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Nissan Titan Dumps "Endurance" for HEMI

Nissan Titan Dumps "Endurance" for HEMI

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty PadgettMarty Padgett September 3rd, 2008

2009 Dodge Ram

2009 Dodge Ram

Enlarge Photo
The next Nissan Titan--which will be a restyled version of this new 2009 Dodge Ram--is ditching its "Endurance" V-8 for a version of Chrysler's HEMI eight-cylinder engine.

Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com reports that Nissan's truck engineers are basically handing over the next Titan to Dodge's truck team. The Nissan engineers are laying out performance specs, while it's up to Dodge to execute, he reports.

The deal isn't completely done yet, but Nissan's engineers expect the HEMI to be a part of the package, Levine says, along with a V-6 and a diesel.

Earlier this year, the two companies laid out the plan wherein the Ram would spin off a new version of the Titan. Nissan will pay Dodge to build the truck in Saltillo, Mexico, and will convert a big chunk of its Mississippi truck plant over to commercial-vehicle production.

Nissan and Chrysler seem to be waltzing into each other's arms--along with the truck project, the two are working to bring a Nissan Versa small car to Chrysler showrooms. We wouldn't be surprised if the upcoming big crossover based on the Nissan Forum concept ended up as a replacement for the Chrysler Pacifica, either.

UPDATE: PickupTrucks.com reports today that Chrysler's Jim Press confirms Nissan will get the HEMI, but Nissan spokespeople are still noncommittal. 2009 Dodge RamEnlarge PhotoThe next Nissan Titan--which will be a restyled version of this new 2009 Dodge Ram--is ditching its "Endurance" V-8 for a version of Chrysler's HEMI eight-cylinder engine. Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com reports that Nissan's truck engineers are basically handing over the next Titan to Dodge's truck team. The Nissan engineers are laying out performance specs, while it's up to Dodge to execute, he reports. The deal isn't completely done yet, but Nissan's engineers expect the HEMI to be a part of the package, Levine says, along with a V-6 and a diesel. Earlier this year, the two companies laid out the plan wherein the Ram would spin off a new version of the Titan. Nissan will pay Dodge to build the truck in Saltillo, Mexico, and will convert a big chunk of its Mississippi truck plant over to commercial-vehicle production. Nissan and Chrysler seem to be waltzing into each other's arms--along with the truck project, the two are working to bring a Nissan Versa small car to Chrysler showrooms. We wouldn't be surprised if the upcoming big crossover based on the Nissan Forum concept ended up as a replacement for the Chrysler Pacifica, either. UPDATE: PickupTrucks.com reports today that Chrysler's Jim Press confirms Nissan will get the HEMI, but Nissan spokespeople are still noncommittal.

Posted in: 2008, 2010, Dodge, Nissan, Titan



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Responses (11 total)

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  1. By Bill Burke #1, Posted: 8/27/2008

    I don't even know what a Nissan Forum is, but as a current Pacifica owner, I sure hope a new verson of the Pacifica is in the works. My present Pacifica has so many excellent features and unlike some other recient Chrysler cars one of the nicest interiors out there. It's safe,powerful,smooth and does everything well, I love it. I'd buy an improved version, with major Chrysler content in machanics and design, in a heartbeat. So far I've seen nothing in the current lineup that approaches the Pacifica. In my opinion the Pacifica did alot right and little poorly to have been canceled. So many people in my area have Pacificas and like them,that this should be a no brainer. The brand equity is there and an updated verson on the original theme would be a decision I would welcome. Still the best crossover I've driven, domestic or foreign.

  2. By Billy #2, Posted: 8/27/2008

    It is the only crossover he's ever driven

  3. By JimBob #3, Posted: 8/28/2008

    The Pacifica is getting dumped I believe, because it has too much licensed Daimler content. Cerberus doesn't want to pay thousands in royalties for German designed tranmissions and suspensions.They said the car is a money loser for them.

  4. By Peter #4, Posted: 8/28/2008

    okay so Nissan and Chrysler will share a large station wagon platform. get out of your denial folks...your driving a station wagon.

  5. By moparntuzs #5, Posted: 8/28/2008

    HEMI GOOD.
    all other no good!.

  6. By Dave #6, Posted: 8/28/2008

    I think this is just the begining, we will see a full blown partner ship or even a Nissan buy out in the future. Chrysler needs a Pacicica replacement. I work at a Chrysler dealer and the cars where great, reliable and with very few problems. The thing was they where so full of Diamler content that they could not make any money off them. We keep having customers ask when they will see the next Pacifica. I hope soon!

  7. By dm423 #7, Posted: 8/28/2008

    One of the major things the Pacifica does poorly is sell - people loved their Aztecs also.

  8. By BILL M #8, Posted: 8/28/2008

    You would think Daimler would do all they could to help Chrysler and not charge horrendous amounts of money for royalties considering they still own 20 percent of the company. If they had infused more money into R and D to develop more car lines like the 300C it may have worked.

  9. By Adrian #9, Posted: 8/28/2008

    I think the Journey is quite close a replacement for the Pacifica. Even though the engine's a bit smaller, it has even more capacity, because it lacks the central console for the back seat the Pacifica has.
    Even so, a bigger more straightforward replacement would be nice!

  10. By JKD #10, Posted: 8/28/2008

    Pacifica is dumb. It's a big and thirsty vehicle for only 4-5 people since there's no way to use the mini third row effectively. Journey is indeed a much better vehicle (plus it sells for now). Whatever Chrysler does is half-measures though. Unless something unexpected and radical happens, there's no way to stop the bleeding.

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