Isuzu bringing back gas-powered N-Series

ST. LOUIS. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. announced here ahead of The Work Truck Show of the National Truck Equipment Assn. that production of its gas-powered N-Series trucks will resume early in the second quarter of next year. The gas versions will be sold as 2012 model-year trucks.

According to Isuzu, it has reached an agreement with General Motors to be supplied with the GM gas engine and transmission used for Isuzu’s gas-powered NPR, NPR HD and gas crew cab models.

The gas-powered N-Series will boast several new features, including a 6-sp. automatic transmission that will be standard. In addition, all gas N-series models will be built with the 6.0L, V-8 engine, rated 325 hp and 360 lb.-ft. of torque.

The gas N-Series had in its previous life been assembled by GM in its Janesville, WI, plant until that facility was shuttered last year. Isuzu said it will announce in the next 30 to 60 days the company it has “chosen to partner with for the assembly of the future 2012 gas N-Series model” as well as the plant location.