Isuzu Motors America, Inc., has announced pricing for its 2006 Ascender SUVs. The Ascender 5-Passenger S 2WD model will maintain the same low entry-level price point as the 2005 model, with manufacturer's suggested retail prices beginning at only $25,959. In addition, the company has lowered the starting price of its flagship Ascender 7-Passenger S 2WD by two percent, or $571, to an M.S.R.P. of only $27,998.

Pricing

In addition to low starting M.S.R.P.s, both Ascender models offer four option packages -- Preferred Equipment, LS, Leather and Luxury (5-Passenger) or Limited (7-Passenger) -- with M.S.R.P.s discounted 20 percent from the price of separately purchased equipment.

Power

Both Ascender models come standard with the acclaimed Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine, named by Ward's AutoWorld magazine as one of the industry's "10 Best Engines" for the last four years in a row. For 2006, this 4.2-liter powerplant generates 291 horsepower -- a 16-horsepower boost. The engine's torque output has also increased from 275 foot-pounds at 3,600 rpm to 277 foot-pounds at 4,800 rpm.

This significant improvement in power output was accomplished by extensive changes to both the engine's block and head -- including revised rod casting and machining, rod squirters and bearings, wrist pins, piston casting, crankshaft cross-drilling, valves, valve seats and springs, cylinder head machining, camshaft covers and ignition coils.

The Ascender 7-Passenger also offers an available 5.3-liter Displacement on Demand V8 engine which generates a whopping 300 horsepower. DoD brings buyers greater fuel efficiency by using only half the engine's cylinders during most normal driving conditions. The system automatically and seamlessly calls upon the other cylinders when the driver needs the engine's full capabilities for maximum acceleration or load carrying. As a result, the DoD engine provides the most towing capacity available in any Ascender -- a hefty 6,400 pounds on Ascender 7-Passenger 2WD V8 models equipped with the 3.73 axle ratio.

Precision

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control has been added as a standard feature on all Ascenders for the new model year. StabiliTrak combines anti-lock brake, traction control and stability control systems and helps the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving conditions.

Traction control activates when the controller senses wheel spin. StabiliTrak selectively applies the brakes and reduces engine torque to help regain traction.

Stability control activates when the controller senses a discrepancy between the driver's intended path and the direction the vehicle is traveling. StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle's brakes to help guide the vehicle in the direction in which the driver is steering.

The system can be turned off manually and is automatically disabled in 4WD low range (on 4WD models).

Protection

All 2006 Isuzu Ascender owners will benefit from Isuzu's seven-year/75,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty and matching 24-hour roadside assistance coverage. These coverages are in addition to Isuzu's three-year/50,000-mile basic and six-year/100,000-mile perforation from corrosion warranties.

Isuzu Motors America, Inc., is the U.S. distributor of Isuzu light vehicles and diesel engines. For more information call (800) 662-2464 or access www.IsuzuNewsBureau.com.