Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Commercial Trucks
Chicago 2008: International introduces the LoneStar Class 8 big rig
by Jonathon Ramsey on Feb 7th 2008 at 1:35PM 
click above for more high-rez images of the International LoneStar
We give International full credit this daring design that we spied uncovered earlier this year. Still, it appears as though it's taken a giant leap back three decades with the new Class 8 International LoneStar. International said its mission was to create a big rig that married aerodynamic efficiency with a unique look and a wide range of customization. Having asked truckers what they wanted, apparently customization means 'more
Inside, the cabin evokes the kind of ergonomic class that could have been meant for the outside -- the sleeper has hardwood flooring for that at-home feeling. The truck comes with 42 factory options, 23 inside, 19 outside, and International itself said it wants to create the same kind of aftermarket following that MINI and Harley currently enjoy. If nothing else, the LoneStar is a rig more than worthy of Lone Starr.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John Johnson 1:41PM (2/07/2008)
Congratulations, Article, you've just won the Least Relevant to Anyone's Interests award!
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Jason 1:44PM (2/07/2008)
Wow, those Caddy Escalades just keep getting bigger every year...
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tbss_in_the_D 1:53PM (2/07/2008)
This is not a truck site, but it was at the Chicago Auto Show so thanks for the coverage AutoBlog! LOL
Anyway it is pretty cool looking.
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Schmeltz 1:53PM (2/07/2008)
That is HOT! Nice job Navistar!
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Alex 2:05PM (2/07/2008)
autoblog, essentially a contraction of "automobile" and "weblog"
that being considered lets look at the article: its about an automobile and the article is being logged on the web. stands to reason that this article fits within the basic parameters of a site called "Autoblog".
You could argue that motorcycles don't belong either, but i quite like to read about the new bikes and even the new heavy haulers. regardless, no one is forcing you to read this article.
Anyway, what is the fuel economy of the average aerodynamic semi?
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dpb! 2:13PM (2/07/2008)
argreed! I enjoy reading about semis/trucks on here too. I mean I don't enjoy the racing articles, but I do this fancy thing: don't read them :)
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steve clark 2:14PM (2/07/2008)
That thing would scare the crap outta me coming up behind me!!!
More cowbell, indeed. Thanks for the laugh!
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Polly Prissy Pants 2:26PM (2/07/2008)
Man, who wouldn't love driving one of those things? That's sweet.
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calebe 2:27PM (2/07/2008)
LOL so now we know where the filipino Jitney designers are getting jobs at in the USA.
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Eric Liberatore 2:27PM (2/07/2008)
Worlds most powerful PT Cruiser! I like it.
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rar 2:29PM (2/07/2008)
With a better interior.
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Scootin' Old Skool 2:43PM (2/07/2008)
Yes, a PT Cruiser with a thyroid condition.
Otherwise, the same basic 1930s truck design, aimed at the redneck independent trucker. Trucks in Europe look better, and more importantly, work better...
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Pat 8:18PM (2/07/2008)
Good one ...
Someone should invent an emoticon for sarcasm ;-)
Yayaja 3:01PM (2/07/2008)
wow... Fugalicious. Big Rigs are primarily utility vehicles, so why would someone pay the premium (i am assuming this truck comes at a massive premium over regular big rigs) for something as horrendous as this even if they thought it was nice looking? It's still gonna be hauling frozen burger patties at the end of the day, does style really matter?
Also, it matches the gas mileage of truck already on the market? Did this thing ever have a point?
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Iridium 3:01PM (2/07/2008)
After seeing the unveiling Michael Bay announces that this truck will be used as the base for Optimus Prime in Transformers 2.
World cringes at thought.
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kc 3:13PM (2/07/2008)
Should have been unveiled by hookers. Don't truckers like prostitutes?
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adam 3:18PM (2/07/2008)
"International said its mission was to create a big rig that married aerodynamic efficiency..."
Ummm... it's yet another mobile brick. Where exactly did aerodynamics come into play? The cupholder?
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Jackie B. 3:19PM (2/07/2008)
The new Tundra killer!
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geo.stewart 3:19PM (2/07/2008)
Yaya,
these things are about as utilitarian as your house and your car. you choose those based on design, so why not these.
better looks, better gas mileage (5% through design alone), better appointment inside, personal expression.
just because you are not sharp enough to understand it, dont bash those who do.
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Rocketboy 3:58PM (2/07/2008)
Well put. Kudos. Now if only my \/'s counted as double so a dent could be put in the rankings.