For better fuel efficiency, downsizing is a good idea again.
Emissions and fuel regulations are becoming more stringent all over the globe, not just in Europe. The US automakers are aware of this fact, which is why the Toyota Sequoia’s gas-guzzling V8 has been replaced by a 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6. Nissan is expected to follow the same path with its own full-size SUV for the next generation Armada.
Automotive News claims that the three-row body on-frame vehicle will drop the naturally-aspirated V8 in favor of a smaller, more efficient six-cylinder. AN claims that the new Armada will be equipped with a twin-turbo V6. This is according to information from a dealer. This would be in addition to the Sequoia and Ford Expedition which both retired the V8 a few years back.
The second-gen Armada is in production since 2017. It received a midcycle facelift in 2021MY. It is expected that the replacement will reach North American dealers by the end of 2023. It would be a 2024MY with better mpg numbers than the current model. The 2WD and 4WD both return 16 mpg, while the combined total of the 4WD is only 15 mpg.
We don’t expect a significant drop in power despite having a smaller engine. Current 5.6-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 413 pound-feet torque. Forcing induction will pay dividends not only in fuel economy but also allow for more low-end power, even though it might not be as powerful as the VK56VD.
The automaker also announced this week that it will stop ICE development in Europe. Nissan stated that it would continue to develop gasoline engines in countries where it believes these engines will be relevant, such as the United States. Nikkei Asia stated that R&D would continue primarily for trucks and SUVs in America.