International Truck and Engine Corp. unveiled its new International MXT 4x4 pickup Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show.

With 16,000 pounds of towing capacity, the new International MXT is a cousin to the International CXT introduced two years ago. The MXT is a sleek and dominant truck geared for the "image" truck market, a growing niche of truck owners who want to make a powerful statement about who they are. The highly anticipated truck, a concept vehicle last year, is moving into the pre-production stage with an anticipated launch date of summer 2006.
"The new MXT is a symbol of our company's commitment to breaking through into new markets," said Dee Kapur, president of the truck group at International Truck and Engine. "The MXT went from a concept to pre-production vehicle in a year based on the interest from our customers and the dedication of International's development team. It showcases our ability to bring quality products to market quickly. With 100 years of experience building trucks, we're proud to unveil the latest bold truck in International's extreme truck family."
In addition to the MXT, International is showcasing the International RXT, which was a pre-production model exhibited last year at the Chicago Auto Show. The company announced that this sportier version is ready for the market with a roll-out date of March 2006 and will target commercial customers in the equestrian, boating, RV and motorsports markets.
International is even giving auto show audiences a sneak peak at a fifth wheel version of the RXT that can better accommodate trailers for those industries. The two new trucks join the CXT, the world's largest production pickup truck that has been on the market since September 2004, as part of the International XT Family of trucks.
With the starting estimated MSRP of the MXT ranging from $69,900 to $85,000, it becomes the most affordable pickup in the XT Family. The RXT is priced starting at $76,000 and the CXT, loaded with a customized interior, starts at $115,000.
The CXT, RXT and MXT are all powered by International diesel engines, reflecting the company's strong history of leadership in mid-range diesel engines. The diesel engines include EPA-compliant emissions standards that keep the exhaust below federal limits. Today's diesel engines are 20 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline engines and are delivering increasing levels of environmental performance.
The MXT pre-production features include:

• Towing capacity of 8 tons
• 300 horsepower with 530 pounds-feet of torque
• Seating for five
• Custom interior options

Orders for the CXT and RXT can be placed now at any International dealer in North America by calling (888) 44-TRUCK or visiting www.InternationalDelivers.com/AutoShow. Orders for the MXT will be taken this summer.