Isuzu starts production of PSI gasoline-engined trucks

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc., the Anaheim, Calif.-based distributor of low cab forward trucks, has started production on Class 5 gasoline-powered trucks.

The 17,950-lb. GVWR NQR and the 19,500-lb. GVWR NRR will be powered by a 6.0 L gasoline-powered V8. The company said the NRR truck will be the first 19,500-lb. GVWR low cab forward truck in the industry to offer a gasoline engine option.

The Isuzu NRR Class 5 truck is powered by a gasoline engine from PSI.

The trucks will be assembled by Builtmore Contract Manufacturing, a division of the Shyft Group, in Charlotte, Mich.

“We see an increasing demand for gasoline engines throughout Classes 3, 4 and 5,” said Shaun C. Skinner, president, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “These new Class 5 N-Series trucks will give our customers the widest range of gas engine options in the low cab forward market—and they meet upcoming new and stringent emissions requirements.”

The new 6.0-liter V8 engine that powers these models has been certified and supplied by Power Solutions International (PSI) and built from a Vortec V8 block that has been customized to Isuzu specifications. The power plant produces 311 hp and generates 351 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4150 rpm.

The engine is mated to a six-speed Allison 1000 RDS transmission with power takeoff. This marks the first time Isuzu has offered PTO in a gas-powered truck, said the company.

The NQR and NRR allow customers to choose between a standard cab with seating for three, or the crew cab with seating for up to seven, and wheelbases ranging from 132.5 to 176 in. And, like Isuzu’s Class 3 and Class 4 gasoline-fueled trucks, the NQR and NRR get a 38.6-gal. stainless-steel fuel tank.

“Customers interested in a Class 5 gas truck can now enjoy the advantages of Isuzu’s low cab forward design,” Skinner said, “including excellent maneuverability and superior visibility. Meanwhile, customers interested in a Class 5 low cab forward truck have the option of a gas-powered truck with its attractive initial price point and easy operation. And, everyone benefits from Isuzu’s outstanding warranty coverage and reputation for quality and durability.”

The NQR Gas and NRR Gas join a complete line of Isuzu medium-duty LCF trucks, including diesel-powered N-Series models with GVWRs from 14,500 to 19,500 lbs.; Class 3 and 4 NPR and NPR-HD gas models powered by a 6.6-liter V8 engine; and the mighty diesel Class 6 FTR with wheelbases from 152 to 248 inches and a GVWR of 25,950 lbs.