For 2008, Mitsubishi Fuso has added a new class 3 truck to its FE series, refined its class 4 and 5 FE series, and completely redesigned its class 6 and 7 FK/FM series. The
all-cabover line will be joined by a new class 4 crew cab and 4WD models in the fall of 2008.

The class 3 FE125 becomes the lightest duty vehicle in the Fuso line-up, offering a 12,500-lb GVWR on the same basic chassis and same cab configuration as its heavier-duty class 4 and 5 siblings. The frame is made from steel with a 51,200-psi yield strength, in a straight ladder configuration. Unlike many of its class 3 pickup-truck-based
counterparts, says Mitsubishi, the FE125 offers hydraulic disc brakes at all wheels and stabilizer bars front and rear.

It sports a 4.9L DOHC turbocharged inline-four diesel with 4 valves per cylinder, producing 185 hp and 391 lb ft of torque.

Both the FE125 and the class 4 FE145 (14,500 lb GVWR) now come with an Aisin electronic 6-speed overdrive automatic transmission as the only gearbox choice. The class 5 FE180 (17,995 lb GVWR) features the same Aisin automatic as standard, but also offers a Mitsubishi 6-speed overdrive manual transmission as an option.

The latter two of those trucks, plus the class 5 FK200, get a 7.5L SOHC turbocharged diesel, an inline six pushing out 243 hp and 516 lb ft of torque.

On all FE models, the shift lever is mounted on the dash and the parking brake is mounted between the seats, so the floor is free of obstacles, providing more center-seat leg room and allowing the driver to easily exit from the curbside door when that’s the safer path.

The completely redesigned FK and FM class 6 and 7 models offer major improvements in driver ergonomics, environmental impact, and safety and performance, the manufacturer says. These trucks are powered by a completely rebuildable Fuso 7.5L in-line six, a turbocharged diesel that generates 243 hp and 514 lb ft of torque. An Allison automatic transmission is standard; a Mitsubishi 6-speed manual transmission is optional on the FK260 and the FM330. Stopping power is provided by air-over-hydraulic drum
brakes on the FK200 and full air brakes on the FK260 and FM330. An air-operated exhaust brake is standard on all models.

The new FK-FM cab has been refined to produce better aerodynamics-a 4% improvement with van bodies, Mitsubishi claims, and a whopping 25% gain with flatbeds and other low-profile bodies installed. A semi-floating cab mount, optimized cab roof structure, and redesigned interior combine to reduce vibration and interior noise. In fact,
the 2008 model is said to be 8% quieter at idle than the 2007 truck.

The revised roof structure also provides more headroom across the cab, and both tilt and telescoping range have been increased with the new steering column assembly. Seat
adjustment range has been increased to accommodate a larger range of drivers, and the grab handles have been more than doubled in length, now extending much lower in the door opening to make access easier. Air conditioning systems have also been improved.

Every new Mitsubishi Fuso truck is covered by the ‘3-4-5’ warranty that includes a 3-year/unlimited-mileage bumper-to-bumper vehicle limited warranty, a
4-year/unlimited-mileage rust-through limited warranty, and an “unmatched” 5-year/175,000-mile (FE models) or 5-year/250,000-Mile (FK/FM models) powertrain
limited warranty. The powertrain warranty covers not only internal engine components, but many bolt-on components like starter motors, turbochargers, and alternators.

Based in Tokyo, Mitsubishi Fuso is part of Daimler’s Commercial Vehicle Division.