Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America’s (MFTA) new 2012 Canter FG4x4 features more horsepower, reduced weight, and lower total cost of ownership, according to the company.
The truck, a Class 4 14,050 GVWR model, is a new design, the company added, using an advanced-technology powertrain, lightweight high-strength steel frame, and an instrument panel with “comprehensive digital display.”
“The new 4P10 engine, Duonic transmission and BlueTec emissions treatment system combine to boost the new 2012 FG4x4’s horsepower by nearly 4% compared to the previous FG model,” said Todd Bloom, president & CEO of MFTA. “At the same time, the lightweight frame and weight reduction strategies have allowed an upgrade from the 5-spd. manual transmission used previously to the new Duonic 6-spd. dual-clutch transmission, while actually reducing curb weight.”
According to MFTA, the vehicle offers the fuel economy of a 2-wheel drive plus the versatility of 4-wheel drive when the front hubs are manually locked due to the combination of the transfer case, front locking hubs, and the standard Duonic transmission.
The 4P10 3L, dual-overhead-cam, dual-turbocharged, intercooled 4-cyl. diesel engine generates 161 hp. and 295 lbs.-ft. of torque. The vehicle uses drum-type service brakes with vacuum servo assist and ABS standard at all four wheels. The parking brake is a drum/driveline, internal-expanding-shoe type and a driver-controlled, electrically actuated exhaust brake helps control speed on downhill grades, MFTA said.
Bodies of 12-15 ft. can be mounted to the FG4x4, which has a wheelbase of 134.4 in. MFTA noted that the turning diameter is 44.2 ft., 7 ft. shorter than a Ford F-450. And the cabover design allows the driver to see the ground as close as 8 ft. in front of the front bumper, compared to 25 ft. for some Class 4 conventional trucks, the company said.
Driver comfort was also considered in the design, MFTA said. Steering wheel tilt and telescoping adjustments are made using one control lever, instrumentation is easy to read, day or night, and includes not only the normal tachometer and speedometer gauges, but also a digital display that gives the operator real-time data on the status of the vehicles’ most important operating parameters. Daytime running lights and power windows are standard, and doors include internal crush bars to help increase frontal-impact protection.
Center and right-hand passenger seats can also be folded down to form a work area for the driver, and extra storage compartments have been added in the cab area.
“The strong V-shape styling cues of the Canter’s front panels convey a sense of strength and toughness,” said Leighton Good, manager of product and applications. “But the styling is also practical. The shapes of the pieces and the fit help to improve aerodynamics, and the three-piece bumper construction makes it easier and less expensive to make repairs in the event that a portion of the bumper is damaged — a practical approach for a 4x4 often used for snow plowing, off-road deliveries, and other perilous jobs.”
MFTA suggests 18,000-mi. service intervals for the FG4x4, which comes with a standard 3-year/unlimited mileage bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 4-year/unlimited mileage rust-through warranty, and an exclusive 5-year/175,000-mi. powertrain limited warranty.