Given that trucks and large-platform SUVs keep middle America running, it's fitting that most of Nissan's Chicago show announcements had to do with the Japanese automaker's three largest vehicles. The Pathfinder, Armada, and Titan all receive minor changes for 2008, and with the exception of the Pathfinder's newly available V-8, few of those changes are worth crowing about.

Yep, you heard right: up until now, Nissan's Pathfinder wasn't available with a V-8. The Pathfinder's newfound grunt comes from the same 5.6-liter pump found in both the Armada and the Titan; it delivers over 300 hp ('08 outputs have yet to be finalized) and roughly 380 lb-ft of torque.

The Pathfinder's old 266-hp V-6 carries over, though it remains to be seen how dimly the V-6's light will shine when compared with that of its larger-displacement sister. New wheels, trim, available Bluetooth connectivity, a revised navigation system, and Nissan's Music Box in-dash hard drive technology also make an appearance. Front and rear styling-- including hood, grille, bumpers, and liftgate -- are also revised for the upcoming model year.

The Titan pickup doesn't receive any new engine or powertrain components this year, but it does undergo a good chunk of change -- new King Cab and Crew Cab long-wheelbase models, each boasting an extra foot and a half of bed length compared with the standard the standard model, make their debut. (Toyota's My-Truck-is-Bigger-Than-Your-Truck 2008 Tundra no doubt played a role in the Titan's '08 upsizing.)

A new off-road Titan variant dubbed PRO-4X -- featuring custom Rancho shicks, a lower rear axle ratio, two additional skid plates, an electronically locking rear differential, and unique trim -- debuted as well, along with a 350-watt, ten-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio package offering Bluetooth connectivity. Like the Pathfinder, the Titan also recieves Nissan's new corporate front and rear styling motifs.

Like its Titan and Pathfinder siblings, the Armada recieves a comprehensive interior and exterior facelift for 2008, but little else is new. Twenty-inch wheels are available for the first time, and the new interior boasts a much more luxurious feel.

The 2008 Pathfinder, Armada, and Titan are scheduled to go on sale in Spring of 2007.