I recently attended a Nissan media event to test drive the new 5.6L Endurance V-8 gasoline engine that powers the 2016 Nissan Titan XD, a truck designed to bridge the gap between half-ton pickups and heavy-duty models.

The 5.6L Endurance V-8 gasoline engine comes standard with a new 7-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and downshift rev matching.

The Endurance V-8 gasoline engine joins the Cummins 5.0L V-8 Turbo Diesel to round out the Titan XD engine lineup.

I was impressed by the power of the 5.6L V-8 gasoline engine. The V-8 is very responsive when quick acceleration is needed. The power comes on quick and strong, creating a sensation of solid acceleration. I was able to test the engine’s acceleration capabilities in various terrains, and it delivered consistent results. According to Nissan, throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with a throttle valve, and valve timing and opening with non-variable camshafts.

The 5.6L V-8 generates power effortlessly and it was very easy to find yourself unknowingly exceeding the local speed limits. The V-8 produces 390 hp at 5,800 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm thanks to direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. As comparison, the Cummins diesel engine produces 310 hp and 555 lb.-ft .of torque.

The new engine also features direct injection gas (DIG) technology, which provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability, and offering precise injection control.

The ride and handling in the Titan XD were smooth and precise, especially negotiating curving two-lane country roads. The engine drove very smoothly while cruising at a steady speed. Braking is solid, with firm pedal feel.

Another takeaway was the quietness of the interior cab. The gasoline engine, together with Nissan’s meticulous attention to noise abatement, produces minimal in-cab engine and road noise. Especially impressive was the minimal air turbulence produced by the exterior driver- and passenger-side mirrors.

The dual-overhead-cam 32-valve gasoline engine is built at Nissan’s Decherd, Tenn., engine plant, which is the largest powertrain assembly plant in the U.S. The impressive Decherd plant literally operates 24/7/365 and recently celebrated the production of its 10 millionth engine.

The 5.6L V-8 gasoline engine is built with four-valves per cylinder and Nissan’s advanced VVEL (variable valve event & lift) technology, which combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake and exhaust sides. The VVEL continuously adjusts how well the engine breathes during intake and exhaust events to provide high performance and crisp response.

The gasoline V-8-equipped Titan XD will initially be available in five Crew Cab trim levels in both 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations.

After a full day of driving, the 5.6L V-8 proved itself to be an extremely capable powerplant that would be able to fulfill the most demanding fleet applications.