International's new MXT is a crew cab pickup truck in a much more consumer-friendly package than the company's CXT and RXT trucks, which are borderline big rigs. The MXT's smaller size and lower ride height should make it attractive for consumers in the market for a distinctive pickup truck. It hits dealerships this summer.

Exterior
Like the CXT and RXT, the MXT's fascia is dominated by a tall waterfall grille. A sport exterior package adds a chrome bumper with tow hooks and anodized aluminum tubular running boards. The MXT's windshield is fairly upright, and the hood is relatively low.

The pickup truck features a 7-foot cargo bed and measures 248 inches long overall and 90 inches tall, which might make it difficult to park in some garages. Alloy wheels measure 20 inches in diameter, and the cab has an air suspension system. The MXT weighs in at 10,000 pounds, which is significantly more than the 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha's 8,117-pound curb weight.

Interior
The five-occupant interior features front bucket seats and a three-place rear bench seat. Legroom in the second row is spacious even for tall individuals, and passengers can easily walk between the front bucket seats to the second row.

Standard features include leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, and power locks and windows. The optional "Prestige Interior" includes ivory-colored gauges, silver interior trim, special floor mats, and front and rear air-ride seats. Options include a navigation system with a 6.5-inch screen and a rearview camera, a DVD entertainment system with a 10-inch screen, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Under the Hood
The MXT is powered by a 300-horsepower, 6.0-liter turbo-diesel V-8 that generates 530 pounds-feet of torque and drives an Allison five-speed-automatic transmission. Payload capacity is 4,000 pounds, and maximum towing capacity is 16,000 pounds.

Safety
The MXT has antilock brakes.

Geared toward those who want to make a powerful statement and demand exclusivity, the International MXT provides a balanced blend of head-turning looks and jaw-dropping performance. Its sleek, yet imposing presence gives the MXT the boldest appearance on the road. With a 300-horsepower International® V-8 engine, 530 lb. ft. of torque and a chassis capable of towing 7 3/4 tons, the MXT offers performance to be reckoned with. In fact, the MXT stands out from the crowd with a unique combination of power, styling and 4x4 capabilities. It is a perfect compliment to International's other pickup trucks, the International® RXT® Hauler and International® CXT®.

International's first truck was built in 1907 at McCormick Works in Chicago. One hundred years later, International is unveiling its latest version at McCormick Place in the same city where it all began.

"From International's first truck 100 years ago to the new International MXT, we've manufactured trucks that have been on the leading edge of innovation," said Dee Kapur, president of International Truck and Engine's Truck Group. "The International MXT symbolizes our commitment to challenging convention and building quality trucks for an expanding number of markets worldwide. It is an example of the experience and ingenuity that International puts into every truck we design and manufacture."

The MXT was originally displayed at the Chicago Auto Show in 2005 as a concept vehicle Since then, the MXT has undergone extensive engineering and testing to provide the comfort and amenities of a luxury interior with a stylish, visually arresting exterior. In fact, the presence of the MXT at last year's Chicago Auto Show generated a waiting list of potential buyers for the MXT. Those buyers, and new potential buyers, no longer have to wait now that the MXT is available for order.