The next generation Nissan Titan is taking a backseat to development, with the inevitable refresh probably not surfacing until the 2014 model year. That’ll make it almost a decade since the Titan was originally introduced in 2004 before Nissan shows off a new generation of its popular pick-up truck.

Several factors have impacted the delay in the next generation Titan’s development, with the unfortunate tsunami and earthquake in Japan being one of the major ones. Nissan also originally had an agreement with Chrysler to build a new Titan based on the 2011 Dodge Ram, but that fell apart when Chrysler entered bankruptcy in 2009.

Nissan has teased in the past that the Titan could benefit from a plethora of powertrain options including smaller engine options, an enhanced V8 option or even a diesel We’ll keep our fingers crossed that Nissan shows off something soon, the Titan is surely becoming outdated and desperately needs a makeover.

[Source: LeftLane News]

When Nissan finally gets around to replacing the Titan pickup truck, there’s a solid chance it will come with a diesel powerplant – at least as an option.

Previous reports had indicted that there was a possibility, but in a recent interview, Nissan product boss Larry Dominique gave his strongest endorsement yet, commenting that, “diesel is certainly something we are looking at for the next generation Titan.”

The interview was actually a part of Nissan’s “win a chance to be an auto show reporter” contest, and considering all the questions and answers were likely vetted and prepared, this adds more weight to Dominique’s remarks.

Further discussing the issue of diesels Dominique says the introduction of such a powerplant would be based on “consumer demand for greater fuel economy.” Commenting that most consumers tow under 8,000 lbs and don’t require 800 lb-ft of torque, don’t look for a Heavy Duty diesel-powered Titan in the future. “Small displacement diesels or mid-size displacement diesels are certainly something we’d consider,” says Dominique.

Since a partnership with Chrysler fell through on the next-gen Titan, company execs have remained committed to the idea, but we’re not likely to see a second-generation of the Nissan pickup until at least 2014.