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The Isuzu Faster is a pick-up truck that was manufactured and marketed by Isuzu between 1972 and 2002 over three generations. The Faster was succeeded worldwide by Isuzu D-Max worldwide, except in North America. == First generation (1972–1980) == | length = | width = }} Isuzu of Japan introduced the ''KB20'' / ''25'' series Faster pickup in 1972. The regular wheelbase models were designated "20", while "25" referred to the longer version. Derived from the Isuzu Florian, the Faster shared many components, including doors and the front-end assemblage. It served as a replacement for the Isuzu Wasp, a pickup version of the Bellett which preceded the Florian. Both single and twin headlamp front fascia designs were produced. Due to the exterior dimensions, and engines offered were found to be in compliance with Japanese regulations, the platform was classed in the favorable "compact" designation, and competed with other Japanese made products sold in Japan at the time. In most export markets, Isuzu rebranded the Faster as the "Isuzu KB".〔Ruiz (1986), p. 131.〕 However, the Faster was often distributed through General Motors (GM) retail channels and sold under the Chevrolet brand as the "Chevrolet LUV"—''LUV'' being an acronym for ''light utility vehicle''.〔(【引用サイトリンク】 Chevrolet Colorado History )〕 Bedford, the European commercial vehicle subsidiary of GM also offered the vehicle under the "Bedford KB" name.〔(【引用サイトリンク】 Bedford KB (KB25) brochure (Europe, left-hand drive) )〕 The Isuzu Faster used a traditional pickup truck chassis with a ladder frame and a leaf spring live axle rear suspension. At the front, the A-arm suspension used an independent configuration. The wheelbase was similar to its competitors, as was the cargo bay. Unlike for the preceding Wasp, there was also a long wheelbase version (''KB25'') which had between the axles, which made for a bed. In 1978 a four-wheel drive version became available, with the ''KB40'' chassis code but sold under the "Faster Rodeo" label in Japan. There was also a double cab (on the longer chassis) version. Sales ended in 1980 when the second generation was introduced. The engine used in most markets was a carbureted gasoline SOHC inline-four of , which was complemented by a diesel four (''KBD'') which produced . Top speeds were and for the gasoline and diesel versions respectively.〔 In Japan, an overhead valve engine (G161) was fitted originally; this produces for a top speed. ;Australia General Motors-Holden's imported the Faster into Australia from November 1972 under the name "Chevrolet LUV", renaming it "Isuzu KB" in 1977 before it was replaced in December 1980 by the second generation model (badged "Holden Rodeo").〔Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "KB Rodeo: December 1980 to August 1988"; "GM-H had been importing light and heavy Isuzu trucks from Japan since the early 1970s. First of these was the Isuzu KB utility, sold as the Chevrolet LUV (Light utility Vehicle). The reputation and recognition of this little utility grew over time until in 1977, the Chevrolet name was deleted and the Isuzu nameplate was used instead. Late in 1980, KB received a major An update in 1978 expanded the LUV range—now comprising the short-wheelbase ''KB20'' model, the new long-wheelbase ''KB25'' and the four-wheel drive ''KB40'' short-wheelbase.〔 These ''KB25'' and ''KB40'' variants were offered in both cab chassis and utility (pickup) body styles and could be specified with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine or the newly available 2.0-liter inline-four diesel.〔 The diesel produced and .〔 ;North America Responsibility of sales in North America was delegated to General Motors. Thus, the Isuzu was retailed via Chevrolet dealerships as the "Chevrolet LUV". The only engine was a SOHC inline-four which produced . Sales in the United States began in March 1972 as a response to the Datsun and Toyota pickup trucks, as well as Ford's Mazda-built Courier.〔 To circumvent the 25 percent tariff on light trucks (known as the chicken tax), LUVs were imported in cab chassis configuration, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4 percent tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck. The LUV's exterior was updated slightly for the 1974 model year, but the first major update came in the 1976 model year, when a three-speed automatic transmission option and front disc brakes were added. Power was up to for 1977, and sales continued to rise. An exterior refresh and the addition of a cargo bay option, with longer wheelbase, brought sales up to 71,145 in 1978. The addition of four-wheel drive in 1979 brought the LUV to the attention of ''Motor Trend'' magazine, and earned it their second "Truck of the Year" award. Sales peaked at 100,192. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Isuzu Faster」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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