Full Size Truck

[mcervantes]

Nissan's getting a lot of attention lately about the possibility of them building a full-size truck. What do you think it will take for their truck to become popular in this extremely competitive field?? What types of engines, what features, how many doors, what type of marketing, etc???

Mike Cervantes http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

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i believe in order for the full size to be successful, it must have a standard V6 and optional V8. it should also be bigger than the toyota tundra (closer in size or the same size as the F150). it should also be designed a bit more conservative than the new frontier (not that it's bad). i believe the full size could bring nissan to its goal of 1 million cars sold a year.

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i forgot to mention this in my other reply above. the marketing should be really macho like all the american fullsize ads. Ford has "like a rock" (i think that's fords). chevy has its own manly slogan along with showing their trucks in manly situations (dropping oversized objects into the cargo box or towing something huge). nissan will have to come up with something macho for their fullsize ads while keeping the "driven" slogan for their car ads.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mcervantes:
[B]Nissan's getting a lot of attention lately about the possibility of them building a full-size truck. What do you think it will take for their truck to become popular in this extremely competitive field?? What types of engines, what features, how many doors, what type of marketing, etc???
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think it has to compete in the F-150 size, offer a V-8 option, have a 4 door crew cab model, and be under $30,000 for a V-8 model.

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any new rumors or info on the fullsize truck?

[mcervantes]

I'm not sure if we'll hear anything more until Nissan tells the press their plans. That could be a few months off. At that time we may know the platform that'll be used and maybe if they'll use the V8 off the Q45 or design a new one.

But again, it should be a few months before we know anything more. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/frown.gif

Mike Cervantes

[mcervantes]

I've moved this topic from the General forum to this Truck/SUV forum. So If you have anything to say about the upcoming full-size truck...here's the place! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

mikecervantes

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i hope they design the fullsize truck either like the new Pathfinder or the QX4. hopefully the japanese studio will do it. in my opinion, the new Path and QX4 are two of the nicest looking SUV's on the market. those Mercedes ML's and Lexus RX300 look like hiked-up minivans. it'd be nice if the fullsize truck followed the new pathfinder's or QX4's styling cues (mainly the front end styling)--hopefully it won't look like a bigger version of the new Frontier with tons of tacky black plastic...

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i read the rumor from the news page that nissan already (maybe) has a fullsize truck made for testing--and it's front styling is like the Pathy's. Sounds good to me. 5.5L V8 engine with 300 horses would make it a class leader, hope the torque figures are just as good http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif --for towing

another hit vehicle in Nissan's truck lineup could prove profitable enough that Nissan can afford importing sports cars again

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you make a good point zbeast. a lot of americans are biased towards american trucks. this is gonna be an obstacle for Nissan. though nissan's compact trucks are doing pretty well right now, so maybe it's not a as big an issue as I think

Toyota seems to be doing well in this segment with their bland Tundra, so I think with the right advertising along with a good product, Nissan can enter this lucrative market successfully

I've read that Honda wants a fullsize truck too. that'll be interesting. i'm guessing it might look like the Acura MDX (not very aggressive). that would make it the weakest looking truck on the market. though, with a GM engine, it'll be able to tow a lot. Nissan should be able to make a truck considerably more reliable than GM as well as way more aggressive than Honda, at least if the new Frontier and Pathfinder are any indication. Nissan should make their truck about the same size as the F150, bigger than the Toyota Tundra

[This message has been edited by nsuguy (edited 04-29-2000).]

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I can't wait to see Nissans new full sized truck. Ford,Chevy,Dodge and Toyota should be shaking in their boots. Its about time Nissan noticed this huge market segment. Have you seen the sales number on the Ford F150! The only thing that Im worried about, is that many people who drive these trucks are bigoted towards anything non-american. (It still suprises me that a person will pay 19k for a ugly p.o.s Impala, when they could buy a Maxima for around the same price.)

Full sized, 300hp(at least)non push rod V8, I'll buy one.

[67PATROL]

Don't you all think it would also be good if Nissan were to offer a turbo-diesel engine with their new full-sized truck? Seeing as how nissan has alot of turbodiesels that they sell in other countries, it wouldn't be all that hard for them to get their hands on a good diesel. It would be nice to have a half-ton pickup that gets 25 miles per gallon. Also, I think nissan made a much larger truck in the 60's called the Junior. Of course they didn't sell it in the US, but I think it was almost a full sized truck. Anyhow just thought I would share that little tidbit of information.

[Max Ima]

Nissan/Datsun has been in the truck business in America for over 40 years. It's a damn shame that they didn't have their stuff together to beat Toyota to the full-size punch. But history is history. Nissan has an opportunity to eat a huge piece of the truck pie. The more macho, the better. Bore out the Q's sweet V8, beef up the torque and get rolling. By the way, whoever said that they need a new slogan for trucks is missing the boat. "Driven" is a good truck mantra. There's my .02¢.

[2HD]

I was just thinking about the Full Size SUV built off of the Full Size truck. If the Pathfinder is going to be a Full Size SUV, will the pillar intergrated door handles be too high up for passengers too reach. Just a thought http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yeah is Nissan going again is rival Toyota ,good,is they are very good in the compact pickup truck segment they can be better in the full size one's ,is time to take leadership to Nissan ,but for that they a good design (a la Pathfinder front end)a size like the F-150,not exactly a big but a good in power,hi-torque,gas economic V8 and a good price sticker too http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif,go NISSAN we here in freshalloy are with you boys.

[Slack00]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HonduhToyoKiller!:
Yeah is Nissan going again is rival Toyota ,good,is they are very good in the compact pickup truck segment they can be better in the full size one's ,is time to take leadership to Nissan ,but for that they a good design (a la Pathfinder front end)a size like the F-150,not exactly a big but a good in power,hi-torque,gas economic V8 and a good price sticker too http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif,go NISSAN we here in freshalloy are with you boys. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree wholeheartedly....

But gas efficiency isn't a must...power is...if gas efficiency was a major variable then they wouldn't look in the fullsize segment at all, they'd stick with the compacts (and Nissan's got that covered.. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif )

If they can build a truck along they lines just like Toyota, but just outdo them in every category, then they'll have a winner.

The F-150 is nearing the end of its design cycle...maybe they should wait and trump that design instead after it comes out rather than having Ford trump Nissan's design.

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I hope nissan's v8 truck wont be premium fuel only like the new path, At over $2 it would cost a small fortune to fill it up.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by zbeast:
I hope nissan's v8 truck wont be premium fuel only like the new path, At over $2 it would cost a small fortune to fill it up.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think for truck apps Nissan will realize that a lot of people won't want to fill up premium. They will probably have a digital knock sensor for lower octane gas.

I am surprised the Pathfinder can't use lower octane than 92.

[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 07-06-2000).]

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I worry a little about what Toyota will have in 2 or 3 years to compete with Nissans new full size when it arrives.By then they could have diesels,4 doors, and "heavy duty" options (like an F250/350 or Chevy 2500/3500 series.The good news is that the Tundra...like the Z was in the early 70s...showing Americans that the Japanese can enter a new market and compete...if not domintate it.This will surely make the new Nissans acceptance easier.
P.S. About the Pathfinders Premium fuel requirement,Its a LUXURY SUV.That word means you pay more!If you can handle 30-35 grand for a vehicle,paying 5 bucks more at fill up aint gonna kill ya! Alot of cars in this price bracket reccomend or require premium too.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Here's my idea for the Nissan Full Size Truck lineup.

1/2 ton (E)
2WD with upper-and-lower a-arm front suspension and live axle with coil spring rear. Engine: VG33ER or VQ35DE

Optional Engine: ZH45DD

1/2 ton 4X4 (SE)
4WD with enlarged-Arms, Gas Shocks, coil springs, anti-roll bar and Torsen limited slipp differential all around. Engine: ZH45DD

Optional Engine: ZH55DD

3/4 ton (GE)
2WD with twin I beam or Leading Arms/Twist Beam Front and Live Axle/Cloil Spring Rear, with Torsen limited slip differential. Engine: ZH45DD

Optional Engine: ZH55DD

3/4 ton 4X4 (XE)
4WD with Leading Arms/Twist Beam Front and Extremely raised Multilink-Beam Rear, Torsen limited slip differentials. Engine: ZH55DD

Optional Engine: ZH55DDR

Full ton (GXE) (2WD or 4wd)
Live axle with Leading Arms and Double Coil Springs, Live Axle with Trailing links and double coil springs. Limited slip differential(s). Engine: ZH55DDR

Optional Engine: 7.2 liter Turbodiesel 6 from Nissan Diesel mid-sized tractors, radically smogged with Allison 6-speed dual ration Automatic tramsmition

Profomance Sport Truck (SE-R)(10,000 built yearly on specialty line Short Cab, Extra Short Bed)
4WD. 1/2 ton body on independent upper and lower a-arm front and multilink-beam rear, with limited slip diferentials all around, variable rate springs and Spuer-HICAS four wheel steering with Tremec, Getrag, or Doug Nash 6 speed manual or manumatic transmission.

Engine: ZH35VDTTR

Total of 4 bed lengths (Extra long available in full ton version only, extra short not available on full ton version) and Three cab lengths (Regular Cab, King Cab, and Crew Cab), plus Chassis-Cab versions of 3/4 ton and full ton trucks.

Does this sound right?

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ben Breeck:
Here's my idea for the Nissan Full Size Truck lineup.

1/2 ton (E)
2WD with upper-and-lower a-arm front suspension and live axle with coil spring rear. Engine: VG33ER or VQ35DE

Optional Engine: ZH45DD

1/2 ton 4X4 (SE)
4WD with enlarged-Arms, Gas Shocks, coil springs, anti-roll bar and Torsen limited slipp differential all around. Engine: ZH45DD

Optional Engine: ZH55DD

3/4 ton (GE)
2WD with twin I beam or Leading Arms/Twist Beam Front and Live Axle/Cloil Spring Rear, with Torsen limited slip differential. Engine: ZH45DD

Optional Engine: ZH55DD

3/4 ton 4X4 (XE)
4WD with Leading Arms/Twist Beam Front and Extremely raised Multilink-Beam Rear, Torsen limited slip differentials. Engine: ZH55DD

Optional Engine: ZH55DDR

Full ton (GXE) (2WD or 4wd)
Live axle with Leading Arms and Double Coil Springs, Live Axle with Trailing links and double coil springs. Limited slip differential(s). Engine: ZH55DDR

Optional Engine: 7.2 liter Turbodiesel 6 from Nissan Diesel mid-sized tractors, radically smogged with Allison 6-speed dual ration Automatic tramsmition

Profomance Sport Truck (SE-R)(10,000 built yearly on specialty line Short Cab, Extra Short Bed)
4WD. 1/2 ton body on independent upper and lower a-arm front and multilink-beam rear, with limited slip diferentials all around, variable rate springs and Spuer-HICAS four wheel steering with Tremec, Getrag, or Doug Nash 6 speed manual or manumatic transmission.

Engine: ZH35VDTTR

Total of 4 bed lengths (Extra long available in full ton version only, extra short not available on full ton version) and Three cab lengths (Regular Cab, King Cab, and Crew Cab), plus Chassis-Cab versions of 3/4 ton and full ton trucks.

Does this sound right?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
i'd forget the VQ35 as standard equipment, nissan should use a VG40DE for its iron block and proven reliability--pickups don't need high technology

that's a long list of engine options, initially nissan should just go with standard V6 and optional V8 -- both iron block and large displacement. after a few years, nissan could add a turbodiesel V8 as option on a dually model (MAYBE, i don't know if many backwoods farmers would buy a Nissan to haul their horse trailors)

nissan should then combine the fullsize truck platform with the Nissan Patrol. i kinda think the new Nissan fullsize SUV should be called Patrol as well--have a global identity. i also think it's a cool name http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif

[Slack00]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:

i'd forget the VQ35 as standard equipment, nissan should use a VG40DE for its iron block and proven reliability--pickups don't need high technology

that's a long list of engine options, initially nissan should just go with standard V6 and optional V8 -- both iron block and large displacement. after a few years, nissan could add a turbodiesel V8 as option on a dually model (MAYBE, i don't know if many backwoods farmers would buy a Nissan to haul their horse trailors)

nissan should then combine the fullsize truck platform with the Nissan Patrol. i kinda think the new Nissan fullsize SUV should be called Patrol as well--have a global identity. i also think it's a cool name http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree....Breek has a good lineup, but a little too ambitious. Nissan should keep it simple at first, just like Toyota has done: A V6, a V8, an off road package. The possibility of the multiple variants (3/4 ton, one ton) would have to wait a few years after the initial fullsize offering, assuming there was a demand for the trucks in the first place (I don't think there is a demand for heavy duty import pickups, only the suburban types)

I think, like Toyota, they should only keep the pickup at about 95% of a true full size. Let the Domestic trucks be bigger....the imports will have to settle for just being better.

I say the VQ35DE would be an excellent candidate for a base engine option with a detuned ZH45DD as std equipment for an SE variant (to about 260hp). The 4x4 would have its own trim level and offer both engines. I don't think aluminum (heads) are necessarily a bad choice in a truck engine application; Toyota has done a fine job in increasing the sophistication of its Tundra with the 4.7LV8 from the Land Cruiser. But they should switch over to iron for the block (like Toyota and even GM). Nissan can't let Toyota up the ante without Nissan at least matching it. People are starting to expect more, even from a truck engine. People who buy trucks take as much pride (if not more) in their vehicles as car buyers. The VQ is a wonderful engine and the more Nissan can use it, the better it is for the company, in terms of performance, image, and cost savings. A VG, while still a good engine, is growing long in the tooth. Nissan needs the flash of having the VQ in it.

Any SE-R variant should be reserved for the Frontier only (since it is a lightweight and well established).

Breek's suspension options sound pretty good to me.

I really like your idea of calling the Fullsize SUV the Patrol. It sounds tough, it is recognizable...it really works... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif.


[This message has been edited by Slack00 (edited 07-15-2000).]

[noelsaw]

I wonder if we'll be seeing DD (Nissan's code for direct injection) engines here in the states anytime soon. Unless the oil companies reduce the amount of sulfur in gasonline.

I wonder if Nissan will use all aluminum engines or switch to an iron block...like Toyota did with the Tundra/LX470 V-8 sourced from the LS400. My guess is that Nissan will follow Toyota's lead.

[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 07-15-2000).]

[2HD]

Looks like the Full Size truck is going to be built at the Symrna Plant, but Nissan has confirmed that they will be building V8 engines at the Decherd plant.

[This message has been edited by 2HD (edited 07-21-2000).]

[noelsaw]

I talked to a Nissan source yesterday source and he believed that the new V-8 will be a variant of the new ZH used in the 2002 Q45. My guess is they will go with an iron block instead of aluminum. We'll see.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2HD:
Looks like the Full Size truck is going to be built at the Symrna Plant, but Nissan has confirmed that they will be building V8 engines at the Decherd plant.

[This message has been edited by 2HD (edited 07-21-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Slack00:
[b] I think, like Toyota, they should only keep the pickup at about 95% of a true full size. Let the Domestic trucks be bigger....the imports will have to settle for just being better.

I say the VQ35DE would be an excellent candidate for a base engine option with a detuned ZH45DD as std equipment for an SE variant (to about 260hp).
[This message has been edited by Slack00 (edited 07-15-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

i think nissan should make the fullsize truck 100% fullsize. the sales of the tundra are good but not great. it's obviously smaller than the F150 which may be the reason for its much lower sales.

i also think both V6 and V8 engines should be iron block. VQ35 i guess would work if it was detuned (no variable valve timing) to 200 or so horses. the V8 should have 250+. engine technology isn't super important to truck buyers but i think smoothness is as most of the american trucks have low tech engines but tend to be smooth (the trucks i've been in at least). nissan truck engines are pretty buzzy and jerky in some cases (ka24)

[Deadpool]

http://rustyangel.com/nissan/nissnews/fullsize.jpg

here is a speculative drawing of what the full size truck might look like. check it out.

[noelsaw]

Here are two earlier drawings by Robert Ledesma for FreshAlloy.com...

http://www.freshalloy.com/cars/nissan/images/truck.gif
http://www.freshalloy.com/cars/nissan/images/truck2.jpg

[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 07-26-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

looks like cues were taken from the Pathfinder and Xterra applied to a fullsize pickup. looks pretty decent. i like his later drawings better, though. i like the pathfinder grill, i hope it makes it to production

[**DONOTDELETE**]

These drawings have me thinking (eagerly) down the road to the rumored replacement for the Pathfinder--the full size Nissan SUV. If it looks like this, has V8 power, 4WD and a reasonable price...well, let's just say I'm already saving my money in anticipation.

[Slack00]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by noelsaw:
Here are two earlier drawings by Robert Ledesma...

http://www.freshalloy.com/cars/nissan/images/truck.gif
http://www.freshalloy.com/cars/nissan/images/truck2.jpg


[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 07-24-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I really like it.. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif...I especially like the headlight treatment...and its got the angular, boxy shape with the rear windows reminiscent of earlier Nissan pickups...I'd definitely buy one, if it looked like that.... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif

Ladesma's a talented man with a good eye for style....(or the style I like, anyway)

[Infiniti]

I am sorry but I think Rob's pic is ass ugly http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/rolleyes.gif I like the picture in the link above. Its has and Xterra lookin the roof, which I like. I would like to see a bit of a bolder design in the front but overall its an A-.

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i looooooove the idea of a full sized truck nissan needs one to complete their lineup.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I just hope that Nissan doesn't follow Lincoln's lead and build an Infiniti pick-up http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif

[Deadpool]

umm how about an infiniti minivan http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by IRL:
umm how about an infiniti minivan http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With a G20 front end style that sound's like "waalla" exquisite,that has be very intestering "cause" Lexus now don't have a "Minivan" .......

[2HD]

NO NO NO and Hells NO! It's been tried and almost every Infiniti dealer rejected the notion. Who needs a small school bus in luxury brand. Chrysler did it and well you know the rest. I don't even think thats the kind of image Infiniti wants. Lets not go down that road again.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by IRL:
umm how about an infiniti minivan http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[thearabian]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2HD:
NO NO NO and Hells NO! It's been tried and almost every Infiniti dealer rejected the notion. Who needs a small school bus in luxury brand. Chrysler did it and well you know the rest. I don't even think thats the kind of image Infiniti wants. Lets not go down that road again.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hahaha, as bad as it sounds, it cant be as bad as a Luxury Pick-Up!
Whoa, damn Lincoln for putting thoughts in people's head like that!!!

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HonduhToyoKiller!:
With a G20 front end style that sound's like "waalla" exquisite,that has be very intestering "cause" Lexus now don't have a "Minivan" ....... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Lexus does have a minivan.....it's called the RX300. =)

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think if Nissan Rebadged the Renault Espace as an Infiniti it would be a good seller.

[2HD]

I can't wait to see the Full Size truck. When do we get to see pictures. I really don't think it's going to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January seems to early. It was only confirmed in april but I rather them take their time and come out with a spectacular product. The Z is overdue though.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think an excellent base engine for the new fullsize would be the TB45E, the same engine that is used in the Patrol, It has an iron block for durability and pumps out a credible 194hp and a massive 350Nm torque.

[jochi]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Vspec:
I think an excellent base engine for the new fullsize would be the TB45E, the same engine that is used in the Patrol, It has an iron block for durability and pumps out a credible 194hp and a massive 350Nm torque.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ever read the mileage figures of the TB?? Not too impressive...... it's in land cruiser territory when it had the 4.5L 6-cyl. Maybe the base engine should be a iron block VQ bumped up to 4 litres displacment without all the variable timing frills. A iron VQ is possible, since the R35 might have a iron VQ.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

more than likely knowing how cash straped they are the base engine will be the frontiers charged 210hp. then go upscale to the pathfinders 240hp. and for even more power the new Q's 340hp. a little much for a truck but they'll do it just to say the most horses in its class.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i'm guessing nissan would make the base engine the VG33E to save money. then a different version of the ZH45 or VH45 V8 engine for the higher models. i figure most people will go for the V8 like most do with the Toyota Tundra and the big 3 so a weak base engine won't be such a big issue

[jochi]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:
i'm guessing nissan would make the base engine the VG33E to save money. then a different version of the ZH45 or VH45 V8 engine for the higher models. i figure most people will go for the V8 like most do with the Toyota Tundra and the big 3 so a weak base engine won't be such a big issue<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

my VG33E can't even propel my 96 Pathy..... good luck moving a bed full of stuff in a full size. It's already the weakest engine in light pickups, Nissan does not need to be subject to anymore verbal abuse with this engine. Since the big 3 have dif. V8s, no one chooses the 6 because of the choices of V8s. Nissan can't just copy Toyota's every move. A powerful and reliable V6 that can deliver V8 numbers will surely take away sales from Toyota and the big 3.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Things I dont like about the Tundra I'd like to see remedied by the Nissan: 1: Tundra's rear axle doesnt seem too beefy to me, Nissan should build their truck with at least a 9" rear end, 2: The Tundra really isnt a full size truck, sure it's bigger than the T-100, but it's still not big enough when compared to the offerings from Detroit. I know the size thing might be wishful thinking, but I definately think they can address the heavy duty rear end issue. I would also like to see a solid axle front end, but that is what I'd like to see in every truck, once again wishful thinking.

[2HD]

Your right about that. Looking at the Tundras size I expect Nissan to do much better at least the size of the F-150. Thats why Sequoia is smaller then Expedition although Toyota says the cargo room in Sequoia will be bigger overall. How much bigger inside will it be compared to Expedition.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HammerMan:
2: The Tundra really isnt a full size truck, sure it's bigger than the T-100, but it's still not big enough when compared to the offerings from Detroit<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jochi:
Since the big 3 have dif. V8s, no one chooses the 6 because of the choices of V8s. Nissan can't just copy Toyota's every move. A powerful and reliable V6 that can deliver V8 numbers will surely take away sales from Toyota and the big 3.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
most people choose the V8 over the V6 with the toyota Tundra as well (which has a good V6 base engine). I'd expect most will do the same with Nissans truck. so a V6 with the numbers of a V8 wouldn't make much sense 'cause not many will choose it anyway. and the V6 might have the same numbers of a V8 on paper, but the V8 will out-tow easily. this is the way i think it should be: base engine V6 max hp 200, step up V8 with around 250hp. maybe a step-up V8 can offered later but initially should offer 2 engines in case the truck doesn't sell well. and i agree nissan should make the truck F150 size, not Tundra sized

[**DONOTDELETE**]

they DON'T need to do what TOYOTA does and follow any disign that leads in sales. TUNDRA & F150. MOTOR TREND said toyota was gonna name it the T-150. come on toyota be a little more creative.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2HD:
To me Toyota almost seems afraid to step with the big boys the truck is smaller and has less hp then some of it's competitors. Nissan needs to to take charge and be class leader not a follower. So they should just pop the Q45's engine into the full size truck and give the paths V6 also this would be cost effective too. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think the supercharged 3.3 liter would be better than the VQ35DE because first of all, the VQ35 needs premium fuel for best performance, which is not a good thing for a pickup. Also, the Pathfinder with the VQ35 costs about the same as a V8 domestic pickup. Nissan needs to keep the price of the V6 base model under 20,000, and it might be hard to do that with a sophisticated engine like the VQ35. Also, isn't the VQ35 all-aluminum?

[2HD]

Thats true!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carguy714:
I think the supercharged 3.3 liter would be better than the VQ35DE because first of all, the VQ35 needs premium fuel for best performance, which is not a good thing for a pickup. Also, the Pathfinder with the VQ35 costs about the same as a V8 domestic pickup. Nissan needs to keep the price of the V6 base model under 20,000, and it might be hard to do that with a sophisticated engine like the VQ35. Also, isn't the VQ35 all-aluminum?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carguy714:
I think the supercharged 3.3 liter would be better than the VQ35DE because first of all, the VQ35 needs premium fuel for best performance, which is not a good thing for a pickup. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
the VG33ER might not be any cheaper than the VQ35 due to its supercharger, i could be wrong though. if nissan could make a detuned iron block VQ35, that would be ideal IMO (could also see duty in the Frontier/Xterra). also, the VG33ER will most likely have high insurance costs due to its supercharger which would cancel out any savings on using regular fuel.

i also have a feeling the SC was a quick fix to give the Frontier class leading horsepower. it'd be nice if Nissan would make a V6 truck engine to truly give Toyota's 3.4 a run for its money without using a SC

[2HD]

To me Toyota almost seems afraid to step with the big boys the truck is smaller and has less hp then some of it's competitors. Nissan needs to to take charge and be class leader not a follower. So they should just pop the Q45's engine into the full size truck and give the paths V6 also this would be cost effective too.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I still think the TB45E would be a good engine, The mileage wouldn't be as bad as the supercharged VG33ER, the only reason the TB gets crap mileage at the moment is because the only vehicle it is used in is the Safari, which I think you will agree has the aerodynamics of a brick Sh**house, pardon my french. I think this would be ideal considering it has an iron block and a huge amount of torque 350Nm, plus a class leading capacity of 4.5litres.
I also reckon the V8 should be a modified version of the VH45DE not the ZH, the ZH would be far too expensive to produce.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I agree that the base engine should be an iron block version of the VQ35, or the TB45E. In regards to the TB, how smooth of an engine is it? Sounds like a silly question for a truck, but with the number of personal-use buyers for trucks rising, that's one of the Toyota's big strengths against the domestics - it has a smooth engine and drivetrain. If the Nissan truck can hold and tow as much as the domestics, and be a smooth operator, I wouldn't be surprised to see it rank among the top of full-size pickup sales. Seeing how most people would probably go for the V8 anyways, this isn't really an issue with the V6, I guess. Using an iron-block version of the Q45's V8 (maybe upped to 5 liters?) would be one good truck engine, since it would be just as smooth as the Toyota's, but just as powerful as the domestics.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

If Nissan really wanted to go for it big time, they would offer the Q45's V8 (with an iron block) as the base engine http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif Not too many people opt for the V-6 engines in a full size truck anyway. Further more they should offer a still bigger engine as an option to those who need more power for towing or hauling. The Chassis should also feature a number of heavy duty features (not found on the Tundra) to compete with the 1 ton offerings from the big three.

[stonefield]

I agree, HammerMan! That would be surpassing everyone's expectations.

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The TB45E is not particularly smooth when revved right out, but it is good enough for truck applications, I think it would be quite cheap to produce because it is a very simple design, it could provide Nissan with a base truck that could be cheaper and more grunty than the competition, this could result in a extremely good marketing position, which is something that wouldn't happen if they used a V8 as the base engine, because it would be too expensive.
A good idea for a range topping engine would be a supercharged ZH45DE iron block, this could compete with Fords 6.8 V10, Nissan doesn't have anything bigger than the ZH45DE anyway.

[Infiniti]

IF you go to Auto.com, they say that the fukll size truck will get a version of the ZH V8 in it. Another thing that they said that is very intriging is that they said that the A and C pillars have the same degree of slope. Very cool http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Nissan has to learn from the BIG 3 on trucks. They've been at this truck segment for a long time. No need to follow Toyota on building a truck. Follow the size and engine output of the BIG 3s and Nissan will have a winner. This segment can really help Nissan earn some serious revenue. Everybody knows manufacturers make lots of money from building trucks. Plunk down the 4.5L with generous torque and ample horsepower. Torque is what wins in the truck segment. Show the BIG 3 that a small displacement 8 can out pull them and Nissan will be king for the moment.

[Infiniti]

Orry guys, its Autonews.com...not auto.com.

[Infiniti]

I dont know if my post came out before but it is autonews.com not auto.com.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Has anyone heard any more rumors about a full sized truck. The last thing that I heard was that it would be produced at the Mississippi plant, but I don't believe that they have even started contruction at that location yet. Does Smyrna have the capability to add another line there?

[Nismo]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Barn Owl:
Has anyone heard any more rumors about a full sized truck. The last thing that I heard was that it would be produced at the Mississippi plant, but I don't believe that they have even started contruction at that location yet. Does Smyrna have the capability to add another line there?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>It's called their concept vehicle at the Detroit auto show (Alpha T). Hit your back button and you will see the topics for it.