2015 Nissan Frontier

Just looked at the Pathfinders engine.

Seems very weak for a 3.6L V6 compared to the rest of the bunch. Only 260hp/240 torque. Doesn't seem enough for a midsize.

I expected to see 300/260 type numbers.

 

^That's because the engine in use, 3.5L VQ35DE, is in fact quite old, from 2002. It lacks direction injection. If this engine will go in the new Frontier in the US market, it would represent a regression, since the 2005-2014 Frontier's VQ40DE is part of the same family, with the same technology level.

Toyota has a better 3.5L in the form of the 2GR-FE used in the previous-gen RAV4, which as you may know was surprisingly fast thanks to 276 hp on a light platform. Add direct injection (2GR-FSE) and output jumps to 305 hp, as seen in the IS350.

Toyota consciously avoided direct injection in trucks and SUVs (including Lexus GX and LX), citing durability concerns. At some point Toyota will consider the technology mature enough. It'll be interesting to see which truck or SUV model will get it first.

 

I like the idea of 7 speed auto looking forward to the new ridgeline. Only two major things I hated on the old model was the shape of bed swooping downward and the 5 spd auto transmission which contributed to its bad mileage.

 

I thought the Tundras 5.7l was DI. I could be wrong.

I really hope they put the Lexus 3.5l in the next Gen Taco. The most updated one will be in the RC that goes on sale this fall with dual VVT and dual injection cranking out 315hp.

 

I wonder if it'll get the small Cummins like they were hinting at.

 

5.7L in the Tundra and Land Cruiser/LX570 is not DI.

4.6L in the Tundra and GX460 is not DI, either (310 hp). The same engine is used in the LS460 sedan with DI, giving 386 hp.

There is one failure mode with DI that can be quite damaging - injector stays on all the time. Ever seen a BMW with cats glowing cherry-red?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNeUR_BsUCs

Yes the BMW engine has intake ports on the outside of the V and exhaust ports on the inside.

 

Leaked shots here:

http://www.carscoops.com/2014/06/2015-nissan-navara-frontier-unmasked-in.html

Source claims 2.5L diesel. 2 days until official announcement.

 

Chris,
Were you able to get any pictures of the vehicles you could share.

 

Ha ha it's only a truck. They act like it's something never done before.

Thanks for answering my question.

 

They probably put a chip in you while you were in there.

 

Did you get to drive any of them?

 

Well that sucks balls.

 

More modernized interior with push-button start and automatic temperature control:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFne81hXgo4

More official propaganda:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC5yQOUE4SY

 

The new frontier looks okay.... But before you guys knock the pathfinder engine it does have some get up and go behind it. Its the same engine used in the maxima, altima, and quest.

 

^The current Frontier basically uses a bigger (by 0.5L) and more powerful version of it. The current Frontier is slower than the Taco on the dragstrip for whatever reason (weight, gearing, torque curve...), despite having more peak power.

 

Interior looks really good, much improved from current frontier and GM twins. Hopefully this will make toyota update theirs.

I believe it's the torque difference if I remember correctly.