trucks must meet
the standard; full compliance is not required until the 2007 model year.
Tier 2 requires vehicles to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by at
least 75 percent versus pre-existing levels. The Isuzu direct-injection
gasoline V6 reduces NOx emissions by 87.5 percent versus its conventionally
fuel-injected predecessor.
The engine also reduces non-methane organic gas (NMOG) emissions by
16.7 percent, while at the same time improving fuel economy by 6 to 10 percent
and horsepower by 8.7 percent.
"This engine is more environmentally friendly, efficient, and powerful.
But it doesn't require premium fuel," explained J. Terry Maloney, president of
Isuzu Motors America, Inc. "It's like having your cake and eating it too, and
then finding out your cake is low in calories."
The Isuzu 3.5-liter direct-injection gasoline V6 is standard in the 2004
Axiom and optional on the 2004 Rodeo. The only other vehicles available for
sale in the United States to offer direct-injection gasoline engines are the
$116,495 BMW 760Li and the Rolls-Royce Phantom, priced well above $300,000.
Isuzu is therefore the sole company to offer a direct-injection gasoline
engine in a U.S.-market truck, in a vehicle of any kind available in the U.S.
priced under $100,000, and in a vehicle at any price available in the U.S.
that runs on regular unleaded fuel.
Prior to its recognition by the EPA, the engine had already received a
2003 "Best of What's New" Award from POPULAR SCIENCE magazine.
Isuzu Motors America, Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Isuzu sport utility
vehicles and diesel engines. For more information call (800) 662-2464 or
access
http://www.IsuzuNewsBureau.com .