International Truck Announces LoneStar Upgrades

International Truck announced major enhancements to its LoneStar truck brand with a number of uptime and safety improvements.

With a new aerodynamic appearance and breakthrough functional innovations inside and out, the LoneStar is the result of International’s DriverFirst™ design philosophy, the company said. The LoneStar’s Class 8 trucks series is called “Advanced Classics,” in which the company said technology and innovative styling converge with next-generation aerodynamic design to deliver superior fuel efficiency and establishes higher standards for comfort – through improved ergonomics and a quiet cab.

“Over the past decade drivers have come to love the iconic status of the LoneStar tractor’s exterior styling and appearance with the distinctive grille and sloped hood that were inspired by International’s D-Series trucks,” said Dave Majors, vice president, Product Development, Navistar. “Based on this feedback, we wanted to incorporate much of what we’ve recently learned from drivers and focus our engineering on an all new driver-centric interior while maintaining the iconic exterior look of the truck. As a result, we’ve made major improvements to the LoneStar in vehicle uptime performance and multiple new and improved features that enhance driver appeal.”

The updates to the LoneStar include:

•             A new single-canister aftertreatment system that is 60% smaller and 40% lighter than previous versions and is also simplified for quicker servicing.

•             The cab wiring includes all-new harnessing and an in-cab power distribution module that is inside the truck, away from the elements.

•             All key service points under the hood, inside the cab and around the vehicle are ergonomically designed for easy access and servicing, and many components have been engineered with longer intervals between required maintenance.

•             The all-new HVAC system delivers improved comfort and visibility with quick frost functionality. During testing at a frigid 0°F, LoneStar said its best-in-class MAX defrost cleared 100% of the windshield in under 30 minutes from start-up.

The model achieved improved fuel efficiency of up to 3% compared to the previous generation with the addition of the Cummins X15 engine, a contoured hood, fenders and new aerodynamic pedestal mirrors. The LoneStar is available in specialized ratings to dial in the ideal balance of performance and efficiency required for any on-highway operation.

Every LoneStar can be equipped as an option with OnCommand® Connection, the company’s remote diagnostics system and over-the-air (OTA) programming. OTA, available through the nine-pin International® LINK device, enables drivers or fleet managers to utilize a mobile interface to initiate authorized engine programming at the customer’s facility over a safe, secure Wi-Fi Connection. The service offers drivers and fleets an easy, secure means of updating engine control modules to reflect the latest manufacturer-approved calibrations, without the necessity of visiting a dealer or other service facility.

The LoneStar also includes driver assistance systems that support safety and efficiency goals and pave the way for additional customer-selected options. LoneStar comes with the Bendix Wingman Advanced Collision Mitigation system standard and is also available with the optional Bendix Wingman Fusion. Additional safety features include improved side visibility and RollTek seats which International Truck said makes the LoneStar one of the safest trucks on the road.

The LoneStar is available in a variety of specifications: Day Cab, 56-in. Low Roof Sleeper, 56-in. Hi-Rise Sleeper, 73-in. Hi-Rise Sleeper, and 73-in. Sky-Rise Sleeper. The company is taking orders and will begin market availability of the trucks in December.