Spartan Chassis, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), introduced a new Class A Front Engine Gasoline (FEG) concept chassis to capitalize on the growth of smaller Class A recreational vehicles (22K to 28K GVWR) and the increasing demand for gasoline powered engines in the motorized segment.
Code-named the Extol, this chassis presented at the RVIA National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY, offers significant powertrain and chassis performance improvements which will enable RV OEMs and their dealers to capture additional sales.
Powered by an 8.8-liter engine that offers 430 HP and 512 lb.-ft. of torque (@3400 RPM) the engine offers a sizable performance improvement over current offerings in the market today. Branded Spartan and developed in cooperation with Power Solutions International, Inc., the engine is right-sized to the Class A growth opportunity and offers the performance end-users seek for an improved driving and ownership experience.
"Spartan Chassis has been known for decades as a leader in the Class A diesel market. This Extol concept chassis is an excellent brand extension which should expand our product portfolio and fill what we perceive as a gap in the RV chassis market," said Tom Gorman, Chief Operating Officer, Spartan Motors. "This new chassis development illustrates both our long-term commitment to the RV business and, more importantly, our interest to continually find new business growth opportunities for our OEM partners in the RV industry."
The Extol value proposition includes multiple dimensions including:
-- Chassis performance: a superior ride quality achieved through use of Spartan's proprietary suspension and the new Compression Fluid Strut
-- Superior handling: achieved by tuning the chassis to the size, weight distribution, and profile of the RV OEM's body
-- Engine performance: the 8.8-liter gasoline engine provides a durable, high-performance big block engine which delivers a 20% improvement in power and 15% better fuel-efficiency than previous models
-- Engine durability: the heavy-duty, durable design includes a significantly stronger crankcase and a forged and induction hardened crankshaft, creating a block that can deliver 1,000 ft-lb of torque
"All of us at PSI are excited about the launch of our newly developed on-highway market applications with Spartan Chassis, a leader in the specialty vehicle category," said Jeremy Lessaris, Director of Marketing at PSI.