Nissan Announces Most Powerful V6 Pickup

**Ming** · 08-13-2004, 09:06 AM

Nissan Announces Most Powerful V6 Pickup
August 13, 2004

GARDENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 2004--Nissan North America, Inc. today announced best-in-class horsepower and torque ratings for the all-new 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup, which goes on sale at Nissan dealerships nationwide in December 2004. The completely redesigned Frontier comes equipped with an available 4.0-liter DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine that is rated at 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Both figures are expected to be the highest ratings for any V6-equipped pickup -- mid-size or full-size.

"We want to announce the new Frontier's exceptional horsepower and torque ratings now to let mid-size truck buyers know that help is on the way," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Frontier's association with our full-size Titan goes far beyond its styling -- it takes the same bold approach to offering new, unexpected levels of power, performance and innovation to buyers tired of the status quo."

The new Frontier powerplant is derived from Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series utilized in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest. The 3.5-liter V6 VQ has been named to Ward's Communications' "Ten Best Engines" list for each of the last 10 years.

The new Frontier engine features a longer stroke than the 3.5-liter version (92.0 mm versus 81.4 mm) and has been specifically tuned for truck applications.

In addition to the taller engine block, the engine has been modified to include additional block reinforcements and increased main journal diameter for improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness control).

Like other engines in the VQ series, the new 4.0-liter version includes such advanced design features as Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4x4 models), Continuous Valve Timing Control (intake only), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler, lightweight aluminum block, and platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Article Here

monkeylizard · 08-13-2004, 09:30 AM

I noticed that this engine is derived from the same engine in the "350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest", Those are all FWD application I think and of course I could be wrong since I don't follow Nissan products very well. Is this truck going to be FWD? I would certainly hope not.

PaleGreen · 08-13-2004, 09:36 AM

The 350Z is RWD.

Trendkiller · 08-13-2004, 10:59 AM

Those are also all vehicles that have ben recalled massively in the past couple years

silverado_13 · 08-13-2004, 11:01 AM

The GM twins need a bigger engine. maybe the 4800V8.

tgagneguam · 08-13-2004, 11:13 AM

I think that Nissan's interiors are weak, especially the painfully shabby ubiquitous steering wheel. I've sat in Nissans (and Infiniti's), and the interior plastics are lowgrade, just like some GM interiors. Of course, GM gets more of the criticism for its similar faults, though.

Ugh, but I'm sure sales will improve for the Frontier, all things considered.

Butta · 08-13-2004, 11:27 AM

Yeah, supposely that 4.0 V6 is the replacement for the 3.5. So you should expect about 300-310 hp for the Z & G35.

ponchoman49 · 08-13-2004, 12:25 PM

I would like to see a V6 of some kind make an appearance in the Colorado and Canyon. The 5 cylinder made me yawn in the 4 wheel drive and 4 door models that I drove and it sounded kinda odd to boot. A V6 would easily fit and probably be lighter too. A 3.9 high value would make a good engine with around 260hp. Plus I think torque in a truck makes more sense than a high winder ohc. That would maybe increase towing a bit.

logansowner · 08-13-2004, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monkeylizard@Aug 13 2004, 08:30 AM
I noticed that this engine is derived from the same engine in the "350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest", Those are all FWD application I think and of course I could be wrong since I don't follow Nissan products very well. Is this truck going to be FWD? I would certainly hope not.

You would be wrong, the 350 is RWD and the Murano comes with AWD therefore it can easily be adapted to RWD. And no, it would not be a FWD truck, come on now.

giagastormer · 08-13-2004, 12:53 PM

I dont care for that steering wheel at all. Good news for Nissan, 265 hp V6 should be plenty of power.

The Oatman · 08-13-2004, 01:24 PM

Quote:

I think that Nissan's interiors are weak, especially the painfully shabby ubiquitous steering wheel. I've sat in Nissans (and Infiniti's), and the interior plastics are lowgrade, just like some GM interiors. Of course, GM gets more of the criticism for its similar faults, though.

I agree. When I originally read all the poor reviews of some of the new Nissan interiors a few years ago I thought the media was exagerating because the ones I cared about did not look too bad in pictures. Then I sat in a 350z at the dealer... UGH. That interior felt extremely cheap. GM is really improving on their interiors in the newer models but they still have a bit to go in that area as well. Also, from what I hear the new G35 Infinity has an interior with higher grade plastics, etc.

jro4566 · 08-13-2004, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Butta@Aug 13 2004, 10:27 AM
Yeah, supposely that 4.0 V6 is the replacement for the 3.5. So you should expect about 300-310 hp for the Z & G35.

The 4.0 is NOT a replacement for the 3.5 - just an enlargement of it. As the article says, the 4.0 was made for truck applications. Plus, the 3.5L is going to be in the 05 G35s producing 277HP in the sedan and 295 in the MT Coupe.

MalibuZ31 · 08-13-2004, 01:52 PM

Hey 265Hp is no joke for a mid size pickup. Tq is probably the more essential output to look at but I beleive it has the best in class TQ rating too?!

The Colorado and the Canyon need an engine to match if not compete with. I'd say bring out a special version of both (Colorado SS and/or Canyon Denali) and offer a large DOHC V-6 with AWD. that should make a little noise!

PaleGreen · 08-13-2004, 02:01 PM

I cringe every time I see the HP ratings for an upcoming midsize truck, be it Tacoma, Dakota, or Frontier. Why on earth did GM design the Colorado/Canyon's engine bay to NOT handle the 4.2 I6?

The I5 looks weaker by the day & its slightly better fuel economy won't make up for the increasing power gap.

:

slvrlkdude · 08-13-2004, 02:05 PM

Good for Nissan, they make good decisions for their vehicles even if the interiors are lacking. What truck buyer really needs an sharp-looking interior. GM truck owners don't care what they're given as far as interiors, do they?

I think Nissan hit the nail on the head with their new Frontier and upcoming Pathfinder. The new Xterra is awesome as well.

I really wanted to like the Canyon/Colorado twins at the Auto Show in Motion, but I was just plain disappointed. Maybe in the 2015 iteration, they'll get it right.

In the meantime, I'll cross my fingers that Pontiac and Buick do good things in the near future. The G6 is a good start.

08-13-2004, 09:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ming GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SE Texas Posts: 13,414	Nissan Announces Most Powerful V6 Pickup August 13, 2004 GARDENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 2004--Nissan North America, Inc. today announced best-in-class horsepower and torque ratings for the all-new 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup, which goes on sale at Nissan dealerships nationwide in December 2004. The completely redesigned Frontier comes equipped with an available 4.0-liter DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine that is rated at 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Both figures are expected to be the highest ratings for any V6-equipped pickup -- mid-size or full-size. "We want to announce the new Frontier's exceptional horsepower and torque ratings now to let mid-size truck buyers know that help is on the way," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Frontier's association with our full-size Titan goes far beyond its styling -- it takes the same bold approach to offering new, unexpected levels of power, performance and innovation to buyers tired of the status quo." The new Frontier powerplant is derived from Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series utilized in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest. The 3.5-liter V6 VQ has been named to Ward's Communications' "Ten Best Engines" list for each of the last 10 years. The new Frontier engine features a longer stroke than the 3.5-liter version (92.0 mm versus 81.4 mm) and has been specifically tuned for truck applications. In addition to the taller engine block, the engine has been modified to include additional block reinforcements and increased main journal diameter for improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness control). Like other engines in the VQ series, the new 4.0-liter version includes such advanced design features as Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4x4 models), Continuous Valve Timing Control (intake only), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler, lightweight aluminum block, and platinum-tipped spark plugs. Article Here __________________ The Latest: Necromancer A Web Browser for the Commodore 64?

08-13-2004, 12:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
giagastormer 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 6,171	I dont care for that steering wheel at all. Good news for Nissan, 265 hp V6 should be plenty of power. __________________ -Your Type-R has never beaten JL W7 in any contest. -Your eD is not louder than a Stroker -You dont know what 160.0dB is like -You wont bully a multi-million dollar company via Internet -No one cares who You are, how many amp's You've installed, nor what "Your Buddy" can hit "in the kick". -You are a consumer. Shut the up and gobble up the products that You think are worth Your meager funds.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
GM Inside News Forum Advertisement

08-13-2004, 09:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
monkeylizard 2.4 Liter ECOTEC Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Waterford, MI Posts: 110	I noticed that this engine is derived from the same engine in the "350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest", Those are all FWD application I think and of course I could be wrong since I don't follow Nissan products very well. Is this truck going to be FWD? I would certainly hope not.

08-13-2004, 09:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
PaleGreen 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NYC Metro Posts: 220	The 350Z is RWD.

08-13-2004, 10:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Trendkiller 2.2 Liter ECOTEC Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 75	Those are also all vehicles that have ben recalled massively in the past couple years

08-13-2004, 11:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
silverado_13 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Newfoundland Drives: 1998 Malibu, 3100V6 155hp 180tq. Dark Cherry Met. Posts: 820	The GM twins need a bigger engine. maybe the 4800V8.

08-13-2004, 11:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
tgagneguam 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 6,936	I think that Nissan's interiors are weak, especially the painfully shabby ubiquitous steering wheel. I've sat in Nissans (and Infiniti's), and the interior plastics are lowgrade, just like some GM interiors. Of course, GM gets more of the criticism for its similar faults, though. Ugh, but I'm sure sales will improve for the Frontier, all things considered.

08-13-2004, 11:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
Butta 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 240	Yeah, supposely that 4.0 V6 is the replacement for the 3.5. So you should expect about 300-310 hp for the Z & G35.

08-13-2004, 12:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
ponchoman49 4.4 Liter Supercharged Northstar Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,242	I would like to see a V6 of some kind make an appearance in the Colorado and Canyon. The 5 cylinder made me yawn in the 4 wheel drive and 4 door models that I drove and it sounded kinda odd to boot. A V6 would easily fit and probably be lighter too. A 3.9 high value would make a good engine with around 260hp. Plus I think torque in a truck makes more sense than a high winder ohc. That would maybe increase towing a bit.

08-13-2004, 01:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
MalibuZ31 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 556	Hey 265Hp is no joke for a mid size pickup. Tq is probably the more essential output to look at but I beleive it has the best in class TQ rating too?! The Colorado and the Canyon need an engine to match if not compete with. I'd say bring out a special version of both (Colorado SS and/or Canyon Denali) and offer a large DOHC V-6 with AWD. that should make a little noise!

08-13-2004, 02:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
PaleGreen 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NYC Metro Posts: 220	I cringe every time I see the HP ratings for an upcoming midsize truck, be it Tacoma, Dakota, or Frontier. Why on earth did GM design the Colorado/Canyon's engine bay to NOT handle the 4.2 I6? The I5 looks weaker by the day & its slightly better fuel economy won't make up for the increasing power gap. :

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

08-13-2004, 02:05 PM	#15 (permalink)
slvrlkdude 2.0 Liter Supercharged ECOTEC Join Date: May 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 188	Good for Nissan, they make good decisions for their vehicles even if the interiors are lacking. What truck buyer really needs an sharp-looking interior. GM truck owners don't care what they're given as far as interiors, do they? I think Nissan hit the nail on the head with their new Frontier and upcoming Pathfinder. The new Xterra is awesome as well. I really wanted to like the Canyon/Colorado twins at the Auto Show in Motion, but I was just plain disappointed. Maybe in the 2015 iteration, they'll get it right. In the meantime, I'll cross my fingers that Pontiac and Buick do good things in the near future. The G6 is a good start.