We hope that Nissan pays attention to this Z1 Motorsports Titan Dually XD. Z1 Motorsports, a Nissan tuner just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, is launching its Off-Road division. To kick things off it decided to take a 2019 Nissan Titan crew cab and do its version of what a Titan dually should be if Nissan made them, which it doesn’t.

There is a reason why Z1 Motorsports went to all of this effort on a 2019 Titan instead of the refreshed 2020. The Cummins diesel option has been dropped by Nissan for its 2020 Titans, as has the single-cab body.

The Last Of The Nissan Diesels

The Cummins 5.0-liter turbo diesel V8 was retained by Z1. Output was increased, with a higher rating for towing capacity. This was accomplished by modifying the intake manifold, improving exhaust flow, and recalibrating the engine computer. Fuel economy was also improved. Though no numbers were offered the stock Cummins engine produces 310 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. 

Dually That Nissan Doesn’t Make

Z1 Motorsports started by lifting the Titan with a three-inch Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension lift kit. The 33-inch Toyo M920 tires wrap 19.5-inch American Force dual rear wheels in the rear. This was accomplished by modifying the Nissan NV eight-bolt rear end while retaining the stock Titan differential and suspension. 

However, it moved the leaf springs inboard of the frame to clear the dual-rear-wheel setup. To accommodate the dually rear Z1 created fiberglass fenders that tie into the bedsides quite well. While it looks like a factory option, this is a one-off as Nissan does not offer a dually package. 

The front suspension was also modified with front hub adaptors. These will be available from Z1 in the distant future.

Continuing the theme Rough Country front LED bumpers and Hammerhead flush rear bumper was utilized sporting midnight-edition LED headlights. LED lights were also added to the roof. Two-tone black and Nismo gray metallic paint were shot to set off the body. BAK Industries supplied one of its bed covers.

Wasn’t Z1 Motorsports A Nissan Tuner?

Until now Z1 Motorsports was known for being Nissan tuners modifying mainly sports cars like 300Zx and 370Z builds. Besides the tuning side of the business, it also manufacturers modified components for Nissan products. As the truck market is expanding, and every manufacturer seems to be cutting passenger cars left and right, it was a natural for Z1 to branch out into pickup trucks. 

We can’t help but wonder if Nissan had offered a dually like this it might have gained a bit of market share. The thing with trucks is that potential customers want some variety. Losing body styles and engine options go in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, that is what Nissan has done for 2020. 

But, this might be its way of clearing the decks for the all-new Titan coming sometime in 2021. We hope that when Nissan updates the Titan, it will be substantial and include more variations like this dually. Up until now, Nissan has liked its position to be one model that sat between a half-ton and ¾-ton truck. Some called it 5/8 pickup to show it’s in the middle of the pack.