. There's a mailbox-size storage compartment in the left rear fender (outer part of bed behind the rear wheelwell) that's lockable. Large side mirrors with wide-angle and normal reflectors are a visual-aid plus when hauling bulky loads or towing. Inside, Big Gulp-size cupholders are fitted in all doors.
An optional DVD-based navigation system with a pop-up center-console screen and, for rear-seat passengers, a DVD mobile entertainment system with tilt-down screen will be available. Audio fans will enjoy the optional Rockford Fosgate-powered 10-speaker sound system. Side-curtain airbags also are available.
The Alpha T-inspired look of the new Titan, with its blistered fenders, snaggletooth grille and domed hood, may not be for everyone. But that's all part of Nissan's new design strategy to get noticed. The idea is that its look some will like, some will dislike, but no one can ignore. At first preproduction glance, our take is that Nissan's first-ever full-size pickup will be a serious player in the full-size pickup market. It's sure to be a battle of the Titans. TT