After a century of building all varieties of trucks and settling into mostly commercial vehicles, International celebrated its 100th birthday by reentering the medium-duty truck market with its brand-new MXT. Aimed at an upscale crowd that still demands the looks and performance of a real truck, the MXT is a true 4X4 that can tow fifth-wheels with ease. "From International's first truck 100 years ago to the new International MXT, we've manufactured trucks that have been on the leading edge of innovation," said Dee Kapur, president of International Truck and Engine's Truck Group.
Although the MXT is labeled a pickup, it is by no means small. At 8 feet wide and nearly 8 feet tall, the 10,500-pound truck has other specs to match. A 4,000-pound payload capacity and 15,500-pound towing capacity are standard, as is its 300hp, 530-lb-ft, VT365, V-8 diesel. The engine drives through an Allison five-speed automatic transmission with heavy-duty front and rear axles that power 20-inch alloy wheels and Pro Comp 40x13.50R20 tires. The interior is full of creature comforts, such as leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote entry, and optional CD/DVD players. The MXT Limited (arriving later this year) will come fully loaded and features six-way-adjustable heated seats, CD/DVD players, and even an optional Sony PlayStation 3.
 International's new MXT is...  International's new MXT is a medium-duty truck built with pickup looks. Four-wheel-drive, 40-inch tires, and a 300hp diesel V-8 are all standard features. |  The top-of-the-line MXT is...  The top-of-the-line MXT is the Limited, which features interior and exterior upgrades, such as an anodized-aluminum step rear bumper and a diamond wire-mesh grille. |  Military versions of the MXT...  Military versions of the MXT are also in the works. More info and cool pictures of these trucks can be found at www.internationaltruck.com. |
While the interior may feel like a limousine, the exterior and vehicle design still undoubtedly say truck. The raised and flattened fenders pay homage to International's past pickups while providing plenty of clearance for the 40-inch tires. The fuel tank holds a whopping 40 gallons, and the heavy-duty chassis and suspension indicate that this vehicle should be perfectly at home off-road, towing, or just cruising down the street.
By introducing the MXT, International has created something unique, bridging the gap between trucks and SUVs that are used just for looks, performance, or towing and creating something that can do all three. Prices for the base model MXT start at $89,500.
 The new MXT comes with International's...  The new MXT comes with International's VT365, a 300hp, 530-lb-ft, V-8, turbodiesel engine. International claims about a 60 percent improvement in fuel economy over a similarly sized and powered gas engine. |  Ivory-faced sport gauges are...  Ivory-faced sport gauges are offered on both the MXT and the Limited. A full-leather, tilt steering wheel is also available on both models. |  A 6.5-inch Eclipse CD/DVD...  A 6.5-inch Eclipse CD/DVD player is optional on the MXT and comes standard on the MXT Limited. |