Isuzu Commercial Trucks of the United States stated that its 2022 F-series trucks will be equipped with Cummins (NYSE: CMI) B6.7 diesel engines for the US and Canadian markets. The truck and engine combo kit is the world's first product from Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partners (ICPP).

B6.7 produced by Cummins for nearly 40 years enables Isuzu to expand to Class 7. In conjunction with the recently announced Class 5 gas engine model start production, the new platform provides Isuzu with a wide range of commercial trucks in the United States and Canada. Shaun Skinner, President of Isuzu Commercial Trucks in the United States and Canada, said at a press conference on Friday that it will satisfy the fleet. Products in demand.

"This is indeed the first step in establishing a global relationship between Isuzu and Cummins," Skinner said. "With the release of the Class 5 gas engine last week, plus this, I think we will have the strongest lineup ever in Class 3 to 7."

B6.7 will be included in Class 6 FTR (25,950 pounds gross vehicle weight rating) and Class 7 FTV (33,000 pounds GVWR). It will be the only engine offered in these models and will be paired with the Allison (NYSE: ALSN) 2500 RDS transmission. There will also be "downgraded" category 6 FTVs.

The engine specifications of Isuzu are 260 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque, making it the highest horsepower produced by Cummins B6.7.

"The history of Cummins B6.7 can be traced back nearly 40 years, so we are very happy to see it in the Isuzu F series," said Rob Neitzke, executive director of Cummins Highway OEM business. "It provides a new way for buyers of Class 6 and Class 7 trucks in the U.S. and Canada to experience B6.7, and its configuration does not currently exist."

These trucks will be manufactured in Chalet, Michigan, with 8 wheelbase options ranging from 152 inches to 248 inches. They will be equipped with 50-gallon or 100-gallon fuel tanks. The new LED headlights and interior design are one of the design changes.

Skinner pointed out that the B6.7 engine allows Isuzu to expand into applications where the current six-stage four-cylinder engine is underperforming. In addition, it also provides Isuzu with an opportunity to enter the 7th tier. Previously, it sold very few models in this market.

"It expands the footprint we will occupy," Skinner said. "The Cummins engine with a low-cab forward tilt design is unique in the market and offers many opportunities in [urban environments]."

Skinner specifically pointed out that the growth of e-commerce has promoted the increase in demand for vehicles of categories 4 to 7. He believes that Isuzu's low-cab forward tilt design makes vehicles an ideal choice for urban environments.

"We feel the advantages of our forward-moving cab design in these urban markets... [It] opens up opportunities in many regions and [in different applications] from a geographical point of view, "Skinner said.

In addition to e-commerce freight, Isuzu is also targeting food and beverage and sweeper applications, but Skinner said that there are also great opportunities in other areas.

The current FTR model will be completed before production stops at the end of March. The production of Cummins powered cars will begin in the third quarter and deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter. Pricing and ordering information will be included in a more detailed vehicle display at the NTEA Work Truck Show in March.

Last week, Isuzu announced the start of production of its 5-class gasoline engine. The 6.0-liter V8 engine will power the Class 5 NRR, which will make it the first 19,500-pound low-cab forward-facing truck powered by a gas engine in North America.

The engine can also be used in the 17,950 lb GVRW NQR.

"We are seeing increasing demand for gasoline engines in grades 3, 4, and 5," Skinner said. "These new Class 5 N series trucks will provide our customers with the widest selection of gas engines in the market before the low-cab - and they will meet the upcoming new and stringent emission requirements."  

The V8 is based on the VORTEC V8 cylinder block customized by Isuzu. They are certified and provided by Power Solutions International. It produces 311 horsepower and 351 pound-feet of torque at 4,150 rpm. These trucks are equipped with Alison 1000 RDS gearboxes with power output.

Customers can choose a standard cab with three seats, or a double cab with up to seven seats, with a wheelbase ranging from 132.5 to 176 inches. These trucks have a 38.6 gallon stainless steel fuel tank.

Click for more FreightWaves articles written by Brian Straight.

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