Isuzu Commercial Truck of America says its new 2011 NPR Eco-Max low cab forward truck can improve fuel economy by up to 20 percent, while also boosting payload capacity from previous NPR models.

The new 12,000-pound GVWR truck is powered by Isuzu's 4JJ1-TC diesel engine, which has operated globally in Isuzu's N-Series models for the last five years. This is the first time the engine will be used in the U.S. market.

The turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine features 150 horsepower and 282 pounds-feet of torque. The engine is built to meet both EPA 2010 and CARB onboard diagnostics standards, and it also offers a B10 engine life rating of 310,000 miles. The engine is mated to an Aisin heavy-duty, six-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive and lockup PTO function.

"The NPR Eco-Max is the result of Isuzu's commitment to help our environment by significantly reducing emissions and fuel usage," said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. "This model has been specifically created to reduce the cost of ownership while meeting the world's most stringent emissions requirements. We accomplished this without sacrificing performance, durability, or operating costs. Due to its broad torque curve, power density and 6-speed transmission, the NPR Eco-Max has shown better hill climbing ability than the model it replaces. It's also up to 170 pounds lighter, so it offers increased payload capacity."

The cab of the NPR Eco-Max is the same size as the previous NPR and offers seating for three across. The cab tilts for easier servicing of the engine and transmission.

Isuzu is also rolling out other 2011 models in its N-Series, including the NPR-HD (14,500 pounds GVWR), NQR (17,950 pounds GVWR) and NRR (19,500 pounds GVWR). These heavier models will be powered by a revised version of the 5.2L 4HK1-TC engine, with increased power output and up to 8 percent better fuel economy. This engine is also EPA and CARB compliant.

"Isuzu's 2011 N-Series will be the only low cab forward trucks available for sale this year that meet the EPA's 2010 emissions requirement with not only one engine but two engines," Skinner added.

Isuzu's 2011 model N-Series product line uses selective catalytic reduction to achieve the 2010 EPA emission standards. SCR is an aftertreatment technology that involves injecting diesel exhaust fluid into the hot exhaust stream of an engine.

Separately, Isuzu announced that it will resume production of its gas-powered N-Series trucks early in the second quarter of 2011 and will be offered as a 2012 model year. Isuzu made an agreement with General Motors to supply the GM gas engine and transmission used for Isuzu's gas-powered NPR, NPR HD and gas Crew Cab models.

The gas trucks will include several new features, including a six-speed automatic transmission that will be standard on the 2012 model year.

More info: www.isuzucv.com