Daytona Auto Mall

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Driving Impressions

The Nissan Titan was widely recognized for its stout drivetrain, and it's been slightly uprated for 2008. It comes standard with the big V8 and a five-speed automatic transmission. Although it doesn't have as much horsepower as GM's larger V8 choices or Dodge's Hemi, it matches or betters most on torque and a Titan will outrun most pickups and deliver competitive mileage to similar configurations; only the Tundra's 5.7-liter/six-speed automatic combination really betters it. The exhaust has been retuned to keep the V8 rumble so adored by truck buyers while eliminating the drone that could wear on long highway trips.

On paper, the fuel economy has dropped for 2008, but in reality it's the same as before; the EPA has changed its test procedures, which yields results much closer to the fuel economy most drivers will obtain.

A proper gated floor shift allows direct access to any gear without pressing any buttons, and the transmission responds smoothly and crisply as conditions dictate; a comfortable grip and good location adjacent the driver's leg encourages one to use it. Four-wheel drive and low-range are electrically shifted by a rotary dash knob. The electric locking rear differential (Pro-4X only) is more effective in severe terrain than the all-wheel electronic traction control of regular 4x4 Titans and most competitors. There is no automatic 4WD setting for on-road use, but if the electronic traction aids aren't enough perhaps you should be in 4WD high-range. The rear axle has also been strengthened considerably to accommodate the towing and new load ratings.

Pickup trucks aren't held in high regard for ride comfort or handling prowess yet they have made strides in both. The longer wheelbase only betters cruising comfort but even the short-wheelbase Titans will generate no complaints, at least not from anyone that knows what a ton of payload means. Off-road biased suspension tuning with lots of travel, shocks built specifically for it, and large tires on the Pro-4X contribute to ride softness without giving up control, while the 20-inch wheel/tire combo on LE models offers crisper turn-in but transmits bumps more.

The 2008 Titan also receives more powerful front brakes with larger rotors and all the plumbing changes that go with them: In spec-speak they are not quite as large in diameter as a Tundra's but they have greater swept area, a better indicator of braking capacity. The Titan has always performed well in pickup brake tests, and these offer a larger margin of safety and durability, needed because the previous brakes didn't hold up well.

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