Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, has announced that full production of gasoline-powered Isuzu N-Series trucks has begun at the Spartan Motors, facility in Charlotte, Michigan.
Spartan Motors designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle, emergency response, government services, defense and service and delivery markets under the brand names of Spartan, Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Utilimaster.
This marks the first time in two years that gasoline-powered N-Series trucks have been offered by Isuzu.
Previously, N-Series gasoline trucks had been assembled by General Motors at its plant in Janesville, Wisconsin. That facility ceased operations in 2009.
The new 2012 N-Gas models - which complement the popular diesel-powered Isuzu N-Series trucks already available - are powered by the Vortec 6.0-liter small-block V8 engine that produces 297 horsepower at 4,300 rpm and generates 372 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The powerplant is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive and lock-up torque converter for enhanced fuel economy and performance. Previous N-Series gasoline models offered only a four-speed automatic.
A full range of gasoline-powered models is available:
• NPR (12,000-lb. gvwr in Single Cab in wheelbases of 109, 132.5, 150 and 176 inches, and Crew Cab in wheelbases of 150 and 176 inches.
• NPR-HD (14,500-lb. gvwr) also in Single Cab in wheelbases on 109, 132.5, 150 and 176 inches, and Crew Cab in wheelbases of 150 and 176 inches.
“With the introduction of these new models, our dealers once again offer the broadest range of low-cab-forward solutions in the industry,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America.
“We are especially pleased that Spartan - one of the industry’s most respected manufacturers of high-quality specialty chassis and vehicles - is assembling our N-Series gas trucks. Their expertise and quality workmanship will be an enormous benefit to us, to our dealers, and to the end users of our vehicles.”
The gasoline-powered trucks will be available in Isuzu dealerships nationwide beginning this month.
