Fleet Equipment, August 2007

Isuzu Truck recently debuted its 2008 N-Series, which sports larger cabs, increased engine power and technology designed to meet stringent 2007 federal diesel emission standards.

According to the truck maker, the N-Series has a spacious Hexacube cab with added side-to-side and front-to-back room. The result, the company said, is more seat travel and increased headroom, shoulder room and legroom. The N-Series also features a new dashboard with a full complement of gauges and warning lamps. A 5-din opening can accommodate optional equipment, such as radios, GPS systems and rear-view cameras.

In addition to being more comfortable and more convenient, the all-new cab has greater rust and corrosion protection, thanks to galvanized steel panels, said the company. It also features electro-deposit paint primer and optional heated mirrors.

The N-Series overhead cam 5.2L 4HK1-TC turbocharged, intercooled, diesel engine delivers more power and reduced emissions, according to Isuzu. Horsepower increases to 205 @ 2400 RPM (up from 190), and torque increases to 441 lb.-ft. @ 1850 (up from 387). It has a B10 durability rating of 310,000 miles, which means 90 percent of the engines should reach this mileage before a major component failure, provided that good maintenance practices have been followed.

The 5.2L diesel engine is mated to the new Aisin A465 heavy-duty six-speed automatic with double overdrive. Gasoline engines for the N-Series (NPR and NPR HD models) are available with the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engines. For 2008, the Vortec 6.0L engine delivers 325 HP -- 25 more than the previous version -- and 360 lb.-ft. or torque. These models are mated to the Hydra-Matic 4L80 four-speed automatic with lockup torque converter and overdrive.

N-Series Onyx Edition is a fully loaded NPR HD truck with a host of special features, including an air deflector; stainless-steel wheel simulators; air conditioning; AM-FM CD player radio; all-black exterior paint with classic silver highlights; a custom stripe; and silver and gray decals.

The Isuzu Onyx Edition is based on a 14,500 GVWR, 132-in. wheelbase with a 14-foot van body and is powered by the 5.2L 4HK1-TC turbocharged, intercooled, diesel engine. Power is transferred to the wheels via the new Aisin A465 heavy-duty six-speed automatic with double overdrive.

Isuzu shows enhanced-transmission 2007i F-Series

Isuzu 2007i F-Series trucks offer a number of enhancements to the Allison transmission, Isuzu has announced. The extended service coverage on Allison 2200 HS and the 2500 HS transmissions increases to four years with unlimited miles. Previously, the service coverage was for three years. Both transmissions are now six speed, with a second overdrive ratio to improve driveability and fuel economy.

Factory-fill TranSynd transmission fluid is required by Allison to allow the longer extended service coverage. TranSynd can also extend Allison transmission oil drain intervals up to 400 percent, further reducing vehicle downtime.