If Godzilla Drove a Pickup Truck...

Motor, Oct 2004 by Nash, Tom

What hauls six tons, can seat a football team's offensive line and makes a Hummer look like a toy? The CXT, the world's biggest production pickup truck from International Truck and Engine Corp.!

Born out of a 20ton hauler and other International severe service trucks used by the construction and waste industries and the government, the CXT is built on the same platform as dump trucks and snowplows. As a result, says International, its a vehicle unrivaled in capability, size and appearance. It hauls three times the payload of consumer pickup trucks, is all-wheel-drive, uses air brakes for unmatched stopping ability and offers towing, dumping and tiltbed capabilities.

The truck features a spacious interior with crew cab design that seats five and can be customized to meet owners' specific needs-from paint color to air seats to flat-screen TVs. For example, people who want to make a statement while driving in luxury might order a customized black International CXT with ghosted green flames that has a leather interior with wood-grain trim, reclining captains chairs, a fold-down bench that can be used as a bed, an overhead compartment with drop-down DVD, an XM satellite premium radio system and a rear-mounted camera for increased visibility behind the vehicle.

"The International CXT is a truck for businesses that want to promote themselves as much as perform," said Rob Swim, director, vehicle center marketing strategy, International Truck and Engine. "While there is nothing tougher or more extreme on the market than the International CXT, it is as much a statement of success as performance. If you brought this truck to the playground, you'd be King of the Dirt Pile."

In terms of performance, the CXT features the International DT 466 diesel engine with a horsepower rating of 220 and 540 ft.-lbs. of torque and capable of hauling or towing pretty much anything you can put into or behind it.

Additionally, despite the tough appearance and powerful engine, there's a smooth side to the International CXT. A silky-shifting Allison 2000 Series automatic transmission and standard cab air-suspension (with standard front air seats) provide an exceptionally comfortable ride.

"International built the CXT to make a bold statement," said Swim. "While we have been in business for more than fOO years, International is a company focused on bold growth. The International CXT tangibly demonstrates our brand's evolution by bringing customers an unmatched innovation that can drive success-on the road and in their business."