Ready for Action: A closer look at Nissan's "Project Titan"

RELATED STORY: Nissan "Project Titan" truck ready for Alaskan adventure

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Project Titan, Nissan's second crowd-sourced custom vehicle, is complete and ready for adventure. With the vast majority of its parts chosen by fans of the Nissan Trucks Facebook page, the truck is now fully equipped to conquer Alaska's challenging terrain. The Titan and its pilots, Wounded Warrior Project® Alumni David Guzman and Kevin McMahon, are on their adventure of a lifetime, and fans can follow along at Facebook.com/nissantrucks.

A Solid Start
One of the harshest environments in the world, Alaska's wilderness stands as an extreme challenge for any vehicle. That's why Nissan is supplying the two veterans with its most capable off-road package, the 2014 Titan Crew Cab PRO-4X®– a truck that rolls off the assembly line with a spec sheet loaded with serious off-road credibility. Under the hood lies an Endurance® 5.6-liter V-8 engine churning out 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Factory-equipped with front skid plates, a locking rear differential and 9,300 pounds of towing capability, the Titan PRO-4X is up for nearly any task. Built on a Crew Cab configuration and 4x4 drivetrain layout, this was the perfect starting point to build the ultimate adventure vehicle. Nissan Trucks Facebook fans voted on 10 stages of customization, taking Project Titan to the next level of off-road readiness.

Suspension Upgrades
From fording creeks and shallow rivers, to crawling rocks, to traversing deep mud, Alaska's wilderness has it all. To help conquer these challenges without concern, Project Titan needed to add to its already-impressive off-road capability. It starts with suspension.

Suspension is often one of the first modifications a truck owner makes, so tweaking Project Titan's was a must. A four-inch lift kit from PRG adds significant ground clearance, further preparing the team for the unknown. Installed at each corner, Radflow remote-reservoir shocks further its off-road capability. PRG end links and upper control arms are also bolted up, offering added capability and complementing the new coil-over setup.

With plenty of gear to haul and an off-road camping trailer along for the trip, AirLift rear airbags ensure the rear suspension remains level with the front. The new airbag setup provides 2,000 pounds of load-leveling capacity, so the team can load its gear with one less concern.

Wheels and Tires
Headed into the unknown, Guzman and McMahon needed a wheel and tire package that would not only perform well in a multitude of situations, but also look the part. All-black 18-inch Fuel Revolver D525 wheels wrapped in 35-inch Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires answered the call.

Designed for both on and off-road applications, the Trail Grappler has deep, trench-like grooves and a tread pattern optimized for lateral grip. These attributes lend to the capability of traversing deep mud without breaking a sweat. Should the team find itself in trouble, the veterans have a few spare wheels and tires along for the trip.

Off-Road Equipment
Speaking of compromising situations, a pair of winches are bolted to the front and rear bumpers. Warn Zeon winches capable of pulling 10,000 and 8,000 pounds respectively are along for the ride to help keep the team on the trail and out of trouble.

Stage five of the 10-round customization project gave fans the choice between three steel front bumper covers. If it wasn't clear during earlier stages, it sure was at this point: Nissan Trucks Facebook fans sought out the most rugged equipment available. An overwhelming majority selected the ARB Deluxe Bull Bar, a massive steel unit completely replacing the front bumper. Integrated LED fog lights, a winch mount and rugged front-end protection make this a perfect fit for a trip through the Last Frontier. A matching custom rear bumper delivers rear-end protection, retaining back-up sonar sensors and housing the rear winch.

Low-traction situations can be some of the most fun and challenging parts of traveling off-road; that's why the Titan Pro-4X is equipped with a factory electronic locking rear differential. Project Titan is further enhanced with a front ARB air locker to offer instant traction when needed. Dash-mounted switches give the driver convenient access for instant traction.

As autumn nears, daylight becomes less abundant, making auxiliary lighting a necessity. With a low-profile design and minimal current draw, two LED light bars are utilized – one on the roof just above the windshield and another mounted to the bull bar. Additional LED lighting placed on the roof rail leaves no part of the truck in the dark.

Exterior
Easily the most popular category amongst fans was the graphics package. Fans were given three options, including a tactical matte-black theme, an arctic white Alaskan style and a military-inspired desert option. In the end, it was the digital-camouflage print that took the majority. Paying homage to some of the military's greatest machinery, Project Titan is at home in camo clothes. Fully encompassing, the theme covers every inch of the Titan and utility trailer. The Wounded Warrior Project logo is proudly located on each rear fender, while the Project Titan logo makes its way onto the hood of the truck.

Interior
Inside, premium and rugged leather seat covers from Katzkin feature the Project Titan logo embroidered on the seat back. The desert theme is tastefully applied to the interior via custom tan stitching on the steering wheel, gear selector and door trim. A number of silver interior bits were redone in black as an added level of customization.

Electronics
Outfitting the Titan and its drivers with the latest off-road equipment was a mandate from the get go. A Lowrance off-road GPS unit guides the way as the team navigates through some of the most remote corners of Alaska. A multitude of included features involves detailed elevation mapping and advanced chart plotting. The veterans are also equipped with a satellite phone for emergencies and to stay in touch with home.

And what's a custom build without a little extra thump? Furnished from the factory with an eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate® audio system, Project Titan's acoustic capabilities are taken to a new level thanks to a pair of 8-inch subwoofers, door speakers and amplifiers from the same brand. Rated at 300 watts RMS each, the subwoofers are sure to deliver more than enough punch.

Managing the increased current draw from the additional electronics was an area in need of addressing. A heavy-duty 250-amp alternator and Absorbed Glass Mat battery are installed to handle the added load.

Performance Upgrades
Straight from the Nissan parts catalog comes a NISMO cold-air intake, helping to ensure maximum engine performance with an added bold sound. Constructed from 3.25-inch mandrel-bent 6061 aluminum with a black powder-coated finish, it features a fully washable cone filter surrounded by a heat shield to assist in providing low intake temperatures for maximum power and efficiency.

There's no doubt onlookers will know what the Project Titan truck is once they see it, but why not announce its presence from afar? For this, a Borla cat-back exhaust is installed, giving anyone within earshot a fair warning that something impressive is on the horizon. Constructed from T-304 stainless steel, the two-inch diameter exhaust flows an additional 135 cfm over the stock exhaust, but most importantly it amplifies the Titan's V-8 thunder.

Camping Gear
With several days' worth of equipment, food, sleeping gear, spare parts and a slew of other items needed to enjoy Alaska, additional cargo space was necessary. A trailer with off-road credibility is tapped to keep up with the team's adventurous schedule.

Built using 14-gauge steel and a 1/8-inch floor for maximum durability, this Manley ORV Explore trailer is up to the task. Fitted with the same wheel and tire package as the truck and equipped with an independent torsion suspension, the trailer will go anywhere the truck pulling it goes. Continuing the military theme, a pintle-style hitch allows for the wide range of motion needed for the impending rough terrain.

Mounted atop the rugged trailer sits a tent for two, helping to keep critters at a distance. This configuration leaves plenty of space for the camp-style gas grill found inside the cargo area below. A spare tire, extra fuel and fresh water are also included thanks to the added utility of the trailer. The team is armed with a fully-stocked tool box should it have any necessary repairs. A first-aid kit is along for the ride if needed.

Added utility comes in the form of an ARE camper top with locking windows and interior LED lighting. A bed slide is bolted on, making access to anything in the bed easier for the WWP Alumni to access. Adjustable cleats on the Titan's Utili-track™ cargo system are utilized to tie down loose items that may shift while traveling off-road.

With a towing capacity of 9,300 pounds, the custom Titan PRO-4X will have no issue pulling the equipment needed for the Alaskan adventure. The optional backup camera should make coupling the trailer an easy task.

Follow the Adventure
As the two veterans set out across the Alaskan landscape, Nissan will document the adventure, with a YouTube series set to launch this fall. The adventure begins Sept. 8, when Guzman and McMahon shift into drive in the Alaskan Frontier. To follow the team's thrilling journey through the Last Frontier, visit the Nissan Trucks Facebook page: Facebook.com/nissantrucks.

Project Titan is Nissan's second crowd-sourced vehicle project, following the Project 370Z performance build in 2012. For detailed photos and video, as well as a complete list of modifications to "Project Titan," visit NissanNews.com.

The Project Titan modified vehicle will not be available for purchase. Modifying a vehicle could affect its safety, performance and durability; see Owner's Manual for details. Any alterations or modifications that result in damage to your vehicle are not covered under Nissan's New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always secure all cargo. Heavy loading of the vehicle with cargo, especially on the roof, will affect the handling and stability of the vehicle. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for proper use.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About Wounded Warrior Project®
Wounded Warrior Project is recognizing its ten-year anniversary, reflecting on a decade of service and reaffirming its commitment to serving injured veterans for their lifetime. The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP currently serves 54,000 warriors and more than 7,500 family members through its unique 20 programs and services. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

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