Mitsubishi introduces Class 5 chassis

May 1, 2002
MITSUBISHI Fuso has announced the availability of its newly designed 4M50 dual overhead cam diesel engine in a Class 5 vehicle. The model designation

MITSUBISHI Fuso has announced the availability of its newly designed 4M50 dual overhead cam diesel engine in a Class 5 vehicle.

The model designation for this 17,900 GVWR vehicle is FH. In addition to the new 4M50 engine, the new FH comes with an Aisin 4-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.

The 175 hp 4M50 engine in the FH produces 347 lb-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm. The 4M50 engine also incorporates Mitsubishi Fuso's twin balance shaft system, which helps make this fuel-efficient engine a quiet and smooth power plant.

The current 17,995 GVWR Class 5 Mitsubishi Fuso vehicle, equipped with a six-cylinder diesel engine, now carries the model designation FH-SP. The FH-SP is available with either a manual transmission or the optional Allison automatic transmission.

Both the FH and FH-SP are ideally suited for many applications, but refrigerated applications are their forte, where the vehicle's heavier front axle capacity can accommodate the extra weight.

Standard equipment in the competitively priced FH includes exhaust brake and power windows and door locks. Enhanced user features, such as a park position on the shift selector and an in-cab oil level check, and safety features, such as door crush bars, collapsible steering wheel and day running lights, are also standard equipment.

Beyond the introduction of the FH, the 2003 model year will be a quiet one and a clean one — clean because the Mitsubishi engine lineup already complies with the new diesel emission regulations that some engine manufacturers will introduce modified products October 1.

The company announced some enhancements to the crew cab chassis that it introduced as a 2002 model. The FE-SP crew cab comes with a four-speed automatic transmission and turbo-charged 175-hp diesel engine. It has a GVWR of 14,500 pounds, a 165.4-inch wheelbase, and usable CA of 100.8 inches.

No major changes in Mitsubishi emissions are anticipated until the 2004 calendar year, when substantially tighter regulations become effective.

“Anything that is added to the chassis, anything that is electronic can affect body builders,” Mitsubishi's Bob Aquaro said at the NTEA convention in Orlando. “Get ready, because more are coming. After 2004, another round of regulations go into effect in 2007. I think it's safe to say that all of us have a lot of work to do to get ready for 2007.”