Isuzu Giga

Isuzu Giga
Overview
ManufacturerIsuzu
Also called
  • Isuzu Heavy Duty
  • Isuzu C/E series
  • Isuzu S&E series
  • Chevrolet C/E series
  • UD Quon (2023–present)
Production1994–present
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassTruck
Body style2-door standard cab (Worldwide)
4-door crew cab (Australia only)
Powertrain
Transmission5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 7-speed manual (Japanese Domestic Market Only), 16-speed manual (for tractor only), 6-speed automatic, 10-speed automatic, 12-speed automatic & 16-speed automatic (Smoother-G & some export models outside Japan)
Chronology
PredecessorIsuzu 810

The Isuzu Giga (Japanese: いすゞ・ギガ) is a line of heavy-duty commercial vehicles produced by Isuzu since 1994. Outside of Japan, the line is known as the Isuzu C/E series and Isuzu S&E series[2] and was formerly known as the Isuzu Heavy-Duty Truck'.[3] Between 1994 and 2016, it was also sold in South America (under the Chevrolet brand as Chevrolet C/E series).

First generation (1994)

First Generation
Overview
ManufacturerIsuzu Motors Ltd.
Also calledC/E series (Intl. exports)
Chevrolet C / E series (Latin America)
Production1994–2015 (Japanese market), Until 2022 (Export market)
Body and chassis
Body styleTruck (standard cab (Worldwide), crew cab (Australia only))
Powertrain
Engine6NX1 & 6HK1 (Indonesian market only based on Isuzu F-series), 6SD1, 6WA1, 6WF1, 6WG1, 6UZ1, 8PE1, 8TD1, 10PE1, 10TD1, 12PE1
Transmission7-speed manual
12-speed Smoother-G AMT
16-speed manual
16-speed Smoother-G

The Isuzu Giga heavy-duty truck was first introduced in 1994 as the successor to the Isuzu 810. The early models featured multiple body types (box truck, tractor trailer, dump truck), new high GVW options (22t and 25t), and advanced design elements such as bumper-mounted headlights, which later became common in the industry. Several trim levels were offered, ranging from basic to luxury. Over the years, the Giga went through multiple updates that brought design refreshes, safety improvements, and regulatory compliance. In 1997, it became the first large truck line to include SRS airbags and HID headlights as standard safety features. Engine options evolved from V-type engines to more efficient straight-six and turbocharged engines, especially to meet stricter emission and noise regulations in the 2000s. Between 2000 and 2007, further updates focused on emissions compliance, safety standards, exterior redesigns (such as grille and bumper changes), and improved technology. Advanced features like radar-based distance warning and cruise control were introduced by 2007. By this time, older configurations (such as low cab and off-road cabs) were phased out.

Between 2007 and 2010, the Isuzu Giga received updates focused on safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. In 2007, electronic stability control (IESC) was added to tractor models, older engine types were discontinued, and a collision damage mitigation braking system was developed. By 2009, exterior components like mirrors and turn signals were redesigned to meet international regulations, and a side-monitoring feature was added to the driver assistance system.

In 2010, a major update introduced new emissions technology (SCR + DPD), standardized the engine lineup to the 6UZ1, improved cooling and lighting through cab redesign, added a new 16-speed transmission for dump trucks, and updated wheel standards.

Second generation (2015)

Second Generation
Overview
ManufacturerIsuzu Motors Ltd.
Also calledC-series
E-series
S-series
Production2015–2022 (Tractor for Japanese market only)
2015–present (Export market & other cargo types for Japanese market except tractor)
Body and chassis
Body styleTruck (standard cab (Worldwide), crew cab (Australia only))
RelatedQingling Motors Isuzu VC61
Powertrain
Engine6NX1, 6UV1, 6UZ1, 6WG1
Transmission7-speed manual
12-speed Smoother-G AMT
16-speed manual
16-speed Smoother-G

The second-generation Isuzu Giga was unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and launched with a full model change. The new model introduced a redesigned cab shared with Forward and Elf trucks, improved aerodynamics, updated interior with digital displays and steering controls, multiple cab configurations, and enhanced comfort. The 6UZ1 engine continued with efficiency upgrades, alongside improved transmissions and fuel-saving technologies such as Smart Glide. Advanced safety systems were added, including improved pre-crash braking, lane departure warning, and driver support technologies. Fleet management systems (MIMAMORI and PREISM) were also enhanced.

From 2015 to 2018, updates included the introduction of CNG, improved tractor models, new engines (including the 6NX1), better fuel efficiency, compliance with newer emissions regulations, and LED lighting upgrades. Special editions were released, such as the 80th Anniversary model. Between 2019 and 2021, safety became a major focus, with pedestrian and cyclist detection systems, blind spot monitoring, driver monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and the Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) were added. Comfort improvements included higher roofs and premium seating. Monitoring features expanded to include tire pressure, battery status, and safety reporting.

In 2025, the Giga became the first heavy-duty truck in Japan to include a wheel detachment warning system as standard on all models, alongside further strengthened safety technologies. [4]

With the full model change, the symbol at the end of the model has been changed from the original Giga QKG-CYL77 A to QPG-CYL77 B, for example, in 6x2.

As of 2022 the second generation Giga has launched in Japan, China and Malaysia.[5]

Third generation (2023 for semi-truck only)

The UD Quon-based model was introduced in March 2023.[6]

Line up

  • CVR (4 × 2)
  • CXK (6 × 2R) NK suspension
  • CXM (6 × 2R)
  • CYM (6 × 2R) GVW over 20t
  • CYL (6 × 2R) GVW 20t super air suspension
  • CXG (6 × 2F)
  • CXE (6 × 2F) Air suspension
  • CYG (6 × 2F) GVW over 20t
  • CYE (6 × 2F) GVW 20t super air suspension
  • CXY (6 × 4) air suspension
  • CXZ (6 × 4)
  • CYZ (6 × 4) GVW over 20t
  • CYY (6 × 4) GVW 20t super air suspension
  • CVZ (low floor 6 × 4) GVW18t specification
  • CXZ-J (Low floor 6 × 4)
  • CYZ-J (low floor 6 × 4) GVW over 20t
  • CYY-J (Low floor 6 × 4) GVW 20t super / air suspension
  • CXH (low floor 8 × 4)
  • CYH (low floor 8 × 4) GVW over 20t
  • CYJ (low floor 8 × 4) GVW 20t super air suspension
  • CVS (4 × 4) chassis for snowplows
  • CXW (6 × 6) chassis for snowplows
  • CYW (6 × 6) GVW 20t super / snowplow chassis
  • EXR (4 × 2 semi-tractor)
  • EXD (4 × 2 semi-tractor) air suspension
  • EXZ (6 × 4 semi-tractor)
  • EXY (6 × 4 semi-tractor) air suspension
  • EW5
  • SG5
  • SW5

Engines

"Classification" in the table below indicates the two digits of the three letters of the vehicle model code (C ** or EX * above).

Classification Engine model Aspiration Displacement Power Installation period
23 6SD1 Straight-six engine - TCI 9,839 cc 228 kW (310 PS)
250 kW (340 PS)
1994-2005
50 6WA1 12,068 cc 243 kW (330 PS)
265 kW (360 PS)
287 kW (390 PS)
1994-2000
51 6WF1 14,256 cc 243 kW (330 PS)
272 kW (370 PS)
1999-2007
52 6WG1 15,681 cc 294 kW (400 PS)
309 kW (420 PS)
338 kW (460 PS)
382 kW (520 PS)
1997-
60 6NX1 7,790 cc 250 kW (340 PS) 2016-
VC61 6UZ1
6WG1
by Qingling Isuzu
Straight-six engine - TCI 9,839 cc
15,681 cc
382 kW (520 PS)
338 kW (460 PS)
309 kW (420 PS)
279 kW (380 PS)
2018-
73 6TE1 V6 engine - Naturally aspirated 18,933 cc 243 kW (330 PS)
272 kW (370 PS)
2001-2003
74 8TD1 V8 engine - Naturally aspirated 24,312 cc 302 kW (410 PS)
331 kW (450 PS)
353 kW (480 PS)
2000-2003
75 10TD1 V10 engine - Naturally aspirated 30,390 cc 441 kW (600 PS) 1997-2003
77 6UZ1 Straight-six engine - TCI 9,839 cc 243 kW (330 PS)
279 kW (380 PS)
294 kW (400 PS)
2005-
78 6UV1 Straight-six engine - TCI (CNG) 9,839 cc 243 kW (330 PS) 2015-
80 8PE1 V8 engine - Naturally aspirated 15,201 cc 210 kW (285 PS) 1994-2003
81 10PE1 V10 engine - Naturally aspirated 19,001 cc 239 kW (325 PS)
265 kW (360 PS)
82 12PE1 V12 engine - Naturally aspirated 22,801 cc 283 kW (385 PS)
309 kW (420 PS)
331 kW (450 PS)
1994-2000

See also

References

  1. ^ Dizon, Lester (19 September 2019). "Trucks fit for a king". Manila Standard. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  2. ^ "GIGA SERIES HEAVY TRUCKS BROCHURE" (PDF). Blackwells Isuzu. February 2013. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Isuzu History Timeline". Isuzu. Retrieved 9 August 2020. 1st-gen GIGA - Isuzu's heavy-duty truck underwent a full model change and was released as the GIGA. Named after the unit prefix for billion as well as meaning large or massive, the truck was the largest model Isuzu had ever produced.
  4. ^ "Isuzu launches upgraded GIGA heavy-duty truck - New cab design with enhanced safety and connectivity -" (Press release). Japan: Isuzu. 29 October 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  5. ^ King, Nicholas. "Malaysia third country to receive Isuzu's new Giga trucks". New Straits Times. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  6. ^ Tsubakiyama, Kazuo (29 March 2023). "いすゞとUDトラックス、新型トラクタヘッド「ギガ」「クオン」初公開 技術協業成果第一弾" [Isuzu and UD Trucks unveil new tractor heads "Giga" and "Quon" - first result of technical collaboration]. Impress.co.jp (in Japanese). Japan: Impress Corporation. Retrieved 29 March 2023.