Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Commercial Trucks
Spy Shots: International LoneStar Class 8 tractor
by Alex Nunez on Jan 12th 2008 at 10:34AM 
Click image for 5 more shots of the LoneStar
Big rigs are awesome. We freely admit that this isn't our area of expertise, but when something particularly cool and truck-related comes along, we're more than happy to share. Thanks to an Autoblog reader named Johnny, who sent in the photos you see here, something cool indeed came along.
We don't know if the pair of rigs you see are concepts or a new production model that's set to debut sometime soon. The Mid-America Trucking Show -- the biggest show in the industry -- is coming up in March, so these might be headed there. Our submitter at first thought that they might just be show vehicles, but some details lead him to believe that this could be a new production model sporting a nifty new hood design. The thing that has our tipster thinking "production" is that different sleeper configs are shown. The silver rig's is taller and incorporates a large fairing, while the black one's is less pronounced. Aside from the swoopy front end, the layout seems conventional, with exposed fuel tanks and the like. The final clue that these may be upcoming production trucks is on the rear mud flap of the black rig, which has something like "LongStar" or "LoadStar" emblazoned on it. (It's LoneStar -- see update below.) Most of International's trucks have "Star" nomenclature, and the "Star" moniker on the pictured vehicle is not one currently in use. We'll have to wait and see what plays out in the coming weeks, but one thing's certain: these things are bitchin'.
Thanks for the photos, Johnny!
UPDATE: According to commenter FC, the trucks are examples of International's new Class 8 flagship tractor, the LoneStar, will will be officially premiered at the Chicago Auto Show next month. Sadly, we don't think one of these will fit in the Autoblog Garage. Thanks, FC!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Elmer 10:45AM (1/12/2008)
looks like an escalade..... o(o.O)o
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Jimbo 10:48AM (1/12/2008)
I believe the mud flap says "Lone Star".
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jgp 10:48AM (1/12/2008)
PT Trucker?
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geo.stewart 12:52PM (1/12/2008)
that was my thought as well. someone trying to rip on the PT
why not the LS2LS7? 11:01AM (1/12/2008)
It's clearly derived from the Lincoln Edge test mule.
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Larry 11:03AM (1/12/2008)
The new Lincoln MKBRT?
FC 11:03AM (1/12/2008)
New Class 8 Flagship Set for World Debut at Chicago Auto Show
That’s right, Navistar will unveil its new International® LoneStar® class 8 flagship tractor under the bright lights of the Chicago International Auto Show on February 7. Journalists from around the globe will report the story from Navistar’s news conference and LoneStar is our headliner. LoneStar will help further define the International brand and enhance Navistar’s corporate reputation.
LoneStar is a break-through new product, a “segment buster” with a beautiful exterior design and an equally stunning and innovative interior. LoneStar was developed in record time without the use of confirmation prototypes. Our product development team went directly from clay and math models to production – a feat that most automotive companies have aspirations to someday achieve in their own product development processes. This new thinking and creativity embodies exactly what we want the world to see in Navistar – a winning company capable of great things.
Establishing this positive momentum for Navistar’s reputation and the International truck brand is crucial to our future success and growth plans. Simply put, being recognized as a winner makes all our goals achievable. People want to do business with winning companies, buy products from winning companies, invest in winning companies and work for winning companies.
The LoneStar tractor is designed to be fuel efficient, ergonomic and quiet, with bold looks and customization features. Most of the attendees and media at the Chicago Auto Show will have never spent any time in a class 8 truck. We aim to amaze them with our innovative design that enables drivers to save at the pump without having to sacrifice comfort, creating an entirely new category of truck. To further enhance attendee experience, they will be able to configure their very own LoneStar, right from the Navistar booth. And in the process, we hope to make our industry customers proud to be a part of the transportation business.
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Galley 11:07AM (1/12/2008)
I think I'm gonna be sick!
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SomeDork 11:12AM (1/12/2008)
That's bling bling baby!
Watch a new trend start up. Famous hip-hop artists purchasing big rigs from International. Gonna drop some quad deuces on that mutha trucka...
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JayP 11:17AM (1/12/2008)
So a PT Cruiser, G35 Coupe and a big rig drink a little too much in Vegas...
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Jimbo 11:46AM (1/12/2008)
I believe it's the PT Cruiser's father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate.
Will 2:09PM (1/12/2008)
I thought the LoneStar name would have been copyrighted long ago by Winnebago.
aman 11:26AM (1/12/2008)
first thing I thought was Caddy CTS.
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Quattrofan 11:43AM (1/12/2008)
Big rigs are awesome! Yeah, until you encounter one driven by a sleep deprived asshole that is. Makes for fun driving between Tahoe and Sacramento on HWY 80 as half of the big rigs are driven by total c#%ts!
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Derek 12:12PM (1/12/2008)
From what I hear, that makes the truckers about as good as the average Ca driver, just in a larger vehicle, right?
why not the LS2LS7? 1:22PM (1/12/2008)
In a marginally larger vehicle. The average Cali driver barely ever sees snow but thinks that because they own a Toyota Sequoia with 4WD they don't need to even slow down at the chain-on point. The good news as long as they don't take you out as they go into the ditch, you won't have to worry about them for long.
Pat 12:16PM (1/12/2008)
The first thing that came to mind was that I was seeing a PT Cruiser's reflection from a tanker truck.
I wonder, can you fit spoke wheels from an early 80s Oldsmobile on those whells?
That's huge grille ... I'd hate the see the replacement cost of one those !
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Jeff 12:25PM (1/12/2008)
Eh, I don't like it. I prefer the big, square "Gonna drive my Peterbilt through a wall like it's not there" look.
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far jr 12:29PM (1/12/2008)
Fleet owners could care less about looks but owner operators (guys that own and drive thier own trucks) usually love chrome! This truck has a retro look which could be a hit. Most designs in class 8 trucks are traditional (boxy) designs or swoopy aerodynamics. This combines elements of both.
There are many bad truckers out there who think that they are king of the road due to thier size. But many are just doing thier best to feed thier family. Perhaps you should cut them some slack and show some courtesy. Big rigs are way different than your Civic. Something you cannot grasp unless you've actually driven one. Gargantuan blindspots, inability to see the road 50 feet in front of you, sluggish accelleration, delayed braking response due to air brakes.
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j_diesel 6:31AM (1/13/2008)
i agree. most truckers are just trying to earn a buck. aside from that this truck will appeal to the owner operator and might even have some good sight lines with that hood.