International's Big Debut

You'd think the introduction of an all-new class 8 big-rig truck would be completely out of place at a car show, but that didn't seem to matter to International. As Daniel Ustian, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Navistar International Corporation put it to the assembled media, "How do you think all these cars got here?"

In one of the flashiest unveils of the show, International drove its all-new LoneStar truck out of a fog bank and practically into the audience. The new flagship of the International line, the LoneStar is quite stunning with its aerodynamic shape, extensive chrome trim and multiple light placements.

The sleek shape of the new truck is not just designed to turn heads. It's also considerably more fuel-efficient.

"The aerodynamic design of LoneStar's hood, windshield and side skirts will save real money," David Allendorph, chief designer for Navistar's Truck Group said. "Truck pros can have a unique, customizable truck that will reward them at the pump. When you are spending $1,000 or more with each fill-up, you really appreciate the fuel-efficiency of the LoneStar."

Not only does the LoneStar look good on the outside, it comes well equipped on the inside. Reading like the standard equipment of a luxury car, the LoneStar features ABS, traction control, roll stability control, Bluetooth integration, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and rosewood or titanium trim.

But those who use trucks like this don't just drive them; oftentimes they spend more time in the truck than out of it. So International has added features to make the LoneStar a comfortable home away from home. This includes features such as wood flooring in the sleeper cab, a sofa-bed design with back pillows, swivel chairs, a Monsoon audio system, a pull-down bed with a 42-inch premium mattress, workspaces to plug in laptop computers, and even a mini refrigerator.

For those in the market for something that looks good with real hauling power, the LoneStar will go into production in August with deliveries beginning this fall.