Medium-duty truck owners are getting more gasoline engine options
as Isuzu Commercial Truck of
America has launched new options
for Class 3-5 trucks in its lineup.
The engines, a 6.6-liter V8
for the Class 3 NPR and Class 4 NPR-HD models, and a 6.0-litter V8 for the
Class 5 NQR and NRR models, expand the power plant offerings for Isuzu’s
low-cab-forward models.
“Some of the major challenges our industry will face in the
coming decade are the result of emissions regulations; some that have been
defined and some that are still a work in progress,” said Shaun C. Skinner,
president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of
Canada. “At the same time, we see an increasing demand for gasoline engines in
Classes 3, 4 and 5. These engines will allow us to meet new and stringent
emissions requirements and meet the needs of our dealers and customers as the
market grows and evolves.”
Production of the NPR Gas (12,000-lb.
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and NPR-HD Gas (14,500-lb. GVWR) with the
6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine will begin this July.
That engine, mated to a 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission, features:
- Direct injection provides precise fuel control and more complete combustion for greater efficiency
- Variable valve timing improves performance, economy and emissions
- Variable displacement oil pump varies the oil pressure based on engine demand
- Power output of 350 horsepower and 425 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm
- 200,000-mile design life
The NPR and NPR-HD models feature 36.8-gallon stainless
steel fuel tanks. Both standard cab and crew cab models will be available with
wheelbases ranging from 109 to 176 inches.
The company said the NRR
will be the first 19,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) low-cab
forward truck with a gas-engine option. The Class 5 NQR is rated at 17,950 GVWR.
The engine for the NRR and NQR models will be supplied by
Power Solutions International and built from a Vortec V8 block customized to
Isuzu specifications. It will produce 311 horsepower and generate 353 lbs.-ft.
of torque at 4,150 rpm. It will be mated to a six-speed Allison 1000 RDS
transmission with power takeoff.
The NQR and NRR will offer a 38.6-gallon stainless steel
fuel tank and standard cab with seating for three or crew cab with seating for
seven will be offered. Wheelbases will range from 132.5 to 176 inches.
Skinner said that Isuzu’s continued investment in Class 3-5
vehicles is a reflection of the growing importance of these types of vehicles. GDP
growth is expected to continue over the next five years, he said, and more
people are expected to move to urban environments. With even more e-commerce
and fewer brick-and-mortar stores, medium-duty trucks are likely to see
continued growth.
“Dense urban markets need medium-duty trucks,” he said.
“That’s great for us and our dealers because Isuzu’s market share grows in
dense urban markets.”
The addition of the gas engines to the vehicles is part of
a growing shift in customer preference. Skinning said that nearly 50% of all
Class 3-5 vehicles sold in 2019 included gas engines.
