08 NISSAN TITAN -- offering new LONG WHEELBASE models By ALAN GELL Automotive Journalist The Daily Oklahoman The Chicago Auto Show. It was one of the best run and organized auto shows in recent memory, at least as far as the journalists were concerned. Several new products were unveiled and put on display. A new 2008 model that really caught my attention was the NISSAN TITAN.

For 2008, Nissan has added a longer wheelbase to the Titan Crew Cab, allowing for the application of a full 7 foot bed -- one of the longest in its class. Not only that, but all long wheelbase Titans have a 37 gallon capacity gas tank as a standard feature. This new Long Wheelbase can be obtained in either the King Cab or a Crew Cab. Actually, the King Cab model Long Wheelbase features an 8 foot bed. The Crew Cab Long Wheelbase has the 7 foot bed. Both the King Cab Long Wheelbase and Crew Cab Long Wheelbase have the 37 gallon fuel tank.

The Titan has a lot of endurance and many more of them can be seen on the roadways than last year. Consumers are slowly becoming aware of the great pickup truck it really is. The Titan is powered by a standard all-aluminum 5.6 liter V8 engine that produces 317 horsepower.

New for 2008, the front end of the Titan has been redone with a more refined bumper, new headlight designs, fog light designs, and an updated grill. The utility bed in the back of the pickup is designed for use, not just to be looked at on occasion. The bed features a factory applied spray-in bedliner, bed-mounted 12 volt point, and tailgate assist. Even the wheels on the Titan have been upgraded for 2008. The all-new designs are highlighted by 20 inch aluminum alloy, which comes standard on the LE trim package.

In addition to the standard choices of trim, an all new PRO-4X trim is available starting in 2008. The PRO-4X features a lower gear ration, additional skid plates, electronic locking rear differential, new shock absorbers, different gauges on the dashboard, and some other special interior features. Available as an option is a 350 watt, 10 speaker Rockford Fosgate audio package. The audio package includes Bluetooth hands-free phone and XM satellite radio.

You have a lot of choices in the marketplace for a pickup truck, and that is a good thing. Competition breeds better products for the consumer. By adding more size and more driving range, as well as style, utility, and performance, the TITAN is simply strengthening their position in the field. My guess is that it will not only keep their foothold, but also increase their market share. The TITAN has terrific styling. It has do-anything utility. It has go-anywhere off-road capability. And now, it has a lot more cargo room.

Stop by a NISSAN dealership soon and check out the TITAN pickup. Look over all it has to offer. You might be very surprised