Gas engines an interesting alternative
Diesel emissions standards for 2007 will see somesignificant changes for medium-duty fleets. For example, exhaust systemtechnology being incorporated to meet the new requirements will mean thatfleets and upfitters will have much less flexibility in body application. Ofperhaps most concern, however, are the unknown variables, including how muchmore the new engines will cost and whether they will experience reduced fuelefficiency and higher maintenance expenses.
General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck (GMICT) is committedto staying ahead of the game when it comes to 2007 emissions regulations, saysTodd Bloom, vice president of marketing for GMICT. One effort, for example, isto field application teams and make chassis diagrams available to bodybuilders.
Set to be released in late January, Isuzu N-Series dieselmodel trucks will reflect a price increase to cover the revamped design andtechnology for regeneration needed to meet diesel emissions standards.
“Our medium-duty trucks with 2007-compliant 4H and 6H dieselengines will deliver optimum performance at the lowest possible cost ofownership,” Bloom says. “How-ever, this government-mandated change for diesels,and the high price of diesel fuel today, makes considering a gasoline-poweredtruck an attractive alternative for many fleets.”
Bloom says advanced designs that ensure durability, adequatepower and fuel efficiency in gasoline-powered Class 3-4 trucks make typicalgasoline and diesel-powered models very comparable.
“Given the higher prices of 2007 emissions-compliant dieselsand the high cost of diesel fuel, we believe gasoline engines are a very viablealternative,” he says. “With a gas engine, for example, fleets can save up to$46,000 on the initial investment in a truck and have the power needed to getthe job done.” Other reasons to consider gas engines include ready availabilityof fuel, easier cold-weather startup, more service and repair facility options,ease of operation for a diverse driver workforce and more manageable servicerequirements.
To find out first hand whether a gas engine is up to a jobusually reserved for diesels, GMICT afforded Fleet Equipment the opportunity toput Isuzu NPR models to the test. The first road test took place in an NPRgasoline-powered model equipped with a Vortec 6000 6-liter, V8-rated enginewith 300 HP @ 4400 rpm and 358 lb./ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The 12,000-lb.GVWR NPR was more than capable of the quick acceleration needed to merge withfast-moving interstate traffic, and its high-torque capability and matchedgearing enabled smooth starts required under fully loaded conditions.
The second road test took place in an NPR HD model rated at14,500 lbs. GVWR and powered by the OEM’s 5.2-liter 4HK1-TC turbocharged dieselrated at 190 HP @ 2,600 rpm and 387 lb./ft. of torque @ 1,500 rpm. The dieselwas mated to the Aisin four-speed automatic with overdrive. Also capable, thediesel lived up to its reputation for providing the power and torque needed incommercial vehicle applications.
Isuzu Commercial Trucks also is helping fleet managersstay informed about changes resulting from the 2007 emissions standards.Features, specifications, horsepower and torque ratings and warrantyinformation on Isuzu diesel and gasoline engines are now available on thecompany’s updated commercial vehicle site at www.isuzucv.com and atwww.isuzudieselengine.com.