International unveils the ProStar Class 8 flagship aerodynamic tractor at world’s largest Trucking Show

International took the opportunity of the largest trucking show in the world to unveil its new new flagship aerodynamic tractor on the weekend. The International ProStar is the company's new Class 8 heavy truck, and is the result of five years and $300 million in development, including the continuous collaboration of dealer and customer advisory boards. The International ProStar is designed to provide best-in-class fuel economy, unparalleled driver satisfaction, unprecedented uptime and lowest cost of ownership.

The ProStar took centre stage at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this past weekend.

"When we set out to build a new standard for line haul tractors, we committed ourselves to providing the customer a product that delivers value in the areas that most drive their business," said Tom Baughman, vice president and general manager, Heavy Truck Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "We gleaned insights directly from our customers, as well as conducted extensive performance evaluations and competitive benchmarking, to develop a product that uniquely addresses growing marketplace demands for more fuel efficiency, performance and driver accommodation."

Best in Class Fuel Economy

Styled with boldly sculpted fenders, a sloped hood to enhance visibility, and streamlined cab and roof shaping, the new International ProStar cuts through air efficiently. Its aerodynamic shape catapults International further ahead of the competition when it comes to crucial fuel economy performance. The aerodynamic design dramatically reduces wind resistance, turning in profit-boosting fuel-efficiency performance.

Key test applications used to achieve the design were Computational Fluid Dynamics, a computerized application used to optimize design in the early stages of the process and 1/8 scale wind tunnel testing for basic shape development. Then, full-scale wind tunnel testing was completed with a trailer attached, which revealed an eight percent drag reduction improvement compared to International's previous best-in-class model.

"Our customers expect us to support them with more economic and emotional value," said Baughman. "That means reducing operating costs in every way possible, and also delivering a vehicle that owners are proud to own and drivers are proud to drive. The new International ProStar will turn heads on the highway and at the pump. Owners will love the way this truck saves money and generates profits, and drivers will love the drivability and comfort we've packed inside."

Unparalleled Driver Satisfaction

In particular, drivers will benefit from advanced, integrated ride and handling that is designed to reduce fatigue and improve responsiveness. The seat, the cab and chassis suspensions have been integrated and tested to complement and enhance vehicle level ride and handling characteristics.

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