Nissan Titan & V8 Cummins 5.0L TurboDiesel

[hemigeno]

Read an article today which prompted me to do a bit more research.  It appears Nissan will be capitalizing on Chrysler's 2008-9 pullout of a R&D project with Cummins for a V8 5.0L diesel suitable for use in half-ton pickups.  Even though the Italian-made VM Motori V6 diesel {citation} Ram is now using might be a good unit, it will not have torque/horsepower numbers even close (550tq/300+hp for the V8 Cummins vs. 420tq/240hp for Ram 1500's V6) or even the US-based customer appeal linked to the Cummins name that the new ISV5.0 will generate.

http://www.equipmentworld.com/2014-innovations-cummins/

    The history of this engine dates back to the early 2000s when Cummins and the US Department of Energy collaborated on a jointly funded research project to explore the possibility of a light-duty, automotive diesel engine, says Michael Taylor, director of customer engineering and business development.  Shortly afterward, Chrysler expressed interest in the possibility of a small diesel for its Ram brand 1/2-ton pickups and joined the effort.
    In 2006 Cummins announced its light-duty diesel program and the partnership with Ram.  In 2008 and 2009 when the economy tanked, Chrysler got cold feet and withdrew from the project.  Nissan, which had also been involved with the development, stayed in the game and Cummins forged ahead.

More Info on the Nissan

More Info on the Nissan


While I'm not currently in the market for a 1/2 ton pickup, it seems like Chrysler/Ram may regret using the smaller VM Motori (50% owned by GM, 50% by Fiat) V6 diesel instead of sticking it out with the Cummins program - unless the Titan's fuel mileage stinks (have not heard any projections yet).  I know Chrysler and Cummins are separate business entities, but the two names have been synonymous in the pickup truck market for so long... I hate to see the exclusivity end.

[Ghoste]

And once again, the new European master proves they have absolutely no clue at all as to how the American auto market works.  The people who wanted an Italian diesel were already buying them.

[JB400]

I'm sure Chrysler probably didn't have much of a choice on the pull out on that decision.  If the Cummins is still in the heavy duty Rams, I'm sure Chrysler could jump back into it if their v6 diesel doesn't work out as planned.  Then again, smaller v6 does allow room for a diesel electric conversion

[Ghoste]

Thats what I'm saying, I'm sure Chrysler was mandated by the Italians to use it and were not given a say in the matter.  Daimler used to do the same thing.  Chrysler can make plenty of mistakes all on their own wihtout having to be second guessed on the things they do know about.
Even Toyota figured out the best way to pentrate the American pickup market was to try and act American.

[JB400]

I was thinking more in the terms of the bailout, not the buyout.  I did find out that the company that is supplying this engine has been dealing with Mopar since 92.  It could be that this v6 was closer to production than the v8.  Of course, several over seas Mopars are diesel anyway.  It could be that this engine has already been used before, but just currently met US emissions.

[Ghoste]

Yeah and I should leave my impulsive reaction out of it for the moment.  It could well prove to be a very popular engine in the light duty truck.

[Mopar440+6]

I hate to say it while there are 4 Ram's sitting in the driveway (2 of them Cummins powered) but if I were in the market for a new, light duty truck, I would almost definitely be coming home with a Nissan. While I love Chrysler, I trust Cummins and that's the important part to me when I'm going to be driving something everyday. Hopefully the Italian overlords will wise up and decide to switch after a year or two...

[Ghoste]

It'll be too late by then.

[Scaregrabber]

Well the Cummins in the big trucks are no great shakes right now so maybe it's no loss. 5L is pretty big so maybe the smaller one is a better fit in a half ton to get some fuel mileage improvement, the new big Cummins are not good on fuel.
I think the good years are gone anyway, it was fun while it lasted but we'll probably see a bunch more stupid stuff come down the pike now.

Sheldon

[Ghoste]

If I understand correctly though, the big one will stay for the larger Ram trucks.  This was a new and smaller one they were developing with Cummins and Chrysler walked away.
Am I misunderstanding it?

[Scaregrabber]

Nope: That's the way I understand it as well. It looks to me like the beginning of the end though.

Sheldon

[Ghoste]

Maybe the one they are going to is superior.  Diesels have been predominant in Europe so it is a technology they are familiar with.  Whether they can convince the American public (if its even true) is another thing.  Like Chris said, Dodge and Cummins have become well linked in the public mind.

[Steve P.]

I can't figure any of them out. Ford owned something like 20% of Cummins and they never were smart enough to put it in their 3/4 and 1 tons. Only the 450 on up.

If my F-250 had a cummins under the hood I would be getting 2 times the MPG and would not be crapping my pants right now as tomorrow I will be flipping it over to 100K miles. For the Cummins it would just be time for a new filter. Though I have never had any problems at all with my gas hog, and I am not one to KNOCK ON WOOD, I am shitting bricks with worry that it's about to blow!!! lol..... 

[stripedelete]

I can't figure any of them out. Ford owned something like 20% of Cummins and they never were smart enough to put it in their 3/4 and 1 tons. Only the 450 on up.

I wonder if there is an "exclusive" hwith Chrysler?  May not make sense today, but, in the late 80's ..............

[Ghoste]

I thought there was at one time.

[Troy]

Engine manufacturer aside, I don't trust the quality of Nissan trucks. Not saying that because they aren't American or anything - it's that everyone I know who has had one has spent a LOT of time fighting the dealer to fix problems. So much so that they have all sold their trucks. On a related note, my Cummins Ram was a giant POS so...

Troy

[Ghoste]

Was it the engine though or the truck as a whole?  (as I recall a huge part of your problem involved service departments that didn't seem to much car either?)

[Troy]

Was it the engine though or the truck as a whole?  (as I recall a huge part of your problem involved service departments that didn't seem to much car either?)

Engine was great. Truck, not so much. It was just even more frustrating because of the asshats at the dealership - and Dodge overall. Of course, the guy who bought it from me hasn't had a lick of trouble! (Other than the lift pump.) Maybe because it was all new when I sold it?

Troy

[Ghoste]

That is always the way buddy.  And if it had been perfect, he would have scored a lemon.  Go figure.