Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. announced is has begun production of its 2013 NPR-HD, NQR and NRR models, as well as the 2012 NPR Eco-Max. Powered by Isuzu turbocharged diesel engines, these models join the 2012 NPR and NPR-HD gasoline-powered trucks and 2012 Reach commercial van already in production.
“With the introduction of our latest models, Isuzu dealers will continue to offer the widest array of low-cab-forward trucks in the industry,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “We’re confident that, with this model line-up, Isuzu will be the best-selling line of low-cab-forward trucks in the U.S. for the 27th year in a row.”
2013 NPR-HD, NQR, NRR
The NPR-HD is available in Standard Cab and Crew Cab models, both powered by the Isuzu 4HK1-TC 5.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine and both posting GVWRs of 14,500 lbs.
The NQR, also available in both Standard Cab and Crew Cab models, features the 4HK1 engine as well, but boasts an increased GVWR of 17,950 lbs.
The NRR, available in Standard Cab, also features the 4HK1 engine and a GVWR of 19,500 lbs.
Isuzu said its overhead cam, turbocharged 4H engine is equipped with an electronic high-pressure common-rail direct injection system and a water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation system to achieve 215 HP for trucks equipped with the automatic transmission and 195 HP for manual-transmission models.
The 4H engine’s air-to-air intercooler and high-efficiency compressor wheel help provide power while decreasing fuel consumption. Overall, 2013 Isuzu N-Series Trucks equipped with the 4H engine will achieve approximately 8% better fuel economy than the NPR-HD, NQR and NRR models with the previous-generation 4H engine, the truck maker noted.
In addition, the 4H engine can run up to 10,000 mi. between oil changes and boasts a B10 durability rating of 310,000 mi. – meaning that 90% of 4H engines will reach that mileage before requiring an overhaul.
According to the company, 2013 models meet EPA 2010 and CARB HD-OBD emissions standards, and are clean idle certified. Isuzu N-Series trucks are the first in their class to offer Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection to reduce NOx emissions by 85%.
2012 NPR Eco-Max
Production of the 2012 Isuzu NPR Eco-Max began in December 2011. It is a 12,000-lb. GVWR Standard Cab truck featuring the Isuzu 4JJ1-TV 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 150 HP – and achieves up to 20% better fuel economy than the previous generation 12,000-lb. GVWR NPR, the truck maker said.
New for 2012 is a power take-off (PTO) option for the NPR Eco-Max’s standard Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. Under specifically determined engine conditions, when PTO mode is selected, the torque converter will lock up automatically to eliminate slip and deliver more power and better control when optimum off-the-line acceleration is needed.
The NPR Eco-Max also meets EPA 2010 and CARB emissions standards, is clean-idle certified, can be driven up to 10,000 mi. between oil changes and has a B10 durability rating of 310,000 mi.
2012 N-Gas
Assembly of gasoline-powered N-Series trucks began in April 2011 and production of the 2013 model year N-Gas models will begin in July 2012, the company said. The 2012 models are powered by the GM Gen IV Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine producing 297 HP. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive and lock-up torque converter for enhanced fuel economy and performance. A full range of gasoline-powered models are available, including the 12,000-lb. GVWR NPR and the 14,500-lb. GVWR NPR-HD. Both are available in Standard Cab and Crew Cab configurations with wheelbases stretching from 109 to 176 in. in length.
