Nissan said the returning body-on-frame Xterra will use a V6 as its sole internal-combustion engine and that the V6 will be hybridized, Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan North America Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer, told The Drive at the New York International Auto Show.
Pandikuthira said Nissan prefers a V6 for its torque profile, performance and character, arguing that an adequately developed V6 can match the emissions of turbocharged four-cylinders. He contrasted that with the industry trend toward turbocharged four-cylinder engines in off-road SUVs.
Nissan currently offers a 3.8-liter V6 in the Frontier and Pandikuthira said hybridizing the Xterra’s V6 should improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Pandikuthira added it does not have to be a plug-in hybrid and that Nissan aims to preserve the V6’s driving personality while meeting emissions targets.
This article is based on reporting from The Drive.
Read the full article at The Drive.
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