2011/12 International "TerraStar" (was MXT)

[chrismc]

Somehow this was announced in June, and snuck by.

International Trucks has announced the next-generation of the MXT model. The 2012 model-year TerraStar Class 4/5 truck will be available in a number of different configurations, including pickup, hauler, and cab & chassis models in varying wheelbases from 160" up to 209". Available GVWRs are 16,000 and 19,000 lbs. It will initially be available with only a 4x2 drivetrain, but a 4x4 model will begin deliveries in 2011.

The TerraStar features an all-aluminum cab for 40% weight reduction as well as added corrosion resistance. The cab has 28% better front forward visibility vs. Ford F Series, and is the largest cab in its class at 7" wider interior, 9" more headroom and 2" more belly room than Ford F Series (International makes it clear who they're competing against).

The engine is a 300 horsepower, 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7 V-8 diesel delivering 660 lb.-ft. torque, paired with an Allison 1000 transmission. The engine uses the "MaxxForce Advanced EGR" system for emissions compliance, and does not need Urea fluid for operation. This would probably be a bonus in travel abroad. Cab configurations available for order will include a Regular, Extended, or Crew Cab, with your choice of several different trim levels and options such as leather seats, custom navigation console, and DVD player.

MSRP starts at $41,397 (4x2, standard cab).

This model would likely make a wonderful base for a mid-size GXV or Unicat body (or maybe even an Earthroamer LTS if you could talk Bill into it). A few years ago, Unicat built an "Amerigo" model off of the then-labeled MXT truck. If I recall correctly, Unicat had to acquire some military suspension components for the commercial MXT in order to beef it up enough for the weight. With the new options available on the TerraStar, I'm sure it could handle the workload with much less effort.

Here is a walk-through video showing some of the features:
...edit...
How the heck do I embed a YouTube video? The yt tags don't seem to work. Here's the short URL: http://youtu.be/0VaCUwG_v0k[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VaCUwG_v0"][/ame]

 

[ntsqd]

Ford's parting with Navistar over the 6.0 debacle was reportedly less than friendly. I got the impression that not all of the 6.0 issue was Navistar's making. So their pointed advertising comes as no surprise.

 

[AmericaOverland]

And guess what? when you go to their web site and look at the splash page, it cycles through all the options for the tractor (dump truck, stake bed, all that) except ONE. The RV option!! They think they're going to sell it strictly for work truck applications!

Stephanie

 

[chrismc]

Ford's parting with Navistar over the 6.0 debacle was reportedly less than friendly. I got the impression that not all of the 6.0 issue was Navistar's making. So their pointed advertising comes as no surprise.

Yeah, it looks like it was designed as a heavier-duty drop-in replacement for the F-450/550. You have to wonder if they were developing this model before or after they had the falling-out with Ford (and if it impacted the falling-out). It looks like a nice truck, at an attractive price for its market segment. I've been a fan of the MXT since I first saw it. It just has a sexy, tough, and menacing look to it.

 

[OTR]

So did they discontinue the MXT model? It looks like the MXT wold have a much lower COG than the TerraStar

To bad they don't make the CityStar model in a 4x4 that would compete with the FG models.

 

[truck mechanic]

I heard that the mxt was dicontued for the general publick, but is sill being made for the millitary. A bunch of years ago the ceo of International had a plan to go after millitar contracts, then if that worked out they would start building smaller trucks. So I think this was in the works before they parted ways with Ford. They even went as far as saying if things worked as planed they would look at a modern Scout. But all this was before the credit crunch and fuel price spikes from a few years ago, As much as I would love to see a modern Scout I wont hold my breath. But Seeing as a Terra was a Scout pick up back in the day its nice to see the name in use again.
Paul.
Oh and yeah Im the guy with the 72 Scout.

 

[chrismc]

So did they discontinue the MXT model? It looks like the MXT wold have a much lower COG than the TerraStar

To bad they don't make the CityStar model in a 4x4 that would compete with the FG models.

Yeah, the -XT series (WorkStar/7300-based "bad boy pickup" CXT, DuraStar-based RXT hauler, and military-based MXT) all got the axe a couple years ago for civilian use (2008 was last model year). I think they're still making the MXT-MV for military, but I'm not sure if they're actually deployed anywhere or are still just in an evaluation stage. The TerraStar is the new MXT (some are calling it the 2012 MXT, a bit inaccurately). Regarding the COG, remember that all of the TerraStar pics are the 4x2 version, likely with smaller tires than the 4x4 MXT (it had 40" Pro-Comp's if I recall correctly). The difference you're noticing might just be because the 4x2 has different proportions than the MXT (although the grille definitely looks taller on the TerraStar). Its really hard to track down photos and technical details on the TerraStar. Here's one I found, obviously touched-up a bit. It might even be a rendering.

 

[chrismc]

It looks like the MXT-MV is still in production, now under the "Navistar Defense" brand name. They just signed a contract in July to deliver 350 of them to Great Britain. While I was digging around on that, I found this piece of art, the VALANX JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle):

Its probably not as apropos to expedition travel as the MXT/TerraStar, but man does it looks like it'd be fun to tear around the desert in that thing.