Nissan in North America has detailed a new 3,8-litre V6 petrol engine that is set to be used in the next-generation Frontier bakkie.
The outgoing Frontier offered in the United States is, of course, effectively the previous-generation (D40 series) Navara, a model that is “soon” set to be replaced by a new-generation version (perhaps sharing some parts with the D23-generation Navara currently offered in markets such as South Africa).
Interestingly, though, the US arm of the Japanese brand has opted to debut its new V6 powerplant in the old model, with a plan to carry it over to the new generation.
So, to the engine. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder, which drives the wheels via a new nine-speed automatic transmission “designed to maximise powertrain efficiency and provide an enhanced acceleration feel”, employs what Nissan describes as “93 percent new or redesigned parts”. It replaces the firm’s old 4,0-litre V6.
Set to be assembled at Nissan’s engine facility in Tennessee (alongside the Titan’s 5,6-litre V8), the new V6 generates peak outputs of 231 kW and 381 N.m. Nissan says it will also offer improved fuel economy, although exact claimed consumption figures have yet to be released.
The current SA-spec Navara is available exclusively in 2,3-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel guise, with outputs of 140 kW and 450 N.m. Would you like to see a large V6 petrol engine such as the one detailed above offered in South Africa?
