The Review Garage

by Frank A. Aukofer

Miami Beach, Fla. — One of the stars of the Miami International Auto Show in October was a modified Nissan Titan pickup truck that looked like a survival vehicle prowling the landscape in a dystopian future.

But there were no machine guns or rockets for defense, and it was very much intended for offensive survival in the present. Called the “Ultimate Service Titan,” the truck was conceived, developed and manufactured by Nissan with the American Red Cross spelling out its requirements for hurricane and other disaster relief duties.

Based on the Titan XD Diesel Midnight Edition Crew Cab, the pickup has a special extended commercial-grade ladder frame, raised chassis for ground clearance and other enhanced off-road capabilities. It is powered by a 310-hp, 5.0-liter Cummins diesel engine that develops 555 lb-ft of torque, or twisting force. To extend the range, the Ultimate Service Titan comes with a 75-gallon fuel tank.

Substantial modifications transformed the four-door full-size truck into a mobile command center with a power generator and Wi-Fi hotspot for communications.

With a desk, couch and bed, the command center can function as an aid station with facilities to collect and deliver blood donations. It also can double as a shelter with food service. Equipment includes a microwave, stove, sink and refrigerator. Besides the bed inside for treatment or rest, there’s a tent on the command center roof.

Nissan donated the Ultimate Service Titan to the Red Cross of South Florida, where it will be used by first responders. Though a one-of-a-kind now, it struck this observer as a vehicle with commercial possibilities.

Jeremy Meadows, a Nissan senior marketing manager, said the out-the-door cost of the truck was $125,000 — certainly affordable by many governmental and private disaster relief organizations.