2005 Nissan Frontier Press Kit

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The larger, more powerful 2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab pickup, moves Nissan squarely into the midsize pickup market with the most powerful V6 available in any pickup. The all-new Frontier includes a number of features shared with the Nissan Titan, including its rugged suspension design, innovative factory-applied spray-in bedliner, Utili-track bed channel tie-down system and fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the Titan’s F-Alpha platform.

“The award-winning Titan sets the standard for innovation in pickup design, regardless of size. Titan, in turn, set the tone for the creation of the 2005 Frontier,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “With the debut of the all-new 2005 Frontier, we're solidifying Nissan's truck presence in both the full-size and mid-size truck segments – essentially giving buyers the same tough truck in large and extra large.”

The 2005 Frontier is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles and in 2WD and 4WD driveline configurations. The new Frontier, like the previous generations, is assembled at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.

A Powerful Platform
While the key word in conceiving the 2005 Frontier was "more" – as in more power, more size, more off-road capability, more towing and cargo hauling capacity, more comfort and utility – the key to bringing concept to reality was the adoption of Titan's F-Alpha platform.

Starting with strong, fully boxed frame rails, the platform provides a rugged foundation on which to build. The 2005 Frontier's wheelbase is 9.8 inches longer than the previous generation’s, which helps enhance ride comfort and stability. The overall length of 205.5 inches is larger than the 2004 model (+2.6 inches King Cab, + 5.6 inches Crew Cab), though it remains a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup. Width and height measurements are also increased with the new design.

The 2005 Frontier shares its suspension layout and many component designs based on the Titan, including an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle leaf rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics.

The Frontier, like Titan, provides exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading ability, due in large measure to its powerful new engine – a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. These figures are the highest of any available V6 pickup engine.

The new 4.0-liter 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. At the same time, it offers excellent fuel efficiency and smooth operation.

The 4.0-liter V6 design includes Continuous Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), 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, cross flow engine coolant pattern, 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 2WD model.

The all-new Frontier is offered with a choice of transmissions – an advanced 5-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed manual (King Cab I4 model). Frontier 4WD models include a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer case.

Overall off-road capability has been substantially enhanced in virtually every aspect. A new advanced off-road traction system is available with 4WD models. It includes an advanced 4-wheel limited slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheel with more grip on low traction surfaces.

A new 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). It can be activated at speeds up to 31 mph in 4H and 15 mph in 4LO.

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 4WD models in 2WD, 4H and 4LO. HSA is designed for rugged, low-speed off-road driving situations.

Also available are off-road tuned Bilstein® performance shocks and an electronic locking rear differential. To maximize the off-road benefit of all of these state-of-the-art features, Nissan engineers tucked all key underbody hardware up to the frame rails for a minimum 10.1-inches of running ground clearance. This combines with outstanding approach and departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.

Other 2005 Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

The 2005 Frontier is offered with a range of available wheels and tires, including 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.
The Frontier’s maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,500 pounds (when properly equipped).

A Bigger, Bolder Body
“With increases in all critical exterior and interior dimensions, it is easy to see that with this generation Frontier has grown up,” said McNabb. “The new mid-size Frontier also projects a more modern, rugged truck look and feel, both inside and out, with a robust, athletic style and intelligent-utility design features.”

As with Titan, Nissan’s designers wanted to create a bolder, more expressive, more adventurous exterior. They also wanted the exterior to be clearly identified as a Nissan, utilizing 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, the 2005 Frontier offers new levels of innovation in areas where it matters most to truck owners, including the bed. Both the Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-in bedliner and the new Utili-track tie-down system first introduced on Titan.

The Utili-track system 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 will be offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units.

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

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 (except on leather-trimmed models). A dual glove box, center console storage, 1-liter storage integrated into the front doors and a multitude of cupholder and power points are standard. Frontier also offers leather-appointed interior and factory-installed sunroof.

“The interior of the new Frontier, again following the high design standards set by the Titan, serves as a catalyst for active lives. It is both purpose-built and no-nonsense, yet at the same time offers the innovative, intuitive functionality and comfort that has been missing in the segment,” said McNabb.

The 2005 Frontier also 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), and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Also offered are supplemental front seat side-impact air bags and available supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab) and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system (Crew Cab).

The larger, more powerful 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup has more than a passing resemblance to the recently introduced Nissan Titan full-size pickup. Along with its modern, rugged styling, the all-new Frontier shares a number of significant features with Titan, including its suspension design, innovative available factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available Utili-track bed channel tie-down system and fully boxed, all-steel frame based on Titan’s F-Alpha platform.

The third generation Frontier, which is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations, is designed to deliver exceptional levels of acceleration, handling and braking, towing capacity and off-road capability. Along with the solid foundation provided by the F-Alpha truck platform, the Frontier features a newly designed 4.0-liter DOHC V6 with more horsepower than any other mid-size truck - 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque - and a choice of 2WD or 4WD with advanced off-road technology including available 4-wheel limited slip.

A base King Cab 2WD model with an inline 4-cylinder engine is also available.

The 2005 Frontier, like previous generations, is assembled at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Highlights of the 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup include:

Body

• Available in a choice of King Cab or Crew Cab bodies
• Aggressive, rugged Titan-style exterior design with chrome, angled strut grille, chrome bumpers, short front and rear overhangs, large geometric stamped steel fender flares
• Bigger, bolder body with enhanced dimensions versus the prior model Frontier:
• King Cab / Crew Cab
  - Wheelbase (in.) 125.9 (+9.8) / 125.9 (+9.8)
  - Length (in.) 205.5 (+2.6) / 205.5 (+5.6)
  - Width (in.) 72.8 (+1.6) / 72.8 (+1.6)
  - Height (in.) 69.7 (+3.0) / 70.1 (+3.4) w/o roof rack
• Available high-utility bed with factory-applied spray-in bedliner and Utili-track bed channel system with adjustable aluminum-alloy tie-down cleats (rated at 200 lbs each) and available accessory racks, trays, dividers and modular storage systems
• Available tube-style, functional roof rack on Crew Cab

Engine and Driveline

• New 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque
• Aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, Teflon®-coated pistons, Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), Continuous Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), silent two-stage timing chainAvailable 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder (King Cab 4x2 only)
• Available 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission 
• 6,500 pounds maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped)
• Available shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case
• Available advanced off-road traction systems and substantially enhanced overall off-road capability, including 4-wheel limited slip, electronic locking rear differential, Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA)

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• All-steel double-wishbone front suspension
• Solid axle leaf rear suspension with overslung leaf springs with long suspension stroke for optimized off-road ride and ground clearance
• Available off-road tuned Bilstein® high-pressure performance gas shocks
• Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Available 17-inch wheels and tires

Interior Features

• Roomy, modern interior design
• More spacious, more comfortable interior (versus previous generation Frontier) with flexible seating and cargo utility
• Both King Cab and Crew Cab feature flip-up rear seats 
• Available leather-appointed power-adjustable seats, heated seats and mirrors

Safety and Security

• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger classification sensor), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• Available supplemental front seat side-impact air bags with available supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for front and rear passengers
• 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab)
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system (Crew Cab)

Models and Manufacturing

• Available in King Cab and Crew Cab 2WD and 4WD configurations
• Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plant