CHANGES FOR 2008:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Nissan

- New long-wheelbase model
- New PRO-4X trim line
- Revised front end and wheel lip mouldings
- New wheel styles
- New seat design, instrument clusters and centre stack
- Available 8-inch DVD screen replaces 7-inch screen
- Available Bluetooth phone system, XM Satellite Radio
- Available heated leather bench seat
- New exterior colours: Pebble Beach and Timberline

For 2008, the Nissan Titan is available in two wheelbase lengths: the short-wheelbase that was the sole choice in 2007 is joined by a long-wheelbase model, which also adds a seven-foot box to the Crew Cab, and an eight-foot box to the King Cab.

There’s also a new PRO-4X off-road model, which includes Rancho performance gas shocks, a lower final drive ratio (to 3.357), oil pan and transfer case skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. The package also includes body-colour grille and bumpers, unique decals and instrument gauges, and seats with red stitching and the logo embroidered into them. The PRO-4X is available in both Crew and King configuration, but only with the short wheelbase, and in 4x4 configuration only.

All Titan models use a 5.6-litre V8 engine, shared with the Armada and Pathfinder, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The King Cab has two small rear-hinged doors that open 168 degrees, while the Crew Cab has four independently-opening doors.

In both Crew and King, trim lines are the XE in short wheelbase; SE in short and long wheelbase; and PRO-4X in short wheelbase. The top-line LE is short wheelbase in the King Cab, long wheelbase in the Crew Cab. In the King Cab, the XE is 4x2 only, the SE is 4x2 or 4x4, and the LE is 4x4 only; all Crew Cab models are 4x4 configuration.

Features on the XE include 18-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, air conditioning, sliding rear window,40/20/40 three-passenger front bench seat, column-mounted shifter, fold-down front console, tow hooks, cloth seats, six-CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers and tire pressure monitoring system.

The SE adds front captain’s chairs, tow package, bed channel system, tailgate light, heated power mirrors with towing extension, fixed front console, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, power-adjustable pedals, garage door opener, eight-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped wheel, rear backup sensor and anti-theft system.

The PRO-4X adds locking differential, high-performance Rancho gas shocks, body-colour bumpers and grille, fog lamps, Rockford Fosgate stereo with eight speakers, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and automatic headlamps.

The LE builds on the SE’s features and adds 20-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Dynamic Control, chrome outside door handles, heated extending mirrors with turn signals and puddle lights, side step rails, heated leather seats, interior wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, Rockford Fosgate stereo with eight speakers and XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic headlamps, driver’s position memory, six-way power passenger seat, and side and curtain airbags.

With its new longer wheelbase, the Titan moves up a notch in practicality, while still retaining the luxury touches that make it popular with buyers; although it can be ordered in base form with manual mirrors, windows and locks, it still comes with a six-CD stereo. In LE form it’s better-equipped than some luxury sedans, but it’s still a tough truck, with a fully-boxed frame and a stump-puller engine. The new interior upgrades the quality, while off-road fans will find the new PRO-4X model more than enough to get them way off the beaten path.