INDIANAPOLIS, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At a press event today at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show, Navistar showcased its production-ready International^® TerraStar^® 4x4 commercial truck—one of the company's newest additions to its comprehensive Class 5-8 product portfolio.

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Launched in 2010 in a 4x2 configuration, the International TerraStar took center stage giving work truck buyers an exciting new product with a wide range of commercial duty features not offered in other trucks. Now, the 4x4 enables International Truck to capitalize on the other half of the market, so TerraStar is poised to win over an even broader range of customers.

"The TerraStar is the smaller sibling to the DuraStar, the best selling medium duty model throughout the past two decades, leveraging the same platform and commercial grade components," said Jack Allen, Navistar's president, North American Truck and Parts. "The TerraStar shares the same rugged, durable and hardworking DNA, making it in a class unto itself. The TerraStar 4x4 will deliver additional commercial duty capability for a wide range of customer needs, including construction, utility, landscape, and other off-highway applications."

TerraStar Features

At the heart of the TerraStar 4x4 is its 300 horsepower, 6.4-liter V-8 engine, delivering 660 lb.-ft. torque. This engine features a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block which offers high strength without added weight.

With 38 percent more visibility and 30 percent more cab interior space than the competition, the TerraStar also offers outstanding maneuverability in even the tightest work environments. In addition, the commercial grade TerraStar cab, available in extended cab or crew cab configurations, is designed to be more durable than the competition and is constructed with double-sided, galvanized high-strength steel protected by a 5-step professional grade coating process to resist corrosion.

The TerraStar includes the International Diamond Logic^® electrical system, one of the most advanced electrical multiplexing architectures available in commercial trucks. With Diamond Logic, the engine, transmission, instrument panel and other vehicle components continually communicate with each other electronically. By monitoring critical vehicle functions and relaying information to the driver in real-time, Diamond Logic ensures safe, efficient vehicle operation. Diamond Logic delivers a number of smart, customizable features for added convenience and safety—such as automated pre-trip inspections, headlights on with wipers, automatically engaged safety interlocks, programmable switches and more depending on the application.

International TerraStar 4x4 Features Include:

• Allison Optimized^™ 1000 Series transmission
• Fabco TC-28 gear-driven transfer case—the only gear-driven transfer case in its class
• 6.4-liter MaxxForce^® 7 V-8 engine with up to 300 horsepower
• Longer 138- and 150-inch  CA offerings w/ standard cab to accommodate 18- and 20-foot bodies
• Aluminum step package and stainless steel fuel tank straps
• Commercial style tilt-away hood provides easy access to engine compartment for routine service and scheduled maintenance.
• Best-in-class 80,000 PSI frame rails and huck-bolted frame ensures maximum strength
• Commercial grade cab designed to be more durable and resist cracking under heavy loads

A Class Unto Itself

Offering the performance and durability expected from the International brand, the TerraStar 4x4 is designed to last twice as long as the pick-up truck platforms offered by competitors. It boasts huck-bolted cross-members that deliver best in-class frame rail strength of 80,000 psi, a commercial-duty Allison Optimized^™ 1000 Series transmission for maximum power output, and a Fabco TC-28 gear driven transfer case—the only gear driven transfer case in the market.

For decades, Fabco has been the leader in all-wheel-drive transfer cases and steer drive axles for medium- and heavy- duty vehicles. The forged helical gearing and roller bearings give extraordinary high torque and horsepower capacities while offering a quiet and smooth driving experience. A precision, cast iron housing offers rugged durability with optimized weight.

Matched with 6.4-liter V-8 engine power for a winning combination of power, performance,  and reliability, the Allison Optimized 1000 Series transmission features Shift Energy Management (SEM), Load-Based Shifting Scheduling (LBSS) and Automatic "Neutral" for simplified operations and greater powertrain durability.