Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. announced production of gasoline-powered Isuzu N-Series trucks would begin on April 18 at the Spartan Motors Inc., facility in Charlotte, Mich.
Gasoline-powered NPR (12,000-lb. GVWR) and NPR-HD (14,500-lb. GVWR) trucks will be available in single cab models with wheelbases of 109-, 132.5-, 150- and 176-inches, and in crew cab configurations with 150- and 176-in. wheelbases. Units are expected to arrive at Isuzu dealerships beginning in early May, the truck maker said.
The vehicles will complement the popular diesel-powered Isuzu N-Series trucks already available. N-Gas models will be powered by a General Motors Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine that produces 297 HP at 4,300 rpm and generates 372 ft./lbs. of torque at 4,000 RPM, the truck maker added
In addition, a version of the engine compatible with compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will be available. Both versions will be mated to a GM Powertrain six-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive. Previous N-Series gasoline models offered only a four-speed automatic.
ICTA also announced the development of a next-generation commercial van combining a body designed by the Utilimaster Corp., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, with Isuzu’s NPR diesel chassis. Full production of the new commercial van is expected to begin in the second half of 2011.
