When Nissan announced the 2016 Titan XD would feature a Cummins 5.0L V-8, we knew it would not be the only engine option. Nissan said as much itself, but specifics were thin on what exactly the engine would be. We were fairly certain it would be the same 5.6L displacement as its predecessor and figured there was a strong likelihood that it could be the direct-injected VK56VD used in the Infiniti QX80 and global Patrol fullsize SUV. Well, according to the latest specs released, it looks like we were close.

The 98 x 92mm bore and stroke is shared with both the Titan’s predecessor VK56DE as well as the VK56VD. Likewise, the new Titan’s V-8 also has direct injection and Nissan’s advanced VVEL valvetrain control system. However, compression is slightly higher on the Titan application, at 11.2:1 compared to the VK56VD’s 10.8:1, and substantially higher than the outgoing Titan’s 9.8:1. Overall output is slightly lower than the VK56VD at 390 hp and 401 lb-ft, compared to 400 hp and 413 lb-ft. Peak power and torque are produced at the same 5,800 and 4,000 rpm, respectively. The slightly higher compression ratio for the Titan may be for sharper throttle response and low-end torque.

The other major upgrade associated with the new engine is a change from the previous Titan’s five-speed automatic to a new seven-speed automatic. This is also unique from the Cummins-powered Titan’s six-speed Aisin transmission. Nissan also released the 10th installment of its “truckumentary” series that, up until now, almost exclusively focused on the Cummins-powered Titan XD. This time, the focus is on the gas engine.Source: