Topic: The Mid-size truck segment is getting more interesting: Nissan Cummins Diesel

[Jeffy]

Nissan Frontier Cummins Diesel Runner Teases A Bright Future



The freshly-unveiled Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner embodies some great ideas that really gets me fired up about the future of trucks: it's small, it's focused on efficiency, and it's being designed with off-road usage in mind.

Regarding whether or not Nissan will actually build it, VP Fred Diaz only offered "We want to see what the public says."

If it does come to life, a Frontier Diesel launch would likely coincide with a new bodystyle as the current Frontier is good n' ripe.

So to all of you who keep bitching and moaning that the world needs more little trucks (yes, I am among you) now's the chance to post a barrage of comments about what you think of this cute little hauler.

This "technical study" Frontier Diesel Runner is running a Cummins 2.8 4-cylinder diesel Nissan says will meet or exceed "future emissions standards." Obviously, they mean short-term future.

They're also claiming "nearly 200 HP and over 350 lb ft of torque" and a 35% fuel economy increase over a V6 2WD Frontier.

This Diesel Runner is also 2WD, driven through a ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear axle is a 3.13.

What kind of surprised me was Nissan's choice to kit it out like a 2000's-era tuner car. Pretty sure I used to lust over graphics like that as a middle schooler with a stack of Sport Compact Car magazines, and I'm sure that gauge pod on the dash won't be around in a production version.

The hood, lower front spoiler, and entire bed cover are carbon fiber. Wheels are borrowed from the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X.

Diaz promised they're going to "beat the crap out of the test mule" in the near future, so I have a feeling that carbon will get swapped for something a little cheaper and more robust before this thing gets let out into the wild.

As for the 5.0 Cummins Titan, Nissan says we'll be waiting another year.

[sharpxmen]

is there some tax for vehicles with foreign diesel engines? just wondering why they would use this one.

[Bounty Hunter]

is there some tax for vehicles with foreign diesel engines? just wondering why they would use this one.

The 3.0L EcoDiesel in our '14 Grand Cherokee is Italian

I hope this pattern continues.  Love our diesel.

[Jeffy]

is there some tax for vehicles with foreign diesel engines? just wondering why they would use this one.

No.  But Cummins engines are good engines.  Problem is they never went to the small engine segment.  The smallest that was DOT legal is the 6BT in the full-size Dodges.

[RNandKT]

Is the 4BT not DOT? It was in bread trucks and such that means it was DOT right? Granted it's a heavy pig, and even though it is a 4 cyl, it is still quite large and outdated by todays diesel standards, but Cummins made it, and still probably the best diesel swap choice for mid size trucks/suv's.

[jfrabat]

What i find odd is that they are going with the Cummings diesel when they already have that model in production with their own diesel engine (YD25DDTi producing 172 hp  and 297 lb·ft. of torque).  I wonder if it is because of emissions or something along those lines or because of the power rating...  I am sure (not 100%, but I would bet in its favor) their current engine is more economical, though.

[Jeffy]

Is the 4BT not DOT? It was in bread trucks and such that means it was DOT right? Granted it's a heavy pig, and even though it is a 4 cyl, it is still quite large and outdated by todays diesel standards, but Cummins made it, and still probably the best diesel swap choice for mid size trucks/suv's.

No it was never DOT certified.  It was a industrial engine for mixers and generators.  The "Frito Lay" trucks that had them were converted.  The engine's biggest downfall if it's weight.  Also it's oversize.  It's a huge engine and need a lot of clearance.

What i find odd is that they are going with the Cummings diesel when they already have that model in production with their own diesel engine (YD25DDTi producing 172 hp  and 297 lb·ft. of torque).  I wonder if it is because of emissions or something along those lines or because of the power rating...  I am sure (not 100%, but I would bet in its favor) their current engine is more economical, though.

It's not DOT/EPA certified.  The US concentrates a lot more on particulates while EU and I think Japan looks more at CO.  This is also why some VW TDI's that sold in the US were for sale in 49 states as CA had strictor requirements.