International Introduces New TerraStar Medium Duty at Work Truck Show

Now that GM the medium-duty truck market, International is looking to fill the void with its new TerraStar Class 4/5 work truck. The TerraStar was revealed this morning at the NTEA Work Truck Show in St. Louis.

"The [medium-duty truck] market is in turmoil," said Jack Allen, president of Navistar's North American Truck Group. "This is an underserved segment, and with this truck we're positioned to claim market share."

The TerraStar will be available with Navistar's 300-horsepower, 660 pounds-feet of torque 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7 turbo-diesel V-8 . It's the same 6.4-liter V-8 formerly known as the Power Stroke in the 2008-10 Ford F-Series Super Duty. International has enhanced the MaxxForce 7 to meet 2010 emissions standards with MaxxForce Advanced EGR — an in-cylinder exhaust-gas recirculation system that doesn't require diesel exhaust fluid for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. And it has added a compacted graphite iron engine block that saves weight while maintaining high block strength. The MaxxForce 7 will be paired with an Allison 1000 five-speed transmission. A six-speed transmission will be available later.

International is also studying alternative fuel options for the TerraStar. "Natural gas is a great opportunity," Allen said. "But at this time, we're not ready to make a public announcement."

The 10-lug TerraStar is closer in appearance to GM's discontinued Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Top Kick than the Ford F-Series F-450 and F-550 and Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs that it will compete against. Navistar says it has 28 percent better visibility and a 30 percent larger cab than the Ford Super Duty. Regular, extended and crew cab configurations will be available.

Initially, the TerraStar will only be available as a two-wheel-drive truck. All-wheel drive will be available in 2011.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but the TerraStar is expected to sell at a premium to the Ford and Ram Class 4/5 trucks. It will be produced in Garland, Texas, starting this fall.