The Production Trucks
The North American International Auto Show in Detroit kicked off the show season with a bang, as domestic and import companies introduced a bunch of significant new products. Some were fanciful concept vehicles (which we'll talk about later), while others were ready-for-primetime production models. Here's what you can expect to see in showrooms soon. (Note that we've included some AWD and "crossover" SUVs here as well as traditional trucks, just in case you're in the market for something cushy.)
'04 Nissan Titan Nissan's first-ever fullsize pickup truck is truly fullsize and built tough-at least, according to the spec sheet. We won't get our hands on an actual truck for months (and neither will you, since it doesn't go on sale until December), but it sure looks good on paper. Start with its Endurance V-8-a 5.6L DOHC engine that'll put out more than 300 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque, which just about equals Ford's new-for-'04 5.4L Triton V-8 and outright beats Chevy's Vortec 5300 V-8. Power is routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to an electronically controlled transfer case and Dana 44 axles front and rear. Low-range ratio and axle gear specs haven't been released, as Nissan is still fine-tuning the Titan's fuel economy, but the maker promises the transfer case will offer a "best in class" crawl ratio. An electric locker will be available for the rear axle.
The suspension setup will be double wishbone up front, live axle in the rear. Rancho shocks will be available in an off-road package, as will 285/70R18 tires on 17x7.5 alloy rims.
So is it a "real" fullsize? Well, overall the King-Cab is 1.6 inches shorter than an '03 F-150 Super Cab and 3.4 inches shorter than an extended cab Chevy 1500. The Titan's wheelbase is an inch longer than the Ford's, and 3.7 inches shorter than the Chevy's. They're all within an inch of each other in terms of overall width, and all three have 611/42-foot beds. Compared with '03 Fords and Chevys, Nissan wins the tow-capacity race, topping at 9,400 pounds compared with 8,600 pounds for similarly equipped domestic trucks. (The '04 F-150, however, can tow 9,500 pounds.)
There's so much more to talk about-the first factory truck with a spray-in bedliner, a unique bedside storage compartment in the rear quarter, electronic traction control-but we're out of room. Watch for more in upcoming issues.
'04 Ford F-150 Ford's redo of the F-150 is no mere re-skin. Yes, the sheetmetal has evolved into a more chiseled look, with an exaggerated grille that reminds us of the Ram's front end. But the changes to the truck are frame-up. Literally. The boxed frame is nine times stiffer than it was, improving the truck's road manners. The chassis has been refined too, with new coil-on-shock dampers matched with a long-spindle, double-wishbone front suspension. In back, Ford has mounted the shock absorbers outboard of the leaf springs, "allowing more precise tuning and improved ride and handling," says Ford.
Under the hood is a new version of the 5.4L Triton V-8. This optional mill features three valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, and other engineering refinements, all of which up the engine's output to 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an all-new five-speed automatic transmission. The engine and chassis upgrades bring the F-150's maximum towing capacity to 9,500 pounds.
In tandem with the new look, Ford has stretched the cabin of the regular- and SuperCab F-150s a full 6 inches for improved cargo-carrying and passenger room. Regular-cab trucks also get new rear access doors to make it easier to stow and retrieve cargo behind the seats.
There will be five '04 F-150 models-XL, STX, XLT, FX4, and Lariat-each with its own features (including different interior appointments). The FX4 remains the off-road version of choice, with skidplates, tuned shocks, optional LT275/65R18 tires, tow hooks, and 3.73:1 axles with a limited-slip rear diff.