2016 Nissan Titan XD
After hauling up our Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Pickup, the Nissan Titan XD looks to wow us again. This time, running on tried and true V8 gasoline power.
The original 5.0 liter Cummins turbo diesel V8 was a torque-y and stout mover that impressed us mightily. A tow rating of 12,300 pounds impressed us, too.
This time, we’re cruisin’ in the 5.6 liter “Endurance” V8, a naturally aspirated gasoline engine carried over from the current gen, and also smaller, Titan. Although some reengineering bumps horsepower way up to 390, and torque to 401 lb-ft.
Compared to the diesel, there’s a penalty on tow rating, of course. But at around eleven hundred pounds less weight, it’s not as much as we expected. Max payload on the other hand, is actually up about 500 pounds.
The lighter gas engine also makes it feel a little more nimble on its feet.
On sale now, the 2016 Nissan Titan XD, with V8 Gasoline power, starts around $36,000.
Specifications
- Engine: 5.6 liter
- Horsepower: 390
- Torque: Starts around $36,000
2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS
If the days of the internal-combustion Boxster really are ending, Porsche did right by going out with a proper bang— the 2024 718 Spyder RS, which we took for a stroll through the hills of southern Germany.
The most impressive thing here is the 911 GT3-derived engine, a 4.0-liter boxer six-cylinder mounted midship. It makes 493 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, screaming as you get it up to its 9,000 RPM redline.
ALEXANDER KELLUM: “And you get it up there through a seven-speed PDK. That’s an automatic, and I know some purists would like to see a six- or seven-speed manual in this car which… uh, you know, I– I kind of agree with. Uh– you know, if you’re gonna take this out on a Sunday afternoon it’s nice to have, uh, something, you know, “row it yourself.” Uh, but Porsche’s seven-speed PDK is a phenomenal transmission. It’s a lot of fun; and with that RPM, with that power in mind, it’s still just as easy to ‘drop a gear and disappear,’ or, I suppose with this transmission, uh, ‘flap a paddle and skedaddle.’”
Even with that impressive powertrain, the Spyder RS isn’t just a GT4 RS turned convertible. This two-seater is built more for the road than the track, using reduced spring and damper rates to more comfortably absorb the road. Still, the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management and Porsche Torque Vectoring mechanical limited slip differential give it plenty of cornering potential.
Weight savings and aerodynamic efficiency are near the top of any Porsche “RS” resume, and that’s very much the case here. And the defining feature is the manually operated soft top, lightweight and simple to operate.
The interior comes standard with full bucket seats and plenty of physical controls— further characterizing the Spyder RS as a premium, yet connected sports car delight.
The 2024 Porsche Spyder RS is no cheap thrill, starting around $160,000. But it is an excellent companion to the GT4 RS and a worthwhile sendoff to the internal-combustion Boxster.
And we’ll have more Quick Spins… soon!
