Truckers are like motorcycle riders in the way that they invariably customize their rides. It's probably just as challenging to find a bone stock tractor as it is an unembellished Fat Boy. When you're plying the roads as much as the big rigs do, why not have some fun and stand apart from the rest of the crowd and their mudflaps decorated with conformist chrome silhouettes of questionable taste? International's new LoneStar truck will be factory trickable with a new line of Navistar accessories called DoubleSix Customs. While the Autoblog Garage isn't quite big enough to hold an 18-wheeler, we did dedicate the better part of an hour to International's website designing the perfect vehicle for hauling our tricked out fleet of Zastavas.
With International's online configurator, you can start with a basic truck and add a splash of color, a dollop of flames, lots of chrome, and nearly as many lights as Vegas. The DoubleSix name takes its inspiration from the mother road, Route 66, which International is hoping still resonates with those who keep our economy rolling. Our only problem? Lack of the proper license. Try it yourself, you can even upload logos and graphics to design your perfect LoneStar. Press release after the jump.
[Source: International]
PRESS RELEASE
NAVISTAR PARTS INTRODUCES DOUBLESIX CUSTOM PARTS LINE
New Premium Accessory Line Exclusive For International® LoneStar® Customers
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 27, 2008) – When the new International® LoneStar® was unveiled last month at the Chicago Auto Show, the eyes of many truck customers widened at the boldness of the design and the enormous customization opportunities. Anticipating the customization needs of those customers, an exclusive new line of parts from Navistar Parts will be unveiled at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky, March 27-29.
The parts line, called "DoubleSixTM Customs", consists of an initial offering of 40 interior and exterior parts specifically developed for LoneStar.
"Today's professional drivers take great pride in their trucks and customization is extremely important," said Rommel Miranda, vice president, sales and marketing, Navistar Parts. "Customers want to portray a professional image as well as make a statement about themselves and their truck. DoubleSix answers that call."
Navistar worked collaboratively with a number of proven custom part and accessory partners on the design of the parts to ensure they reflected the innovative style of LoneStar. Equally as important was offering the best selection of premium options, and the highest quality and fit/finish that customers demand.
The initial offering for LoneStar will feature 23 exterior parts and 17 interior parts -- including custom sunvisors, light bars and panels, exhaust, shifter accessories, door handles, and much more.
"The name of this new parts line derives from the importance of Route 66 to the American trucker," Miranda said. "On Route 66, there was no doubt who owned the road. We think DoubleSix will speak to the very heart of the driving professional who wants to stand out from the crowd."
DoubleSix products will be available only through the International dealer network, the largest commercial truck dealer network in North America with more than 900 locations, beginning in Fall 2008.
To help customers customize their truck with DoubleSix parts and accessories, a new online truck configurator will be launched at the Mid-America Trucking Show. At www.InternationalTrucks.com/LoneStar, visitors can create their own LoneStar by selecting various colors, uploading logos and adding graphics. They can also choose chrome parts and accessories from DoubleSix. Customized images of the trucks can be emailed to friends and International dealers.
"The ability to develop the ultimate dream truck online is a great way to try out different styles before placing the order," said Miranda. "Customers can create their truck, their way." For more information on DoubleSix Customs, customers can visit www.InternationalTrucks.com/DoubleSix.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MemphisNET @ Apr 4th 2008 10:06AM
Love the ''01'' guys. Now can someone photochop it so it's flying off a hay-stack?
amdforever @ Apr 4th 2008 10:17AM
This thing is seriously FUGLY.
Japanese trucks FTW.
geo.stewart @ Apr 4th 2008 11:44AM
I'm in the likes column.
Its a definite evolution of the rig and it provides a 5% fuel savings strictly from aerodynamics.
good stuff.
Dave @ Apr 5th 2008 8:36AM
Don't tell me they are actually going to sell this thing? I thought the general consenses was that big rig truckers didn't like it, I sure don't. I can see it being a fad vehicle if anything, selling descent in its first year or two but then no more buyers.
Guenther @ Apr 4th 2008 10:17AM
The styling is polarizing, but I'm in "likes" corner. When the nose of a vehicle is entirely fiber glass, throwing out the option to make it look a little different is cool.
rar @ Apr 4th 2008 10:49AM
I don't think "looks" is tops on the list for fleet truck buyers. Right now I would bet mpg is the number one thing on their list. With fuel prices at the levels they are I don't think independent truckers care what style their truck is rather what can they do to make it get better mileage. This is a bad time to come out with a bling bling truck.
Scotty @ Apr 4th 2008 11:24AM
My dad is an independent trucker, and believe me, both style and mileage matters. Three years ago, I would say that style mattered more than mileage, but with what price of diesel now that has flip flopped. But don't lie to yourself, style still matters to these guys.
On top of that, the new Lonestar was developed with aerodynamics in mind. Despite its swanky looks, it'll still be one of the most efficient trucks on the road. Depending on the engine, of course.
Schmeltz @ Apr 4th 2008 10:23AM
Hot truck! Optimus Prime has a new vehicle to scan in his next movie!
Mel. R @ Apr 4th 2008 11:05AM
Cool, new time waster for today!
Hamud @ Apr 4th 2008 3:11PM
Hey, Power Rangers called, they want Lord Zed back.
superdart @ Apr 4th 2008 7:28PM
Trucks like this are rarely geared toward fleet sales. Trucks sales, like cars, are geared toward specific markets.
A freightliner Columbia is a very nice, but no frills truck intended for fleet use, while the Coronado (same basic mechanicals) is geared specifically for the indy owner/operator.
The Lonestar, Coronado (and Classic XL), and well, all Western Stars, are geared for owner operators.