Class 8 Tractor Accommodates Cooling of Higher Horsepower Cummins Engine

Warrenville, Illinois - March 12, 2007
International Truck and Engine Corporation said it will offer its new industry-leading aerodynamic class 8 tractor - the flagship International® ProStar™ - with a 600-horsepower engine for those buyers seeking the higher-performance engine as well as the tractor's fuel-efficient, aerodynamic features. International ProStar tractors with the Cummins 600HP ISX engine are expected to be available early this summer.

The new International ProStar that began rolling off the assembly line in January now comes equipped with Cummins ISX engines from 385-600HP. The higher horsepower variations appeal to customers who need higher performance to meet hauling needs but are still eager to benefit from the tractor's best-in-class aerodynamics and low cost of ownership. The 600HP offering in the ProStar tractor will receive a robust engine-cooling system in the aerodynamic and fuel-efficient vehicle.

"The 600HP engine is important to drivers who face severe operating difficulties in, say, mountainous regions, or who haul non-diminishing loads," said Stephen Gilligan, assistant general manager - Heavy Trucks, International Truck. "We are offering them an efficient solution to offset the sacrifice in fuel-economy they make in order to obtain higher performance when they need it."

An estimated 10 to 15 percent of the market prefer higher horsepower tractors because of particular applications or personal preference. With the aerodynamic ProStar and the higher-horsepower engine, drivers will require less shifting when climbing a steep incline because more horsepower is in reserve to assist them.

"Cummins and International have worked closely together to engineer the ISX 600 in the ProStar truck - offering a unique value package combination of performance and fuel efficiency. The ISX 600 offers great low-end torque to get the load moving, and peak torque across the broadest operating range for maximum performance and drivability," said David Geraghty, executive director - Commercial Vehicle Engine Business, Cummins Inc. "Customers who drive in challenging terrains and with heavy loads will also appreciate the best-in-class braking capability provided by the Intebrake, standard on every ISX from 400-600HP."d from more than 60 dealers in 90 countries throughout the world.