CHICAGO — If Spiderman hauled freight, this is what he’d drive.

International says its new LoneStar class 8 highway truck is a “game-changer”. It’s true that this chromed-up tractor is like nothing you’ve seen motoring down the highway.

It may look like it belongs on a movie set — or a certain webbed superhero’s garage — but International insists its new flagship product is as much a work truck as it is a head-turner.

Unveiled for the first time at this week’s Chicago Auto Show, the LoneStar features arguably the most unique aerodynamic and front grille design in the industry. International calls the new fashion “Advanced Classic” in which technology, styling and aerodynamics converge to deliver “superior fuel efficiency.”

The truckmaker says the LoneStar sets a higher standard for comfort through improved ergonomics, advanced electronics, and a quiet cab.

“The International LoneStar closes the gap between workstyle and lifestyle for driving professionals, combining peak productivity with emotional appeal. This truck is unlike anything on the road today,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO.

LoneStar is projected to be five to 15 percent more fuel efficient than classic trucks, says International, equating to an annual savings of $3,000 to $8,000.

The distinctive grille and sloped hood are said to be inspired by International’s D-Series trucks of the 1940s and early 50s.

Features include: standard ABS; roll stability; traction control; Bluetooth integration for hands-free phone use; automotive-style dash and gauges with rosewood or titanium trim; and a 50-degree wheel cut.

LoneStar’s interior is claimed to offer a level of comfort and functionality typically found in recreational vehicles.
Highlights include: wood flooring in the sleeper; sofa-bed design with back pillows; swivel chairs; closed “airline” cabinets for maximum storage; stereo system with 11 speakers, sub-woofer and amplifier; pull-down bed with 42-inch premium mattress; and a desk-like workspace with plugs for laptop computers and the like.

The LoneStar will be available for order beginning in April 2008. It will be produced at Navistar’s plant in Chatham, Ont.