International XT

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International XT
Manufacturer	Navistar International Corporation
Production	2004–
Class	Large pickup truck
Related	International MXT-MV

The International Extreme Truck or XT line comprises three very large pickup trucks, built on the same chassis. International expects business owners to account for most sales, however some have questioned the practicality of these vehicles for anything other than generating attention.^[1][2][3]

[edit] Variants

[edit] CXT

The International CXT or Commercial Extreme Truck is a very large pickup truck. Introduced in September of 2004, the CXT is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a 9 ft (2.7 m) tall cab. It is the largest production pickup truck on the market, its curb weight of 14,500 lbs is around twice the weight of a Hummer H1.^[4][3] Its GVWR is 25,999 lbs.^[5]

The CXT is equipped with the DT 466 diesel engine and is capable of towing up to 20 tons while its air-ride cab and individual bucket seats offer a smooth ride for the driver and 4 adult passengers. The CXT's interior includes luxury options such as leather, DVD, and satellite radio.^[3] Mechanical features include air brakes, an Allison 2500HD automatic transmission, and 4 wheel drive. The CXT gets 8-10 miles per gallon, and has a 70 gallon tank.^[3] The CXT is priced from $93,000 to $115,000.^[3]

The CXT is built at the company's assembly plant in Garland, TX.^[2]

[edit] RXT

The International RXT or Recreational Extreme Truck was the second XT variant introduced. It sits slightly lower than the CXT, and is rear wheel drive through an Allison 2200 Series 5-speed Automatic Transmission.^[5][3] Introduced at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, it is targeted at equestrian and boat owners.^[5] It is powered by an International VT 365 engine.^[5] Price range varies from $70,000 - $90,000.^[5] Its GVWR is 20,500 lbs.^[5] Brakes are hydraulic 4-wheel discs.^[5]

[edit] MXT

The International MXT or Military Extreme Truck debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show alongside the RXT.^[5] In 2006, a pre-production prototype was shown, followed in 2007 by the production version, along with a special edition MXT Limited.^[6] The cab is lowered and the truck is fitted with International's 300 hp (224 kW) VT 365 Diesel V8 and the Allison 2000 transmission. The MXT's price range varies from $89,500 to $130,000.^[7] The GVWR is 14,000lbs.^[8] The vehicle has a 40 gallon fuel tank, and gets 13-15 miles per gallon.^[9] The MXT-MV is a derivative of the MXT, sold exclusively for military purposes.

[edit] Celebrity Ownership

Because of its high price and low production run (sales are in the range of 500 to 1000 per year) the XT line is typically only purchased by the wealthy. Notable owners include Ashton Kutcher and basketball star Jalen Rose, while Nick Lachey and Jay Leno are said to have taken test drives.^[10][11]

[edit] Criticisms

Due to its low fuel economy (a reported 7-10 miles per gallon, despite the efficiency of its diesel engine) and the possibility of the vehicles encouraging overconsumption, the CXT has been criticised as environmentally irresponsible. As Daniel Becker, director of the Sierra Club's global warming and energy program noted: "Shame on International for making this thing...This is a monster truck that only a Hummer could love, and it shows that without government leadership, the auto industry will lead us to more irresponsible, gas-guzzling vehicles."^[12]

[edit] References