Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, distributor of low cab forward trucks, announced Oct. 18 that production has begun on its 2022 F-Series trucks, powered by the Cummins B6.7 diesel engine in both Class 6 and—new for Isuzu—Class 7.
The F-Series trucks are the first product to come to market from the Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership (ICPP) with engine-maker Cummins. These F-Series trucks are being assembled in Charlotte, Michigan.
“The advanced, more powerful Cummins B6.7 engine will create new opportunities for our dealers,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “We now offer a complete range of Class 3 through 5 gasoline-powered models and Class 4 through 7 diesel-powered trucks, by far the widest range of low cab forward trucks in the marketplace.”
Three F-Series models are available: the Class 6 FTR, with a 25,950-lb. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR); the Class 6 FVR Derate, 25,950-lb. GVWR; and a Class 7 FVR, 33,000-lb. GVWR.
The Cummins B6.7 is mated to an automatic six-speed Allison RDS transmission (2550 Series with park pawl for FTR, 2500 Series with no park pawl for FVR). This powertrain is engineered to provide a blend of power with fuel economy and reliability.
The F-Series models are available in eight wheelbases, from 152 to 248 inches, accommodating bodies from 14 to 30 ft. in length. They can be equipped with air suspension, offer a 50- or 100-gallon fuel tanks based on wheelbase, and come in a standard cab configuration with three-across seating. The FTR also is available with optional low-profile tires.
The low cab forward design’s longer cab-to-axle dimension provides Isuzu F-Series trucks more cargo capacity versus conventional cab competitors with a comparable wheelbase, according to Isuzu. This gives customers more versatility with their body application choices to accommodate heavier or bulkier cargo loads.
Every 2022 Isuzu F-Series model is equipped with the most powerful version of the Cummins B6.7 Efficiency Series, a 6.7L, inline six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 260hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque.
“The Cummins B6.7 has a legacy that goes back almost 40 years, so we’re excited to see it in the Isuzu F-Series,” said Rob Neitzke, executive director of Cummins’ on-highway OEM business. “It gives Class 6 and 7 truck buyers in the U.S. and Canadian markets new ways to experience the B6.7 with configurations that didn’t exist before today.”