Mitsubishi Fuso The Great

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alsocalled
  • Mitsubishi FP/FV/FT/FU
  • Hyundai 91A
  • Dongfeng
Production1983–2001
Assembly
  • Japan
  • Indonesia
  • Taiwan
  • China
Mitsubishi Fuso The Great
Mitsubishi Fuso The Great (1993 facelift model)
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Motors Corporation
Also called
  • Mitsubishi FP/FV/FT/FU
  • Hyundai 91A
  • Dongfeng
Production1983–2001
Assembly
  • Japan
  • Indonesia
  • Taiwan
  • China
Body and chassis
ClassHeavy duty truck
Body styleCab-over truck
RelatedHyundai 91A
Powertrain
Engine
  • 6D22, 6D24, 6D40 I6
  • 8DC8, 8DC9, 8DC10, 8DC11, 8M20, 8M21 V8
  • 10DC11, 10M20 V10
Chronology
PredecessorMitsubishi Fuso F-series
SuccessorMitsubishi Fuso Super Great

Mitsubishi Fuso The Great is a heavy truck range manufactured and sold by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (now Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation) from 1983 until 2001. It is a gathering name for the FT, FV, and FU-series trucks. The Great succeeded the Mitsubishi F-series line of heavy trucks, and was gradually replaced by the Super Great which was introduced in 1996. The design language of The Great also defined the look of the succeeding generations of the Canter and Fighter trucks. The Great was also built as a tractor truck.

The vehicle has also been produced under license in South Korea by the Hyundai Motor Company under the name Hyundai 91A, and by Dongfeng Liuqi in China. It has frequently been used as a basis for armored security vehicles by Japanese law enforcement, as a fire truck, and even in competition: The Greats participated in the 1997 Dakar–Dakar Rally, finishing fifth and sixth in the truck (T4-2) category with teams headed by veteran French drivers Gilbert Versino and Christophe Granjon. This was enough to finish 38th and 41st overall amongst the four-wheeled competitors.[1] While both Greats entered finished, the result was overshadowed by competitors Hino's triple victory and Mitsubishi did not return to Dakar with heavyin the truck category.

In export markets, the name "The Great" was not typically used, with Mitsubishi selling them using the model code names.

Development

July 1983

Introduced. The headlights were rectangular, inset in larger, clear plastic rectangles.[2] Export models for certain markets and special vehicles such as snowplows used four, easier to replace, round headlights. It was designed to be more easy to use, with single-key operation, a steering lock, and no battery relay switch.

September 1983

An 8-ton semi-tractor with the six-cylinder 6D22(T3) engine was added (FP-R).[3]

November 1983

The heavier, 6x4 FV-R semi-tractor was added, fitted with the 8DC9 or turbocharged 8DC9(T) V8 engine.[3]

November 1984

The twin-turbo, intercooler 8DC9(T2) V8 engine was introduced.[3]

July 1986

Minor facelift with a larger grille, extending up above the headlamps onto the bonnet; the 8DC11 engine was introduced. In December 1986, new safety and drive-by noise regulations were addressed by the addition of sound damping, seat belts, and laminated windshield glass.[4]

May 1989

Added the 440 PS (324 kW) 10DC11 engine.[5]

December 1989

Facelift, with redesigned grille, now compliant with Japan's 1989 exhaust gas regulations. The FUSO emblem is somewhat smaller and is now attached to the black stripe above the grille.

July 1991

ABS brakes made standard equipment on tractor units.

October 1991

8M20 engine model available.

July 1993

Major revision, heralding the design later seen on the later Super Great, using projector headlights shared with the second generation Fighter. The dashboard was given a more rounded design.

December 1994

Made compliant with 1994 exhaust gas regulations. A new 22-25 tonne GVWR series of vehicles was added, called the "Z Series". These feature a front grille in the same color as the cab. The 8M21 engine was introduced.

April 1995

The tractor underwent minor changes to accommodate Japan's relaxation of regulations on total vehicle weight.

May 1996

The model was replaced by the Super Great. However, production of export and off-highway vehicles continued.

2001

Production of off-highway and export market vehicles came to an end.

Model Codes

Engines

References

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