The Hummer may have met its match as a symbol. International Truck and Engine has introduced the CXT, proclaimed as the world’s largest pickup truck. Built on the same platform as International’s dump trucks and snowplows, the CXT hauls three times the payload of consumer pick-up trucks, is all-wheel drive, uses air brakes and offers towing, dumping and tilt bed capability.

This is a serious work truck. International has put some of its latest inline diesel technology into the CXT. The DT466 engine features turbocharged air management and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for reducing emissions.

A common rail fuel system utilizes new high-pressure injectors that are much smaller than previous injectors, thereby making room for four valves per cylinder for a more complete mix of fuel and air. This allows for finer control of combustion for increased performance and reduced emissions across a range of engine loading. The new injectors work with E20 biodiesel (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).

International says it is targeting the CXT at businesses.

“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 Corporation. “While there is nothing tougher or more extreme on the market than the International CXT, it is as much a statement of success as it is performance. If you brought this truck to the playground, you’d be king of the dirt pile.”

The question will be whether or not there are non-business buyers who want the truck just because they’d like to pretend that they are the king of the dirt pile. As a worktruck, this looks like a strong design. As personal transportation, it would be so over the top.

Resources

• International Engine Backgrounder