"...[the driver] was heading northbound from corner six at Mosport. After this corner is a long straightaway and at some point his vehicle became airborne at an extremely high rate of speed and rolled end-over-end. The driver was transported to Bowmanville hospital where he succumbed to his injuries."

"They haven't officially announced the driver's name, but it is believed to be Dino Crescentini, owner of the vehicle. For those old enough to remember (not me, as I'm only 20), the car he was driving was a Wolf-Dallara Can Am car, formerly driven by Gilles Villeneuve.

At the time of the incident, I was in between stints at Mosport's kart track (located at the end of the straightaway, near where this happened). From our viewpoint, you could see parts of the car in air, as it was apparently barrel rolling towards the corner. The car settled just out of view, in a cloud of dust and smoke. Sad to see a great guy, a great car, a great event, and great day end like this."

Photo Credit: Joe Tobasco @ Flickr

INTERNATIONAL MaxxPrO™ MaxxPro,™ the International® Mine Protected Vehicle. Built to withstand ballistic arms fire, mineblasts, IEDs, and nuclear, biological, and chemical environments that threaten the safety of its crew. Armoring flexibility allows upgrades to achieve the correct level of protection the mission requires. And International's proven severe service platform means quality, durability and reliability are on the battlefield. The International MPV. Miles Ahead. In protection and progress.

MaxxPro and Maxxpro XL Basic Specifications
Length: 254"- 282"
Width: 99"
Height: 120"
Wheel Base: 153"- 176"
Ground Clearance (Center of Vehicle): 14"
Ground Clearance (Differential Clearance): 11"
Angle of Approach: 58°
Angle of Departure: 46°- 48°
Gradeability: 70% low range
Side Slope: 30%
Mass Tare (GVM): 27,850-29,850 lbs
Payload: 3,650-11,150 lbs
GVWR: 31,500-41,000 lbs
Seating: 2-man crew plus 4-10 passengers
Configuration: 4 x 4
Turning Circle: 58'-68'
protection levels
Ballistic Protection: Armor and glass protection to meet mission needs
Mine Protection: Specialized 'V'-shaped hull design protects against mine/IED blasts
Engine
Make: International® I6 Diesel
Type: Turbo inter-cooled, direct electronic injection, four stroke
Displacement: 8.7 L (530 ci)
Emission Standard: EPA 2005
Maximum Power: 330 hp @ 2,100 rpm
Power/Mass Ratio: 18.9 - 20 hp/US ton
Maximum Torque: 1,150 ft-lbs @ 2,100 rpm
Batteries: 4 x 12-volt Batteries
Alternator: 400 amps
Other Features:
• Blackout lights
• Diamond Logic® Electrical System
Transmission
Make: Allison 3000
Type: 5-Speed Automatic
Trans fer Case
Make: 4 x 4 Two-Speed
Steering System
Steering Type: Hydraulically assisted recirculating ball axles
Front Axle: 16,000 lbs - 20,000 lbs Drive/Steer
Rear Axle: 21,000 lbs - 23,000 lbs Drive
Suspension
Springs: Semi-elliptical leaf springs
Shock Absorbers: Double acting telescopic hydraulic
Service Brakes: Full air brakes with ABS and traction control
Parking Brakes: Air-activated, hand-operated, rear axle brakes
Fording Depth: 36" without preparation
Wheels and tires
Rims: 10" x 20"
Tires: 395/85R20
Run Flats: optional

GAME-CHANGING TRUCK COMBINES STYLE, FUNCTIONALITY; INTERNATIONAL LONESTAR DEBUTS AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
New Flagship Product Blends Striking Design, Fuel Economy, Comfort

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2008 - The deep-throated roar of a big bore diesel engine wrapped in a sleek chrome grill announced the arrival today of the world's most innovative big-rig truck. Navistar International Corp. (Other OTC: NAVZ) unveiled its International® brand's new flagship product, the visually stunning and technologically advanced LoneStar, at the Chicago Auto Show.

With a striking, aerodynamic appearance and breakthrough functional innovations inside and out, the International® LoneStar® is the result of extensive customer research and automotive-inspired design - a new truck that changes the game for today's trucking professional. It creates a new category of Class 8 trucks called "Advanced Classic," in which technology and innovative styling converge with next-generation aerodynamic design to deliver superior fuel efficiency. LoneStar also sets a higher standard for comfort - through improved ergonomics, an industry-leading suspension, advanced electronics and a quiet cab.

"This truck is unlike anything on the road today," said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. "The International LoneStar closes the gap between workstyle and lifestyle for driving professionals, combining peak productivity with emotional appeal. It is the product of Navistar's culture of relentless innovatation, and embodies the spirit both of today's driving professionals and the dynamic, transforming energy inside our company."

"Our customers told us they want three things: A truck that makes a statement about the driver, comfort on the road whether working or resting, and the combination of fuel economy and servicability that helps them make more money," said Dee Kapur, president, Navistar Truck Group. "LoneStar delivers on all accounts. Now, drivers don't have to compromise. They can have it all - looks, efficiency, comfort, functionality and productivity."

- MORE -
International LoneStar Launched / Page 2

LoneStar is a breakthrough product that resulted from a breakthrough process. The truck progressed directly from math and clay models to production - without any development prototypes.

"Our engineering team, which has diverse backgrounds in the automotive, aerospace and trucking industries, felt confident that we could develop this truck without spending months in prototyping," said Tom Baughman, vice president and general manager, Navistar Heavy Truck Vehicle Center. "We knew we had a winning truck, and we wanted to make it available to our customers as soon as it could be ready."

LoneStar features advanced ride and handling, class-leading quietness and the luxurious and functional Suite interior that rivals many offices and living rooms.

Automotive-style features built into the LoneStar include:
• Standard ABS
• Roll stability
• Traction control
• Bluetooth Integration for hands-free phone use
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automotive-style dash and gauges with rosewood or titanium trim
• 50-degree wheel cut

LoneStar's interior is as distinctive, innovative and practical as its skin. After listening to hundreds of driving professionals, the design team developed an interior that features a level of comfort and functionality typically found in recreational vehicles.

Interior highlights include:
• Wood flooring in the sleeper cab
• Sofa-bed design with back pillows
• Swivel chairs
• Closed "airline" cabinets for maximum storage
• Monsoon stereo system with 11 speakers, sub-woofer and amplifier
• Pull-down bed with 42-inch premium mattress
• Workspaces to plug in laptop computers and work in a desk-like setting
• Mini refrigerator

"In an average week, a truck driver may spend 120 hours in his or her truck - driving, eating, sleeping, running a business, even entertaining friends," said David Allendorph, chief designer for Navistar's Truck Group. "We designed the LoneStar's environment to be both highly functional and comfortable. No other truck's interior delivers the style, comfort and practicality we have built into the LoneStar."

Fuel efficiency is increasingly important for truck owners. LoneStar is projected to be five percent to 15 percent more fuel efficient than classic trucks, equating to an annual savings of $3,000 to $8,000.

"The aerodynamic design of LoneStar's hood, windshield and side skirts will save them real money," Allendorph said. "Truck pros can have a unique, customizable truck that will reward them at the pump. When you are spending $1,000 or more with each fill-up, you really appreciate the fuel efficiency of the LoneStar."

The distictive grille and sloped hood were inspired by International's D-Series trucks, which helped transform America's cross-country transportation in the early 20th Century. A restored and modified example of that truck, the DMAXX, also is on display at the International booth.

The LoneStar will be available for order from nearly 900 dealer locations in North America beginning in April 2008. Production of the trucks will begin in August 2008 at Navistar's plant in Chatham, Ontario, Canada and will be delivered to customers in fall 2008.

In addition to the LoneStar and DMAXX, other Navistar vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show include the International MaxxPro™, Navistar's mine-resistant military vehicle that helps protect the U.S. military from roadside bombs; a military version of the International MXT that includes Raytheon's advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (SL-AMRAAM) launcher; and the civilian International MXT, an extreme pickup truck launched at the Chicago Auto Show in 2006 that can haul nearly eight tons and tops out at $135,000.

GM and Navistar Reach Tentative Agreement on Medium Duty Truck Business

NEW YORK/WARRENVILLE, Ill. — General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) and International Truck and Engine Corporation, the principal operating subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ), have entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding under which Navistar would purchase certain assets, intellectual property and distribution rights for GM's medium-duty truck business, the two companies announced today.

As proposed, Navistar would acquire GM's medium-duty truck business, which includes assets and intellectual property rights to manufacture GMC and Chevrolet brand vehicles in the class 4-8 gross vehicle weight range. It also includes purchase of the related service parts business. Navistar would sell a competitive line of Chevrolet and GMC vehicles and service parts through GM's proprietary dealer network in the United States and Canada.

The agreement is another step in GM's plan to focus on designing, manufacturing and selling cars and light trucks globally. The deal would leverage Navistar's strengths in commercial trucks and engines, and advance its strategy to build scale and reduce costs.

Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, said, "Navistar's expertise in building International® brand commercial trucks and its track record in the medium-duty segment makes them an excellent choice to acquire and continue growing the business. We intend to work closely with Navistar to make this transition seamless to our dealers and customers."

"This is another example of how we're strategically growing our business for trucks, engines and parts, building scale and reducing costs," said Daniel C. Ustian, chairman, president and CEO, Navistar International Corporation. "We are proud to incorporate the GM truck brands into our portfolio, and will utilize the scale to build on the success of both the International and GM product lines and their respective distribution networks."

Navistar would add the GMC® TopKick and Chevrolet® Kodiak truck brands to its growing portfolio of brands, which currently includes International® brand trucks and tractors, IC® brand buses, Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and MaxxForce® brand engines.

When a deal is definitively concluded, production of the vehicles would move from GM's plant in Flint, Mich., to a Navistar facility to be named. GM would retain ownership of its Flint plant and continue to build other products at the facility.

GM will continue its medium-duty truck relationship with Isuzu to market W-Series trucks through GM's medium-duty dealer network.

The deal is expected to close in 2008 subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence, the negotiation of a definitive purchase agreement, customary regulatory clearance and board approval. Upon closing, transition of the business could take several months to conclude.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 284,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Navistar International Corporation (OTC: NAVZ) is the parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation. The company produces International® brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Navistar is also a provider of truck and diesel engine parts. A wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services. Additional information is available at: www.navistar.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Information provided and statements contained in this news release that are not purely historical are forward -looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this news release and the company assumes no obligation to update the information included in the presentation. Such forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "estimate" or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions , including the risk of continued delay in the completion of our financial statements and the consequences thereof, the availability of funds, either through cash on hand or the company's other liquidity sources, to repay any amounts due should any of the company's debt become accelerated, and decisions by suppliers and other vendors to restrict or eliminate customary trade and other credit terms for the company's future orders and other services, which would require the company to pay cash and which could have a material adverse effect on the company's liquidity position and financial condition. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are many factors that could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. For a further description of these factors, see Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2006. In addition, until the previously announced review by the company of its accounts is concluded, no assurance can be given with respect to the financial statement adjustments or impacts resulting from such review.

# # #

Now, being Detroiters, we know that Mexican Town, home of marvelous authentic Mexican food, is but a few hundred feet from the bridge crossing, offering far superior fare to the suburban mediocrity of Mexican Fiesta which is over ten miles away. So, one must naturally question the border patrol on their choice of fare to begin with. However, we're all guilty of taking a long lunch in an exotic locale from time to time, so let's not go nuts on that.

The second thing we're going to mention is an easy one to miss if you aren't paying attention. As you can see from the map, Detroit and Canada share a really wet border. In fact, there isn't a bit of rocky terrain or desertous highlands, no steppes, no hogbacks, no Aa lava flows, indeed no dirt is shared at all. This realization raises two points now:

a) Does it make more sense to invest in an International MXT or, oh, I don't know, A BOAT?
b) Assuming that ground transit is needed between cargo inspections and busts of illegal shipments of The Red Green Show DVDs, wouldn't a more practical vehicle make sense? A Ford Expedition, a Dodge Cargo Van... hell, a crew cab Silverado would do EXACTLY what this thing does, at less than half the price to the taxpayer (starting price for an MXT, $89,500).

A wise man once told us that paying attention to the government will only give you ulcers. Where did our blinders go?

Chrysler Group Looks to Expand International Sales and Dealer Network

* Chrysler Group plans to expand its dealer operations in key markets outside North America
* 70 potential investors attend forum for sneak peek at Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge sales outlet ownership opportunities
* Sales performance outside North America continues at record levels

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jun 20, 2007 - As Chrysler Group continues to increase sales and expand operations in markets outside North America, the company has identified a need for additional sales outlets in key established and growth markets. This week, approximately 70 international investors and dealers are visiting the company's headquarters in Auburn Hills for a sneak peek at the potential for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brand franchises in their respective markets.

"While we will continue to aggressively defend our position in NAFTA, it is important that we expand in other markets so that we are not as dependent on the ups and downs of a single region," said Tom LaSorda, President and CEO - Chrysler Group. "With a more global focus we will be better able to take advantage of emerging opportunities."

Dealer Investment Forum
The Chrysler Group has invited the potential partners from 19 countries all over the world, including Russia, Japan and the Middle East. During three days with senior Chrysler Group executives, the investors will learn more about the different avenues the company is pursuing to become a more global operation as it implements the Recovery and Transformation Plan, a roadmap for returning to financial health. They will also gain insight into the Chrysler Group's growth plans outside North America and experience first-hand the unique products and powertrains that would be available through their franchise if they choose to invest. This week's forum follows a conference held in China where 140 dealers attended.

"Due to the expansion of our global portfolio, we see an opportunity not only to strengthen the relationship with our current dealers, but also to look for new business partners that can help us to take our international business to the next level," said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President - International Sales, Marketing and Business Development.

Outside North America, Chrysler Group has roughly 1,400 sales outlets. In established markets, like Western Europe, the company plans to add roughly 100 new sales outlets over the next two years. Additional growth in the dealer network will increase the company's presence in growing markets, such as Russia and China, where the existing dealer network is doing well, but the goals of additional sales growth will require adding more locations.

The addition of these new outlets will increase customer satisfaction, as well as contribute to increased sales. Chrysler Group remains committed to ensuring a positive customer experience with the product itself, and with the dealership for both sales and service experiences. Having the necessary number of dealerships exposes more customers to the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands and also means that customers are able to visit a facility in or near their community after purchasing the vehicle for any necessary maintenance.

Performance Outside North America
In 2006, Chrysler Group expanded the availability of the Dodge brand in key markets all over the world with the launch of the Dodge Caliber, the brand's first volume vehicle outside North America. The next two Dodge vehicles, making their way into global markets this summer, are the Dodge Nitro and Avenger. Demand for the Dodge brand has been strong so far this year as Dodge Caliber sales soared to 13,265 units year-to-date, making it the top-selling Chrysler Group vehicle outside North America. By 2009, Dodge could account for roughly 30 percent of the Company's international sales.

"Many dealers outside North America have been very successful with the sales of all three Chrysler Group brands in their local markets," said Thomas Hausch, Vice President of International Sales. "In Western Europe alone, we increased our return on sales by more than 20 percent, from 1.7 in 2005 to 2.1 in 2006. This is a clear indication that the new vehicles we are introducing are well-received by our customers and that we deliver to our dealers one of the best return on sales within the industry."

Sales growth for Chrysler Group as a whole outside North America has reached an unprecedented two full years of monthly sales gains, and year-to-date growth of 16 percent (91,412 units) over the same period of time in 2006. Much of this growth is attributed to the increase in the number of models that are being introduced in markets all over the world with options that meet the needs of global customers. Chrysler Group management has indicated that the plan is to double last year's sales outside North America and reach approximately 400,000 units in the next five years.

To support this growth plan, between 2003 and 2007, The Chrysler Group will approximately double the number of products available outside North America from nine to 20 vehicles. Within the number of models available, the company will triple the number of vehicles in right-hand-drive, from six to 18; and, quadruple the number of vehicles with an option for a diesel powertrain, from four to 16.

Chrysler Group sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world. Sales outside North America currently account for approximately 8 percent of the company's total global sales. Vehicles available outside of North America come from all three Chrysler Group brands, with limited availability on some trucks and SUV models.

FoMoCo execs are breathing a sigh of relief this morning after Oakland County Circuit Judge John McDonald issued a temporary restraining order requiring Navistar International Corp. to resume production and shipments on the 6.4-liter diesel PowerStroke engines used in Ford's big n' bold F-Series Super-Duty haulers. That'll let Ford reverse it's decision early yesterday to reduce shifts at their Louisville, KY truck plant — ensuring a steady stream of profit-heavy trucks will continue to flow into the hands of consumers. We've got no idea what the ruling says — but we've got the press release from Navistar International after the jump. – Ray Wert

Navistar Says Operating Company Will Resume Production of Diesel Engines for Ford Under Temporary Court Order That Also Requires Ford to Pay for Engines Shipped

WARRENVILLE, Ill.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Navistar International Corporation (OTC:NAVZ) said today that it will resume production of Power Stroke diesel engines used by Ford Motor Company in its heavy duty pickup truck line. The announcement is in response to a temporary order issued by Judge John J. McDonald of the Circuit Court of Oakland County, Michigan.

Judge McDonald issued the temporary order late Wednesday afternoon and scheduled a hearing for both companies Wednesday, March 7.

Under Judge McDonald's order, Ford will be required to pay, without deductions, for all diesel engines it receives from International Truck and Engine Corporation, Navistar's principal operating company.

"We have a great engine that has been met with very positive initial reviews from customers, Ford dealers and media, and we are anxious for it to get out into the marketplace," said Jack Allen, president of International's engine group.

Navistar announced Monday that it was immediately suspending production of the new 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine because Ford had stopped honoring the terms of agreement under which the engines were built.

International currently produces Power Stroke 6.4L diesel engines that meet 2007 emissions standards while increasing performance, durability and fuel economy at its engine plants in Indianapolis, Ind., and Huntsville, Ala.

Navistar International Corporation (OTC:NAVZ) is the parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation. The company produces International brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses, Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Navistar is also a provider of truck and diesel engine parts. A wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services. Additional information is available at: www.navistar.com.

Related:
Stroke It, FoMoCo! Navistar Stops Shipping Power Stroke Diesel Engines To Ford [internal]

The folks at the big ol' truck company of International probably felt pretty cool last week creating a tricked-out Chicago Bears edition of their new MXT uber-truck for the Chicago Auto Show. After the Bears busted performance this past weekend, it just looked kind of sad and forlorn sitting over in the corner of International's display here. Oh well, maybe next year they'll have a quarterback worthy enough to warrant an 8' wide, 7'7" high Diesel V8 monster like this MXT. Although we've got to say, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 lbs, this ginormo-hauler's only a little bit larger than the size of their offensive line — combined. Four pictures in the gallery below and then head on over to the road that's never straight via the link below. – Ray Wert

Chicago Auto Show: International's Oh-So-Subtle MXT [Winding Road]

Related:
International's CXT Ain't Just For East Coast Extreme SUV'ers [internal]

We think if we were going to drive a stretch vehicle, this International Travelall would pretty much have to be it. This '71 model is apparently one of 24 converted for use on military bases. Featuring a 392-inch V8 for what we can only imagine was marginally-adequate acceleration. That said, nobody ever bought an International for its speed. Bidding ends on January 3rd and it's just over 3k at the moment, but this thing looks like an absolute hoot. This would make a fine Jalopnik mobile-blogging staff car. Denton, please fire up your eBay account and buy it us. Pleeeeeeease? – Davey G. Johnson

1971 INTERNATIONAL 1210 18 PASS. LIMO [eBay]

Related:
The Power of Independent Trucking in Chicago: International Unveils New Big-Ass Pickup [Internal]

"I'm a Ford Truck man.
It's all I drive.
I ain't got no boundaries.
I don't compromise."

—Toby Keith

Pretty strong words for a guy who talks trash about chicks from the South — but ok, Toby Keith's got a point when it comes to a buyer of a "Super Duty" — they generally are the "no boundaries...don't compromise" type of person. And it doesn't look like this Super Duty hitting the streets in 2007 as a 2008 model (probably) plans on disappointing the crowd. At least, that's if the folks at Priddy & Co. are correct. Brenda's claiming — per PickupTruck.Com (the capital 'C" stands for their "No Compromise Attitude) — the 2008 will:

"...be powered by an all-new, International sourced 6.4-liter V8 turbo diesel Power Stroke, which replaces the challenged 6.0-liter PSD."

Ah, Ford Super Duty — when you just can't afford an International CXT.

Click! 2008 Ford Super Duty [PickupTruck.Com]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Ford F350 Super Duty [internal]

"Delphi Corp. customer begs court to not allow Delphi to shut down the American auto industry...begging results in pay bonus for Delphi (non-union) white collar types."

To be fair, Delphi admits their white-collar employees are paid under the average industry wage levels — but that made sense to us because Delphi's profits are kinda under the average industry profit levels.

Coffee Jottings: Delphi executives to start simply spitting on blue collar workers [GotDetroit]

Related:
Breaking! Delphi Asks Judge To Screw UAW In An Extremely Uncomfortable Place [internal]

Related:
Duck and Cover: International CXT Spotted [internal]

Not since we spied James Gandolfini eating a hot dog in New York City have we considered the phrase, "Hooha! That Mofo is freaking huge!" In his monstrous hands, that wiener looked like a Vienna sausage wrapped in a Band-Aid. Now, blogger The Comedian has caught a shot of the ber-pickup International CXT on the road in Connecticut. Connecticut? Must be owned by a tuba player.

Spotted in the Wild this Morning [The Comedian]

Related:
International to Unveil New Extreme Pickup [internal]

International Truck and Engine (i.e., the school-bus company) took the really huge wraps off the newest in its line of extreme pickups. The MXT, as it's called, joins the RXT and CXT among its line of pickup-beded vehicles built on its large-truck platform. It's designed and built from the ground up (they didn't purloin an existing truck cab), and will cost in spec'd-up Escalade country, between $70,000 and $85,000, when it's launched this summer. Look for it in the driveway of someone "who wants to make a powerful statement about who they are" (read: don't ask) near you.

Related:
International to Unveil New Extreme Pickup [internal]

Nothing says "I can crush you into recyclables" like a rainbow of pastels. It may be hard to tell from the photo, but truckbulder International's CXT extreme pickup on display in Chicago has the most darling paint scheme, encompassing light gray, peach and teal. The only thing missing is a unicorn poster hung in the cab and "dear diary" written in pinstripe script across the hood. Nonetheless, the company plans to unveil an even more extreme pickup tomorrow morning. And no, they say it's not the Hello Kitty edition, it's the MXT. Hopefully that one's for boys.

Related:
Another Extreme Pickup: Ford F650 [internal]

We know we already groused and grumbled about a cake-taking CXT a couple of days ago. But we must admit that we were wrong. This CXT doesn't just run off with Grandma's rum cake, it also swipes the bundt pan it rode in on. Fenderwell-mounted TV screens that apparently show Country Music Television exclusively? If there was one true fucked-up example of the dark side of American ingenuity at the show, this vehicle is it.

Related:
CXTs and Hummers: The Dumb Vehicles of SEMA

One of the joys of SEMA are the i-can't-believe-they-actually-did-that guffaws that involuntarily rumble up from one's belly upon laying eyes upon some of the more ridiculous creations. The International CXT has been the target of our ire on a couple of previous occasions, but this flamed de-luxe example takes the cake. We really have nothing to say other than it's a classic example of buffing a turd by crossing the line from ridiculous to completely ludicrous.

The six-wheeled Hummer draped with babes in cheap spandex (apparently they spent all of their cash on the truck and had nothing left over for outfits that were actually sexy) really got our goat somehow. We think it's simply the attitude behind it. It may not have been the most retarded vehicle in the show, but it's damn close. Even more pointless than the CXT, it has nothing to do with function and everything to do with being ostentatious for the sake of sheer ostentatiousness. We'd be offended, but we're laughing too hard.

Related:
Natty Vehicle, Brah: The Commercial Extreme Truck [Internal]

So it's not exactly new news, no, but this article in the WaPo got us thinking about about why one would want a vehicle branded a Commercial Extreme Truck [gag]. And why would Ashton Kutcher need one? To legitimize the trucker hat thing? Even more ridiculous than an H1 for the street, International confirms that they've been talking to the military about an armed-forces version, and then continued on that they'd have to drop the frame for the roof to be able to clear cargo-plane interiors.

Shouldn't military-grade be enough? Certainly the CXT will be uniquely suited for a few tasks, But let a truck be a truck, we say. While we applaud essentially useless vehicles like Bigfoot, The Blastolene Special (aka Jay Leno's Tankcar) and Monster Garage's semi-truck trike, they're the product of a small group's ingenuity, built for the hell of it, just to see if it can be done. The CXT seems like it was invented by marketing people, just to see if it would sell. There's a difference. It might be a bit gauche to quote Fugazi in a blog about cars, but never mind what they're selling, it's what you're buying.

The Pickup Truck With 'Roid Rage [Washington Post]

Related:
International Shows New Extreme SUVs [Internal]