We all want to know the detailed specifications about the Cummins turbo-diesel power train in the all-new 2016 Nissan Titan XD. TFLtruck went to the Cummins Columbus Engine Plant to learn more.

The new 5.0-liter V8 turbo-diesel makes 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque as announced before. Now, maximum torque arrives at a low 1,600 rpm. Cummins tells us that the rev range on this V8 is wide and the torque not start to come down until around 4,200 rpm. This is indeed a large rpm range for any diesel engine. Diesels in the V8 configuration do tend to rev higher than a straight-six.

Why did Cummins go with the V8 design for the 5.0-liter? The answer is simple. It’s all about packaging. The original Department Of Energy (DOE) initiative requested that a more efficient engine be made that could fit where a gasoline V8 or V10 would. This is what Cummins set out to do. Indeed, the 5.0-liter V8 is approximately 11 inches shorter than their inline-six.

Next, Cummins set out to make a lighter engine. They went with Composite Graphite Iron (CGI) block and aluminum heads and the final product weighs in at around 800 lbs.

Noise reduction was next on the list. The company went with the chain-driven valve train and other component that either reduce or dampen the sound and vibrations. This is a 90-degree V8, so it has an inherently better balance.

We can confirm that the engine’s “diesel clatter” is well controlled when observed from outside the truck. In fact, we did a video interview with Rich Miller (Chief Product Specialist for the Titan) next to the truck as it was idling. Revving it to about 2,500 rpm does not raise the sound level by much, but you can still tell it’s a diesel. Nissan wanted the powerful nature of the engine to still come across in the sound.

Lift the hood up, and the sound level of the running engine increases noticeably. Nissan did a good job with the engine bay design to control the sound as well.

The engine uses a high pressure common-rail fuel delivery system with Piezo-style injectors.

We still do not know many details. The MPG estimates are not yet known. Nissan says the new XD Titan will be 20% more efficient than the outgoing model. However, keep in mind that the XD has a heavier frame and other components for increased towing and payload. The final towing rating and carrying capacities are not yet known either. Nissan says the XD will tow a trailer over 12,000 lbs. Nissan also mentioned that the GVWR of the Titan XD is over 8,500 lbs. Once again, specific numbers are not yet available.

Unfortunately, we did not get to drive the new Titan XD. That will come in the fall, closer to the on-sale date of “end of calendar year”. We do know that the 2016 Titan will launch as an XD in crew cab configuration and a 6’5” bed. It will be available in 4×4 and 4×2 to start.

Stay tuned for a detailed video with Rich Miller. In the meantime, get the details about the 2016 Nissan Titan XD lineup here.