By Jim Brennan
Continuing on with our NTEA coverage here in Indianapolis, Isuzu held their press conference yesterday in which they introduced the Reach Van (in cooperation with Utilimaster Corporation), and re-launched their V-8 powered Low Cab Forward Truck. One is very interesting, the other? Not so much….
This is a cooperative venture between Isuzu and Utilimaster, and is an interesting answer to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, with the hope of competing with other European vans that are set to be introduced in North America within the next couple of years. It is suppose to at least 35% more fuel efficient that your typical box truck today, providing true commercial truck capability, and provide a lower cost of ownership that the traditional step-van. The interior is up to 27 inches higher than a conventional Ford or GM van and 10 inches wider than a Sprinter van.
This van utilizes the Isuzu Eco-Max chassis, with a 3.0L turbodiesel that is rated at 150HP, and a six-speed automatic with two overdrive gears. This is the same chassis that has been available on a conventional cab forward truck with a specialized Supreme Aero Body that has produced significant fuel economy. The Reach has the advantages of having the driver walk into the cargo area without leaving the cab. Production begins this summer.
They also re-introduced the Gasoline version of the Low Cab Forward truck, and this is also a cooperative venture with Spartan Chassis, a maker of Motor-home, and Step Van chassis. The engine for this application will be the well proven 6.0L V-8 with a power output of over 300HP. The Transmission chosen is also sourced from GM, and is the 6L90 6 Speed automatic with a Double overdrive gear set.
This gives Isuzu a competitive price point for the Low Cab Forward market, and is probably the right choice for utilities, college and university campus, and other low mileage applications where a diesel premium doesn’t make a lot of sense. Production begins this April.
Mercedes Lilienthal 
Kamil Kaluski
Hey Jim….Great posts but where are the Booth Babes?
Also, what is the truck seen in the passenger window in the image of the Eco Max with the Supreme Aero Body? Looks pretty cool from here.
Judging by the cab vent placement and pattern stamped into the cab's rear sheetmetal, looks like a GM chassis cab.
<img src="http://media.dealerskins.com/carspecs2002/Photos/JatoColor400/GMC/SIERRA/2011/4BH-C58U.jpg">
I thought those vents were tail lights and that was the rear end of the vehicle…thought it might be some type of fan…thanks.
The gears in my head start turning upon seeing that last picture of the bare framed cab-over v8. I can only think a ferris wheel would best fill that empty frame.
<img src="http://images.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2009/07/1957Chevrolet4400_resized.jpg">
via Hemmings
I don't know. I think that all the bare frame needs is reinforcement for the cab, and instant new SCCA class. Ala FIA Truck racing! I wonder if I would need a CDL to drive one of those on the street…
You mean to say there's only room for one or the other?
Air brakes, passengers, or HazMat trigger a CDL here in the Sunshine State.
I think weight limit dictates CDL in NY but passenger is a further certification.
Sweet! I think here in Texas I wouldn't need a CDL for one of these, as the GVWR is too low. Now I just need to find an older 3 pedal NPR, rip the box off it, and head for an auto-x. I wonder where SCCA would class an NPR?
I want that last one, the "low cab forward" in the last photo, with a proper duallie pickup box on it. Just to drive around.
Hmm. The Reach Van looks promising. Any idea on pricing?
around 50,000.00
GM hasn't been in the step van chassis business for about a decade now selling that business unit to Navistar. They did soldier the P series chassis for awhile while they designed their W series that replaced it.
The last step vans built on the Isuzu CF chassis are a big PITA to do any service and repair on. The body work looks way to expensive to repair so I think many customers will stay away just for that reason.
ISUZU REACH ??????? I BOUGHT ONE HOW IS IT ??? A PIECE OF— CRAP —I PAYED 63,000 IT LEAKS WATER FROM BOTH SIDES OF WINDSHIELD WINDSHIELD IS CROOKED OR THE BODY IS.. ABOVE IT ….BUMPER IS CROOKED MOST OF THE PLASTIC TRIM IS FADED.. SLIDING DOOR IS REALLY HARD TO CLOSE ON PASSENGER SIDE.. WALK THROUGH DOOR DRAGS THE FLOOR AND MUST BE LIFTED TO MAKE IT CLOSE RADIO HAS POWER GOES IN AND OUT BY IT SELF HEAD LINER SAGS PAINT FINISH COULD NOT BE WORSE ..RUNS..IN THE PAINT. LARGE CONTAMINATES JUST PAINTED OVER MIRRORS LOOSING SILVER COATING AROUND THE PERIMETER DRIVEN THE VAN BECAUSE I HAVE TO IN 1000 MILES 12.7 MPG IS THE BEST MILEAGE I CAN GET I HAVE HAD THE VAN FOR OVER A MONTH AND STILL WAITING FOR UTILIMASTER AND ISUZU TO JUST LOOK AT IT WHAT A JOKE CAN NEED MORE CALL ME 561-735 1301 BEFORE YOU BUY I AM PISSED OFF