Mitsubishi Fuso’s 2008 cabover truck lineup includes six new models offering significant changes in the cabs, brake systems and emissions control.
The company is getting back into the Class 3 medium-duty market for the first time since 2005 with its FE125 model. With its 12,500-pound GVW rating, the FE125 comes in three wheelbases. A 4.9-liter double overhead cam engine provides 185 horsepower and 391 foot-pounds of torque.
The same engine, transmission, frame style and wheelbases are found on the new Class 4 entry, the FE145, which weighs in at 14,500 pounds. The FE145 also gets a new 176-inch wheelbase option providing enough room for 20-foot bodies.
A new 17,995-pound Class 5 model, the FE180, retains the same engine as the previously mentioned trucks, but you have an option of the Aisin or a Mitsubishi 6-speed manual transmission. The FE180 can be spec’d with the same length wheelbases as the FE145 plus a new 189.4-inch size that will accommodate 22-foot bodies and some tuck- under lift gates. The FE180 models sport a 34.4-inch high frame.
Stepping up to Class 6 and 19,850 pounds, the FK200 model boasts an Allison 1000 RDS electronic five-speed transmission and what the company calls a “completely rebuildable” 7.5-liter single overhead cam engine with four valves per cylinder and 243 horsepower with 514 foot-pounds of torque. It’s available in three wheelbase lengths and accommodates bodies up to 24-feet long.
The new FK260 jumps up to a 25,995-pound GVWR and uses the same engine and transmission but a Mitsubishi six-speed manual transmission is available as an option. Full air brakes and an exhaust brake comes as standard equipment.
The heavyweight of the bunch, the Class 7 FM330 model comes with a GVWR of 32,900 pounds. It’s available in four wheelbase lengths and accepts bodies from 16- to 28-feet long.
All the new trucks enjoy an upgraded electronics program. PTO speeds can be programmed by your dealer, as can top speeds and cruise control speeds (on models with automatic transmissions) to reign in reckless drivers.