Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America has introduced its new gasoline-powered Class 4 and Class 5 FE Series cabover work trucks. The new trucks feature not only the proven GM 6.0L V8 engine and Allison 1000 automatic transmission, but also a new cab interior designed to improve driver comfort and efficiency.
“While much of the medium-duty market still relies on diesel power, gasoline engines are increasing in popularity, and now occupy about a 40% market share, so development of a gas-engine option for our customers was a no-brainer,” said Justin Palmer, Fuso’s president and chief executive officer. “We’re proud of the fact that, by adding our new gas-engine line to our existing diesel FEs and eCanter all-electric trucks, our dealers can offer their customers the broadest range of powertrain choices in the marketplace.”
Palmer noted that note that the FE Gas trucks will be the first Fusos to be assembled in the United States, by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. at its Gaffney, S.C. plant.
The V8 gasoline engine will be initially available in two Fuso Class 4 models- the FE140 (14,500 lb. GVWR) and FE160 (15,995 lb. GVWR). The company notes, though, that it will soon be available in Fuso’s Class 5 FE180 (17,995 lb. GVWR) model as well.
In all models, the PSI-GM V8 engine provides 297 HP and 361 lb./ft. of torque. It has a broad torque curve and engine management calibration developed specifically to integrate seamlessly into Fuso’s FE models using the Allison 1000 transmission.
In future models, the engine can also be equipped to use compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuels, for those fleets looking to reduce their emissions footprint.
The FE series will pair the gasoline engine with the Allison 1000 fully automatic transmission. New Fuso FE Gas models also include a 40-gal., rear-mounted fuel tank, complemented by streamlined fuel line and wiring harness routing and securement.
In addition to the new powertrain, the FE Gas trucks will introduce a new cab interior design, featuring improved driver seat bolstering and support, an extended seat cushion sovering, and highly visible red seatbelts.
The instrument cluster colors have also been revised to improve visibility under all lighting conditions, and an LED cabin light has been added. Storage space, too, has beenimproved, with a new driver-side overhead console, floor tray and sun-visor pocket, the company noted.
All of the cab improvements noted above will be transferred to the Fuso FE Series diesel models, as well.
