Impending introduction of ADR 80/03 regulations holds no fears for Isuzu, with the release of its 2011 engine range
By Gary Worrall | October 29, 2010
The impending introduction of ADR 80/03 regulations holds no fears for Japanese manufacturer Isuzu, with the release of its 2011 engine range.
At a gathering of Australian transport journalists on the Gold Coast, Isuzu showcased the new models, including a brief drive of the majority of the new trucks.
Isuzu Australia Chief Operating Officer Phil Taylor says Isuzu is the “most experienced” company when it comes to using DPD technology, and this knowledge and expertise extends beyond the physical component.
Servicing a DPD unit is a complex process that is “beyond the reach” of backyarders and generic diesel mechanics and requires specialist training.
Taylor says Isuzu’s competitors will have to build up the required knowledge and expertise “from scratch”.
To meet the market demands under the new emission control regime, Isuzu is introducing six new models across the N- and F- Series ranges, as well as continuing the four compressed natural gas (CNG) models introduced earlier in 2010.
This includes two new N-Series tipper models, the NLS 200 and NLR 275. The NLS200 is also now available in crew-cab configuration for the first time.
In the F-Series, operators can now buy an FSR X-Long variant, which adds an extra 940mm in wheelbase over the existing FSR Long model, as well as a single cab FTR 900 Medium-Long and an automatic version of the FVR 1000.
In the heavy duty range the FX models and two Giga models are now available as Euro 5-compliant after previously meeting the Japanese New Long –Term 05 standard.
Isuzu’s product planning and engineering support manager Colin White says the power and torque figures for the N-Series range are the same as under Euro 4.
The upgraded FX Series is driven by a SiTEC Series III 256 kW Euro V-rated engine, generating an additional 13kW power over its NLT05 predecessor.
An additional Euro V engine rating of 310 kilowatts arrives for the Giga range and will be available in CXZ and CXY models.
The new engines employ a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) after-exhaust treatment to break down pollutants in the exhaust stream to meet Euro V emission standards.
Giga models also reap the benefits of Australian engineering input. Local testing has produced revised, reduced fuel consumption courtesy of new Engine Control Module (ECM) fuel calibration, an RPM reduction at cruising speed, new engine fuel mapping in the 455 and 510 horsepower ratings, and modified MJX12 and 16 AMT shift strategies.
Taylor says the final shipment of Euro 4 models arrived in September, with the first Euro 5 trucks due to reach dealers by November.
For the full story on Isuzu’s move to Euro 5, see the December edition of ATN magazine.