14 Oct 04
We're trundling along the A1(M) in the outside lane, the Titan's big V8 ticking over at 1800rpm at a 70mph cruise, when a Rover 25 in front moves from the middle lane to overtake. He quickly changes his mind and darts back to his lane. It was probably a wise move as I suspect that our two-and-a-half-tonne Titan would fare slightly better than a Rover 25 in the event of a coming together. Indeed, as we rumble past, we see the driver's face aghast at the sight of the Titan's massive chrome-laden nose.
Meet the Titan - Nissan's attempt at an all-American pick-up. With Ford's F-150 being America's best-selling vehicle for the past 22 years and the Dodge Ram nipping at its heels, Nissan wants a piece of the action. Built in Mississippi, the Titan is purely for America, built by them and for them. Although your local Nissan dealer won't be taking any orders for one anytime soon, you could get one shipped over through an importer.
The numberplate of the Titan reads H13 UGE - and it is. It's 5.6 metres long by 2 metres wide - bigger than any other car on the road bar a Maybach or Rolls-Royce Phantom. Wing mirrors the size of dinner plates stick out about a foot each side and are perfectly placed to knock someone's head off if you're not careful.
