2008 Nissan Frontier Press Kit: Overview

The 2008 Nissan Frontier pickup continues to offer the rugged, practical utility of a full-size pickup with the fuel-efficiency and manageability benefits of a mid-size truck. For 2008, Frontier continues to share a number of features with the larger Titan, including innovative industry-first utility bed solutions, while boasting the highest standard horsepower rating in its class – 261 horsepower.

For 2008, available Frontier features include an upgraded sound system with an auxiliary jack, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, XM^® satellite radio, Nissan Immobilizer and Vehicle Security System, standard Utility Bed Package on NISMO models. In addition, a power cloth driver’s seat is now added to LE trims and a new Beige interior color replaces the previous Desert interior.

The 2008 Frontier is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles and in 4x2 and 4x4 driveline configurations. The Frontier, like the previous generations, is assembled at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Full-Size Truck Styling and Utility

Like the full-size Nissan Titan, Frontier’s exterior design is bold, expressive and adventurous. Frontier utilizes signature Nissan truck themes, including a chrome, angled strut grille, chrome bumpers, short front and rear overhangs, large, stamped steel, geometric fender flares.

Like Titan, Frontier offers levels of innovation in areas where it matters most to truck owners – the bed. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and the Utili-track tie-down system. The Utili-track system, first introduced on Titan, provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor, and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo.

In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories is offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units.

A Flexible, Well-Equipped Interior

Just as the high-utility bed offers Frontier owners an exceptional level of flexibility and utility, Frontier's interior features outstanding functionality combined with comfort and intelligent design. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab feature large rear doors (rear hinged on King Cab) for easy access to the rear seating and cargo areas.

The Frontier King Cab features flip-up rear seats and both cab styles offer new solutions to cab storage and flexibility. Removable storage boxes are tucked beneath the rear seats, while the front passenger seat folds flat for added load carrying capacity (not available on leather-trimmed models).

A dual glove box with lock, damper and lamp, center console storage, one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors and a multitude of cupholders and power points are standard. Frontier Crew Cab also offers an available leather-appointed interior and available factory-installed moonroof.

A Powerful Platform

The heart and soul of the 2008 Frontier’s is its rugged F-Alpha platform. Starting with strong, fully boxed frame rails, the platform provides a rugged foundation on which to build. Frontier's long 3,200 mm (126-inch) wheelbase helps enhance ride comfort and stability, while the overall length of 5220 mm (205.5 inches - King Cab and Crew Cab Regular Bed) is a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup.

The 2008 Frontier shares its suspension layout and many component designs with the Titan, including its all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics. Available are off-road tuned NISMO-spec Bilstein^® performance shocks and an electronic locking rear differential.

Frontier provides exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading ability, due in large measure to its powerful engine – a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0-liter DOHC V6 is based on the award-winning Nissan VQ engine series used in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest, but is specifically tuned for the unique demands of truck use. Besides smooth torque delivery, the V6 offers excellent fuel efficiency and smooth operation.

The 4.0-liter V6 design includes a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, Teflon^®-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler, lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads and 105,000-mile spark plugs.

The Frontier V6 is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine production facility in Decherd, Tenn., which also produces Titan’s 5.6-liter V8.

A 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine is also available on the base Frontier King Cab 4x2 model with 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft torque.

The available Hill Descent Control (HDC) feature allows slow hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal. HDC must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and is available only when the transfer case is engaged in 4H or 4LO (it works in both forward and reverse).

Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake pedal and not roll back for up to two seconds while the driver moves their foot to the accelerator for a smooth, controlled start. HSA is available on all LE models and NISMO models with automatic transmission and works in 2WD, 4H and 4LO. HSA is designed for rugged, low-speed off-road driving situations.

All key underbody hardware is tucked up to the frame rails for a minimum 8.9 inches (4x4) or 8.6 inches (4x2) of running ground clearance on XE, SE, NISMO and LE models. Every 2008 Frontier also offers good approach and departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.
Other Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Frontier is offered with a range of available wheels and tires, including 16-inch off road style wheels with rugged 265/70R16 white-letter tires and 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.

Frontier’s maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,500 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped).

NISMO Frontier - The Ultimate Off-Road Performer

The NISMO Frontier represents the highest level of factory off-road performance available in the 2008 Nissan Frontier. NISMO Frontier includes an extensive list of performance-oriented components including off-road tuned NISMO-spec Bilstein performance shocks, skid plates, special interior appointments, front fog lamps, unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (with new finish for 2008) with aggressive P265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A off-road tires, an electronic locking rear differential and 4-wheel limited slip for 4x4 models and 2-wheel limited slip for 4x2 models.

The NISMO Frontier model is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations and in 4x4 and 4x2 drivelines.

Advanced Safety Systems, A Variety of Models and Packages

The 2008 Frontier includes a long list of safety equipment, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Available options and packages include the XE Apearance Package, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Package, NISMO 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Package and the Leather Package (Crew Cab only).

2008 Nissan Frontier King Cab and Frontier Crew CabKey Dimensions and Specifications

Engine

4.0-litre DOHC V6
261 horsepower @5600 rpm
281 ft-lbs torque @ 400 rpm
Available 2.5-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder (King Cab only)

Transmission

Five-speed electronically controlled automatic or 6-speed manual

Frame

Fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame (F-Alpha architecture, based on the Nissan Titan)

Drive configuration

Front engine/4x2 or 4x4
Available part-time four-wheel drive system with
electronically controlled two-speed transfer case
Available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Available advanced off-road traction systems

Suspension

Double-wishbone front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Rigid leaf rear suspension

Steering

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Brakes

Four-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)

Wheels/Tires

Up to 17-inch/265/65R17