The time is growing closer to Nissan’s->ke62 grand unveiling of the next generation Titan->ke482 pickup truck on January 12th at the North American International Auto Show->ke222 in Detroit. In preparation for this, Nissan has been rolling out a short video series called “Truckumentary” that gives back story to the Titan’s evolution. Now Chapter two is making its rounds on the internet with only a handful of days left before the big debut.

This episode follows Rich Miller, Nissan’s director of product planning of trucks and SUVs,->ke145 through his love of trucks and his role in developing the new Titan. The episode also delves into the truck’s design at the automaker’s southern California design facility and its testing regiment at its Arizona proving grounds.

Miller makes sure to mention the Titan’s U.S. roots with its 5.6-liter gasoline engine and upcoming 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine being built in the states, along with the truck’s final assembly in Canton, Mississippi. “All the aspects of this vehicle have been centered around making sure it stays right here in the U.S. because that’s where the expertise is for full size trucks,” Miller says.

Yet another key aspect of the Titan’s mark on the truck industry is its list of innovative features it brought when it debuted in 2003. Those include a ton industry “firsts” like the factory spray-in bedliner, the cargo management system, the bed-side storage box, the wide-opening rear door for extended cabs, and the dampened tailgate struts.

We suspect Nissan had better bring another list of “firsts” if it plans on competing with the established players. While offering the Cummins V-8 turbodiesel is a great start, more will be needed. Stay tuned for all the news when the 2016 Titan bows at NAIAS.

Click past the jump for more information of the upcoming Nissan Titan

Truckumentary Teaser

Truckumentary Chapter 1

Nissan Titan

There isn’t much official word on the upcoming 2016 Titan besides the fact a 5.0-liter Cummins V-8 turbodiesel will reside behind its updated bodywork. Besides that, we suspect the 5.6-liter gasoline V-8 will make a return, but with heavy revisions for more power and better fuel economy. A new V-6 engine is a likely thing as well. Expect a more refined interior with tons of cargo and people space that includes the latest infotainment and electronic gadgetry. Bet on Nissan’s Around-View Monitor to be offered too.

Beyond that, the Titan could very well steal the half-ton towing crown. That Cummins engine combined with the hint Nissan dropped at the LA Auto Show of having a gooseneck trailer as its display stand, means the Titan will likely come out swinging.