THE FUTURE OF TRUCK ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TODAY

[image_gallery][/image_gallery] Renowned as trailblazers in truck technology, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has delivered once again, setting a new engineering high watermark for the Australian medium-duty truck market – the clever new 4HK1 engine. Driving five new models across the 2016 Isuzu F Series range, the new 4HK1 has been developed in direct response to customers demanding superior fuel and environmental efficiency – without compromising on power and performance. IAL Chief Engineer, Product Strategy, Simon Humphries, said the new Isuzu 4HK1 is positioned well ahead of the curve in terms of truck engine technology in Australia. “There’s nothing like the 4HK1 on the medium-duty truck market today and it really marks the advent of a new-generation of power plant. “There’s clear evidence of a global trend towards lower displacement engines across the automotive world as people gravitate towards lighter, more profitable and more efficient engine technology.” The engine The new clean and intelligent 4HK1 is a 5.2 litre, four-cylinder, two-stage turocharged and intercooled engine available in two power ratings. The 154 kW (210 PS) variant produces 726 Nm of torque; with its more powerful counterpart boasting 177 kW (or 240 PS) and a very handy 765 Nm of torque. As far as environmental credentials are concerned, the 4HK1 complies with Japan’s Post New Long Term (PNLT) emission standard, which is ADR 80/04 or Euro VI equivalent. When compared to Euro V, PNLT standards require a reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 65 per cent and in particulate matter (PM) by 50 per cent. “To stay ahead of the constantly changing priorities of your customers you can never rest on your laurels, that’s why we’re continually looking at ways we can deliver a more efficient product,” Mr Humphries said. “It’s our mission to deliver on all fronts. From performance to fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions – we’re extremely proud the new 4HK1 ticks all of those boxes. Changing focus Over the past decade, the emphasis for Isuzu and the broader automotive industry has been refining and optimising environmental and fuel efficiencies. “You only have to look at what’s transpiring within the passenger car space right now to see how these trends have been evolving,” Mr Humphries said. “If you look back to the best-selling family cars in Australia in the late 90s and early 2000s, they were powered by four-litre naturally aspirated engines. “Fast forward to 2016 and the best-selling family cars of today are usually powered by four-cylinder turbo-charged engines with less than two litres capacity. “Isuzu has also been following that trend for the past two decades, and with this latest low-displacement incarnation, we’ve certainly broken new ground for the medium-duty market.” The road to here Isuzu’s longstanding ability to produce more powerful and efficient engines is clearly demonstrated when looking back on the evolution of the Isuzu F Series powertrain. 1986: The F Series first introduced to Australia under the ‘Forward’ nameplate.  The FSR model, rated at 8,000 kg GVM, was powered by the 5.8 litre Isuzu engine and produced 136 PS and 353 Nm torque. 1996: The FRR 500, rated at 10,000 kg GVM, was powered by the 8.2 litre, 6 cylinder engine and produced 175 PS and 490 Nm torque. 2000: The FTR 850 model, rated at 14,000 kg GVM, was powered by the 7.1 litre turbo engine and produced 266 PS and 667 Nm torque. 2016: The all-new 4HK1, 5.2 litre engines, powering five models from the 2016 F Series range, producing 210 PS and 726 Nm or 240 PS and 765 Nm torque. Fuel efficiency focus The F Series models fitted with the new 4HK1 engine also benefit from the inclusion of the Isuzu Idle-Stop System (ISS), which works to produce impressive fuel economy figures by cutting engine use when the vehicle comes to a stop. “Reduced fuel consumption was a key consideration in the development of this engine, and we have now data from the Isuzu domestic market to show the 4HK1 can deliver a seven per cent overall fuel saving – this is going to be extremely well regarded by customers,” Mr Humphries said. “What we’ve achieved with the 4HK1 is a clear leap forward in engine technology, and undeniable evidence of the trend moving forward towards higher output and lower displacement power plants.” The 210 PS variants of the 4HK1 power the Isuzu FRR, FRD, and FSS 4x4 with GVMs spanning 10.7 to 11 tonnes. The 240 PS of the 4HK1 variants include the FRR at 11 tonnes GVM and FSR at 12 and 14 tonnes respectively. ends For further information, please contact: Jeff Birdseye Marketing Manager Isuzu Australia Limited Phone: 03 9644 6666 For Isuzu Truck releases and photos: Arkajon Communications Phone: 03 9867 5611 Email: isuzu@arkajon.com.au