Isuzu kicking off production of gas-powered Class 5 trucks

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Updated Feb 12, 2021
sean skinner, Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada president, in front of Isuzu truck
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada President Shaun C. Skinner, president said his company has seen increasing demand for gasoline engines throughout Classes 3, 4 and 5.

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., on Tuesday kicked off production of its Class 5 gasoline-powered trucks.

The 17,950-lb. GVWR NQR and the 19,500-lb. GVWR NRR will be powered by a General Motors-based 6.0-liter gas-powered V8 – the latter becoming the first 19,500-lb. GVWR low cab forward truck to offer a gasoline engine option.

“We see an increasing demand for gasoline engines throughout Classes 3, 4 and 5,” said Shaun C. Skinner, president, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada said, noting customers are drawn to the initial price point and ease of operation and maintenance. 

Certified and supplied by Power Solutions International, the new 6.0-liter V8 engine powering these models is built from a customized Vortec V8 block, and produces 311 hp and 351 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,150 rpm. The Class 5 N-Series trucks gas option meets upcoming new and stringent emissions requirements.

The engine is matched to a six-speed Allison 1000 RDS transmission with power takeoff, marking the first time Isuzu has offered PTO in a gas-powered truck. Both the NQR and NRR are available in Standard Cab (with seating for three), or Crew Cab (with seating for up to seven) configurations, and wheelbases ranging from 132.5 to 176 inches.

Like Isuzu’s Class 3 and Class 4 gas trucks, both the NQR and NRR will offer a 38.6-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank.

Isuzu NRR Class 5 truck

Jason Cannon has written about trucking and transportation for more than a decade and serves as Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. A Class A CDL holder, Jason is a graduate of the Porsche Sport Driving School, an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Reach him at [email protected].Â