Nissan developing high-MPG pickup truck 06/01/2011
Japanese automaker Nissan has announced that it has partnered with the Department of Energy and diesel engine manufacturer Cummins to work on a new version of its Titan pickup that could crack 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Fuel efficiency seems to be on every automakers' mind right now, with sales figures showing that Americans are beginning to pay attention to MPGs. In addition, all brands are expected to reach certain averages mandated by the federal government - which is why so many are investing in hybrid and electric technologies.
Still, the pickup truck segment is one that continues to drag that average down, as EPA ratings in the low 20s tend to be considered "good" for these vehicles. Nissan is looking to change that through the development of a new four-cylinder diesel engine. The company and its partners are aiming for a combined miles per gallon rating of 28, which could possibly mean that the truck will get more than 30 mpgs on the highway - an unheard of figure for the pickup segment.
Fortunately, the engine won't skimp on power either. PickupTrucks.com reports that preliminary figures put the power at about 220 horsepower, with an impressive 380 lb-ft of torque as well.