Isuzu launches new Elf/N-Series

[GMMediumDutyMQ]

Note: I'm aware that GM recently sold their stake in Isuzu to Toyota; however the two companies are still drastically linked in terms of commercial vehicle development - and that's why I put it here.



The Isuzu Elf is Japan’s Chevrolet Silverado. We as North Americans, however, don’t see the similarities.

The Elf, known globally as the Isuzu N-series, are only sold here as class 4 and 5 medium-duty trucks in North America, far outside the capacities of most full-sized pickups.

Within Japan, however, the comparison is obvious. Since the Elf’s inception in 1959, Isuzu’s manufactured models that have comparable weight ratings and capacities to the stereotypical full-sized American pickup. And, much like
Both Ford’s F-150 and the Silverado, it’s been the best-seller in its respective segment for the last 40 years.



Just as the T900 represented a needed and noted refresh of the Silverado, this sixth-generation Elf – the first in thirteen years – signals the start of a significant change in Isuzu’s commercial vehicle line-up. Part of Isuzu’s “700 project” (apologies to Pat Robertson), the Elf sports a multitude of design changes that will be implemented on its other models (e.g. Forward or Giga) – possibly in a carryover fashion.



Externally, the largest change lies at the head of the truck. In place of the old “AeroCube” cab shape, a new design – looking strangely like the byproduct of a trist between an iPod and a bread machine – is now in place. Isuzu christened this physical shape as “Hexa-Pod”, which must translate as design-speak for “hella boxy with carry-over grille and headlamp designs.”



It should be noted that only two of the three cabs offered on the Elf are, in fact, all-new. In a move in a move that had to have been taught during GM’s imperialization of the Isuzu corporate structure, the previous generation Elf cab is still in production. It is subtly reworked, of course, but consider the ‘narrow-short cab’ model to be the “Silverado Classic” of the bunch. Only the tall cabs – both narrow and wide – sport the Hexa-Pod shape.




It’s worth upgrading to the new cabs, particularly once you move inside. The ergonomically-torturous dashboard of the old Elf is replaced by a new wave-shaped IP that sports logical control arrangements in addition to numerous storage areas. Door panels now look like something out of a passenger car, and on medium and high trim levels, the visibility of painted metal is minimal.



The underlying chassis hasn’t changed drastically, but ligher Elf models – including the NHR and NKR – receive an all-new double-wishbone independent front suspension. Additionally, a new five-point cab mounting system is provided to help provide a smoother ride.



Powertrain advances are abundant within the new Elf, which offers the all-new 4JJ1-TCS motor – the first of Isuzu’s D-CORE range – as an option on smaller models. A 3-liter, DOHC four-cylidner turbodiesel motor, the 4JJ1delivers 150 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque and also meets Japan’s stringent LEV-7 emission standards.

Isuzu’s also noticed a trend in Japan – an increasing number of light truck drivers don’t have training with manual transmissions. This perhaps explains why they developed a new transmission, the Smoother-Ex. Based upon the clutchless-manual found in older Elfs, the new ‘box is quite similar to a typical manumatic transmissions. Gears can still be rowed at the driver’s whim, but a new automatic mode is selectable as well.

Also configured via this transmission is a new feature that allows the Elf’s motor to shut-off when at idle. Previously a feature found only on Elf Parallel Hybrid models, this feature is hoped to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions – particularly in stop/go traffic or in urban delivery applications.

So will we see this in North America? Eventually – one way or another, thanks in part to Isuzu’s continued commercial vehicle link to GM.

If you’re looking to place a monetary wager, expect to see the wide-variant of the new Elf’s cab utilized on future variants of the Isuzu N and GMC/Chevrolet W-series medium duty trucks. If you like odd wagers, expect to see this cab – designed for use on Isuzu’s Forward – used on any future versions of the GM T-Series.

As in the past, expect the nifty gizmos – including the manumatic transmission and hybrid offerings – to unfortunately stay in their domestic market.

[doh]

Wheres the 4x4 to compete with Mitsu's Fuso? If they built one with an Automatic, Landscapers would flock to them.

I remeber selling a W4 in 1994, I had to get it from a Medium duty dealer, every med. duty dealer I talked to warned me "Don't do it, Don't sell the 1 sell them a 3500HD."

It wound up being the lumber companies best light delivery truck. They had it nearly twice aslong as the others.

[guitarlix]

These are the "trucks" that you see everywhere in other parts of the world....not only in East Asia, but also South Asia and the Middle East. They're everywhere just like we have the F150 and the Silverado over here. They are purely functional work trucks unlike the one's here which are also used as primary transportation by many people.

[BlokeMan]

Originally Posted by guitarlix

These are the "trucks" that you see everywhere in other parts of the world....not only in East Asia, but also South Asia and the Middle East. They're everywhere just like we have the F150 and the Silverado over here. They are purely functional work trucks unlike the one's here which are also used as primary transportation by many people.

And Australia. Isuzu have an excellent reputation and make some great light and madium commercial vehicles. You're spot on about them being purely work vehicles too with vehicles like Commodore and Falcon utes
or Holden Rodeo/ Ford Ranger being the main choices of people who require their work vehicle to be the family car as well.