Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
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2013 B oth the light- and medium-duty truck markets are seeing some noteworthy changes for 2013, including new models, redesigns, updated engines, revamped platforms and alter- native fuel versions. Here are some highlights: CHEVROLET/GMC: General Motors will offer a factory- built bifuel system for both its Chevrolet and GMC extended-cab heavy-duty pickup trucks, allowing the trucks to run on both gaso- line and compressed natural gas. The Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD bifuel trucks come with a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that transitions seamlessly between the two fuels, with a single lightweight tank in the bed. CHRYSLER: A factory-built bifuel configuration for the Ram 2500 HD crew cab runs on both CNG and gasoline MAKES MODELS LIGHT- AND MEDIUM-DUTY CLASS 1-6 and is powered by the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine matched with a 6-speed automatic transmis- sion and equipped with two CNG tanks in the pickup bed. FORD: The E-Series van line is being phased out and replaced with a new Transit van plat- form that will be introduced with a diesel engine option. The E-Series will continue to be built after the Transit begins arriving in dealer lots in late 2013 after validation testing. Canada's Westport Innovations is providing a bifuel CNG/gasoline option for F-250 and F-350 Super Duty models. FREIGHTLINER: The SmartPlex electrical system for Business Class M2 models is designed to provide flex- ibility for truck equipment manufacturers when configur- ing a truck to a specific body installation. The system uses Freightliner's proprietary control modules that connect to the J1939 data bus, control- ling power to lights and TEM equipment. SmartPlex also includes a flex switch and lamp module that provides capacity for up to 24 switches in the overhead compartment. HINO: The Class 5 cabover engine Model 195 is available with either a diesel or diesel- electric hybrid powertrain. The 19,500-lb. GVW 195 and 195h both are powered by a 5L J05E Series diesel engine generating 210 hp and 440 lb.-ft. of torque and equipped with a selective catalytic reduction emissions control system. The engine is mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. ISUZU: The 12,000-lb. GVWR N-Series low-cab-forward NPR gasoline model will be available with a three-person standard cab or seven-pas- senger crew cab. It will be Truck makers revamp lineups, debut new models in response to growing market powered by a 6.0L Vortex V8 gasoline engine delivering 297 hp and 372 lb.-ft. of torque inked to a 6L90 Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmis- sion with double overdrive. KENWORTH: The K270 Class 6 cabover targets urban-deliv- ery applications such as pickup and delivery, lease/rental, towing/recovery, landscaping, furniture delivery and food processing and distribution that require a maneuverable truck capable of carrying 18- to 26-foot van bodies, stake- Makes & Models is intended to give truck buyers a general over- view of what's available for 2013. Basic specifications are provided, including wheelbases, GVWRs and engine choices, along with a capsule summary of what's new from each manufacturer. Keep in mind that these are preliminary listings, as new models, specs and features may be released later this year. & Dodge Ram 2500 HD Freightliner Business Class M2 Extended Cab Isuzu Reach Van COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2012 69