The New 2020i: N-Series 6.6L Gas Truck

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. revealed two new gasoline engines for its N-Series truck: A 6.6L V-8 available in the Class 3 NPR and Class 4 NPR-HD, and a 6.0L V-8 offered in both the Class 5 17,950-pound GVWR NQR and the Class 5 19,500-pound GVWR NRR.

The NRR will be the first 19,500-pound GVWR low cab forward truck on the market to offer a gasoline engine option, according to the truck maker.

“Some of the major challenges our industry will face in the coming decade are the result of emissions regulations, some that have been defined and some that are still a work in progress,” said Shaun  Skinner, president, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “At the same time, we see an increasing demand for gasoline engines in Classes 3, 4, and 5. These engines will allow us to meet new and stringent emissions requirements and meet the needs of our dealers and customers as the market grows and evolves.”

Building a Powerplant

To develop the new powerplant, engineers began with a proven small-block design and incorporated advanced Gen V technology to meet heavy-duty powertrain requirements.

The technology reduces emissions and provides improved output and efficiency without compromising capability and durability.

Among the highlights:

• Direct injection provides precise fuel control and complete combustion for greater efficiency.
• Variable valve timing improves performance, economy, and emissions.
• Variable displacement oil pump varies the oil pressure based on engine demand.
• Power output of 350 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm.

The engine is mated to a 6L90 6-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive and a lock-up torque converter. Both NPR and NPR-HD models will offer a 38.6-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank for extended driving ranges.

Both Standard Cab and Crew Cab models will be available with wheelbases ranging from 109 to 176 inches.

The 6.0L V-8 Gas Engine

The new 6.0L V-8 engine debuting in the NQR and NRR Gas models represents the first time Isuzu has offered a gasoline engine in a Class 5 truck, and the first gas-powered Class 5 low cab forward truck with a 19,500-pound GVWR in the industry, according to Isuzu.

The engine will be certified and supplied by Power Solutions International and built from a Vortec V-8 block customized to Isuzu specifications.

The powerplant will produce 311 hp and generate 353 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,150 rpm. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed Allison 1000 RDS transmission with power take-off (PTO).

Like Isuzu’s new Class 3 and 4 gas trucks, both the NQR and NRR will offer a 38.6-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank.Fleets can select a Standard Cab with seating for three or the Crew Cab with seating for up to seven, and wheelbases ranging from 132.5 to 176 inches.

Spartan Motors is assembling these trucks.