Automotive Trucks information on net.

International Harvester built the Scout sport utility vehicle from 1961 until October 1980, when it became victim of the near financial collapse of IH. Now, after a lengthy hiatus and a few corporate makeovers, International Truck and Engine Corporation is back in the SUT market with one serious brute called the 7300 CXT (Commercial Extreme Truck), said to be the largest pickup in the world.

One popular design theme found in pickups and SUVs in recent years is to give them styling cues from the big rig tracks. International goes just a step farther, why not simply give the consumer the big rig itself recast as a pickup? And that's essentially what they've done. At 258 inches in overall length, the CXT is 31 in. longer than the Ford Excursion, some 50 in. longer than Hummer 2.

In fact, with a GVWR of 25,999 lb. the CXT just remains in the Class 6 truck category. That means it is not necessary to secure a commercial driver's license to operate one. Class 7 Includes trucks with a GVWR over 26,000 lb., and those do require the pro license.

International's primary target for the CXT is commercial business operators from lawn care to masons to carpenters and every trade In between. It is claimed to be the world's largest production pickup and it does have a 12,000 lb. payload, three times that of a normal pickup. It has optional dumping and tilt bed capability so it is a serious commercial-grade truck

But International fully expects to find interest from the consumer market as well. It may only amount to dozens or hundreds of customers per year, but for people who like to make a statement with their wheels, here's one that quite simply can't be ignored.

It has first-rate appointments and all the amenities consumers have come to expect from drop-down DVD to XM satellite radio and lots of custom options. The 4-door crew cab version has plenty of room for six adults. It sits up high providing a commanding view of the road. Air conditioning is standard. Base price is $93,000. If that or filling up a 70 gallon fuel tank at today's prices don't slow you down, think about what you get.

Standard power for the CXT is International's ever-evolving DT466 mid-range diesel which delivers 220 hp and 540 lb.ft. of torque in this application. Higher horsepower engines are also available. The DT 466 itself has ratings as high as 300 hp and 860 lb.ft. of torque.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:48 AM