Jaws dropped when International Truck and Engine trotted out the enormous CXT four-wheel-drive pickup last fall. Even jaded truck people were astonished by the sheer size of the testosterone-oozing machine. Instantly, International cemented bragging rights that they now manufacture the world's biggest production pickup truck. There's no doubt that this semi with a pickup bed casts a domineering shadow over even the tallest street-legal four-wheel-drive rigs.
Technical Anatomy
The backbone of the CXT is a massive frame with 10-inch-tall framerails. This is exactly the same frame that is found under many of International's hard-working commercial trucks like dumps, so you know it's strong. Powering the CXT is the 7.6L DT466 inline-six engine. Those of you who are familiar with heavy trucks will recall that this engine has been around for quite a while and has been used in a variety of applications. This specific DT466 engine, code 12NPM, generates 220 hp at 2,200 rpm and 540 lb-ft of torque at 1,400 rpm. Its features include electronic control; four valves per cylinder to improve engine breathing and produce better performance with lower emissions; new, quieter, digitally controlled G-2 electrohydraulic injectors that reduce emissions while improving fuel economy; dual censored timing control for more accurate engine timing; and a new EVRT electronically controlled turbocharger that provides responsiveness and boost needed at low speeds with a wide operating range.
Engine power is routed through a code 13AEG 2500 Series Allison five-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is no lightweight in either weight or capacity. It tips the scales at 330 pounds (dry), has a maximum GVWR of 33,000 pounds, and a nominal torque capacity of 550 lb-ft. From there, power is split to the axles by a gigantic Meritor MTC 4208 electronically controlled two-speed transfer case-the same as International uses in its four-wheel-drive fire- and utility trucks. Huge driveshafts carry the torque to the massive Meritor-manufactured axles. The front is an MX-10-120 that boasts a 10,000-pound capacity, air-locking differential, and a 13.25-inch ring-gear diameter. The rear axle is an RS-17-145 with a 17,000-pound capacity and 15-inch ring-gear diameter.
Between the huge axles and the gigantic frame is International's IROS suspension, which features parabolic tapered leaf springs with shock absorbers up front and airbags in the rear. International says that this suspension is specially tuned for the CXT's 14,500-pound curb weight. The CXT rides on 11R22.5 Goodyear tires (single front, dual rear) mounted on polished aluminum wheels. Air brakes with four-channel ABS are used to reign in the rolling mass.
Bolted to the frame is a 70-gallon polished-aluminum fuel tank, and since the CXT uses compressed air for a variety of components, there are a pair of polished dual air tanks mounted on the passenger side of the rig.
Department Of The Interior
The interior layout of the CXT is virtually the same as that of any other International medium-duty truck. It has air-ride front seating and its dash configuration includes all the standard gauges you need, plus air pressure gauges to monitor the two external air tanks and transmission temperature (100 to 400 degrees). What's different, however, is the trim level. International went into CXT development knowing full well that buyers want luxury in their haulers, so they rolled out a variety of options such as leather seating, an Alpine audio system with XM satellite capability, a rearview-mirror-mounted back-up camera, black-walnut wood trim, a DVD player with 10.5-inch drop-down screen, keyless entry, a deluxe center console with cup holders and LED storage area lighting, thick pile carpet, and ceiling-mounted limo lighting in the rear passenger area.