LOUISVILLE, Ky. – International Truck and Engine Corporation believes the integration it is able to provide between truck and engine is a key differentiator in its market and it used the continent’s largest truck show to showcase its line of 08MY International “Star” series trucks along with its new MaxxForce engines.

International revealed the power and torque ratings for its MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13 Class 8 diesel engines, which provide up to 1,700 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,000 RPM. They’re the most powerful in a family of six engine models that offer ratings in the ranges of 330 to 475 horsepower.

Designed and engineered specifically for International brand Class 8 trucks, the MaxxForce big bore engines will be exclusively offered in International ProStar line-haul tractors, TranStar regional-haul tractors, and WorkStar severe service vehicles beginning in late 2007.

The new MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13 are the first outcomes of the collaboration between International and MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. Both global companies contributed to the design, development, engineering, sourcing, testing and manufacturing of the technologies, systems and components.

The MaxxForce big bore design, which includes a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, twin-series turbochargers with interstage cooler, and a heat-management system, boasts an “unprecedented level of integration” with International’s trucks, according to Jacob Thomas, vice-president of International’s Big Bore Diesel Engines Business Unit.

“These new engines provide clear advantages over traditional Class 8 big bore diesels,” Thomas said. “We’re providing power and performance that drivers can put to work, and new levels of efficiency that owners can take to the bank.”

The advantages include fuel- and air-management systems that provide an instant response to reach peak torque at 1,000 RPM. This means earlier acceleration upshifts and fewer grade-climb downshifts and keeps MaxxForce big bore engines operating more often in the lower speed range – where fuel economy is inherently best, Thomas explained. Other 11- and 13-liter engines do not achieve peak torque until higher engine speeds, he claimed.

“Our goal is best-in-class fuel economy, which is extremely important to Class 8 truck owners,” said Thomas. “Because even one-tenth of a percentage improvement in fuel economy can mean huge savings, the capability for unprecedented fuel economy is a key part of the basic design of these engines.”

The MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13 engine’s high-pressure common-rail fuel system controls fuel with great precision at very high pressure, according to Thomas. This yields more complete combustion and fuel efficiency, he explained.

The electronically controlled common-rail design introduces fuel into the cylinders at very high pressure and in several metered sequences with each combustion cycle. Other Class 8 diesel fuel systems also use high pressure – but Thomas claimed they do not achieve high pressure at engine speeds as low as the MaxxForce big bore engines.

New ProStar options

International Truck and Engine Corporation is planning to provide more options for its flagship ProStar, including the new 113-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) dimension to complement the 122-inch BBC already available and a wider range of cab roof heights. The Class 8 tractor is also available with new fuel efficiency features.

“The increase in options reflects the many different applications that buyers favour today in their tractors,” said Janelle Liechty, product manager, line haul segment, at International Truck’s Heavy Product Center. “In a 113-inch day cab, for instance, a shorter wheelbase will deliver better maneuverability and will be lighter weight for regional haul delivery or any bulk haul application.”

In addition to day cabs, the International ProStar is available in a sleeper configuration with the choice of four cab roof heights: 56-inch Low-Rise, 56-inch Hi-Rise or a 73-inch Hi-Rise and a 73-inch Sky-Rise configuration with a “built-in” air fairing, which helps drive aerodynamic performance. The ProStar’s initial 122-BBC production featured only the 56-inch Hi-Rise or 73-inch Hi-Rise roof options.

The 113-inch BBC and new roof heights will be available for delivery beginning January 2008. The 122-inch BBC Hi-Rise began rolling-off the line earlier this year.

Also new to the International ProStar is a feature that will help save fuel, the Cummins ICON Idle Management System, which automatically starts the truck based on a pre-set desired interior temperature. Also new is the Meritor Antilock Air Brake System with roll-stability and automatic traction control is also available on the International ProStar.

And ProStar’s can now be spec’d with Caterpillar’s new C13 engine beginning this summer. Approximately six months ahead of schedule, the Caterpillar C13 rounds out the Cummins and International MaxxForce engine offerings previously announced.