Nissan has thrown down the gauntlet to US pickup truck manufacturers with the launch of the 300 horsepower-plus Titan at the Detroit Auto Show. The company plans to sell 100,000 of the trucks each year in segment which traditionally reaps £6,200 margin per sale for US manufacturers.

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The model features a Nissan Endurance 5.6-litre DOHC V8 engine producing over 300bhp and more than 375lb ft of torque. Transmission is a five-speed auto with manual shift and tow/haul modes.

The body is available in king cab and crew cab configurations.

Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn said at the launch: “When we planned the Titan, we knew the level of profitability of the segment would not remain the same. We intend to be profitable.”