The Class 8 International Truck LT-Series has been around for a while and is a trusted option for many truck fleets. A new S13 option offers a unique grille design, and aerodynamic and powertrain packages to help with fuel efficiency.
“The new International LT Series updates will deliver superior operating economy and optimal value to our customers,” says Chet Ciesielski, vice president, On-Highway Heavy Duty Truck Business. “We ensure the customer is top of mind for any product updates we make. We rely on their input and real-world feedback to optimize the design of our products. This latest LT Series update is a proof point of listening to our customers, ensuring they can maximize their fleet vehicles’ efficiency and performance.”
Navistar recently delivered trucks with the S13 integrated powertrain to companies across the country. Those fleets have had nothing but good things to say about the trucks.
“We are thrilled to be the first fleet to receive the S13 Integrated Powertrain, which is the lightest 13-liter powertrain in the market,” says Brent Bergevin, executive vice president of Transportation, Love’s. “With fewer subcomponents, low friction materials, and predictive capabilities through Navistar’s OnCommand® Connection, this best-in-class powertrain will support Love’s and Gemini’s commitment to leading the trucking industry and the safety of our drivers and customers. We’re also proud to partner with Navistar to be an authorized warranty repair provider at over 430 Love’s Truck Care and Speedco locations – helping drivers get back on the road quickly.”
SPECIFICATIONS
LT-Series can be chosen with an integrated powertrain or traditional engine and transmission options.
“Navistar is thrilled to have handed off the first S13 Integrated Powertrain units,” says Ciesielski. “Whether our customers are looking to reach maximum fuel efficiency or integrate comprehensive ownership solutions, the S13 Integrated Powertrain is a step toward achieving their goals.”
LT-Series without an integrated powertrain are available with the International A26 12.4 litre engine offering 400 to 515 horsepower, and 1,450 and 1,850 pounds/feet of torque, or the Cummins X15 engine outputting 400 to 565 hp and 1,450 to 2,050 ft/lbs of torque. Six transmission options are available, three automated manuals, Eaton Endurant in 11- or 12-speed, Eaton Fuller UltraShift Plus in 13- or 18-speed, and Eaton Fuller Advantage in 10-speed. Three manuals available are Eaton Fuller Advantage in 10-speed, Eaton Fuller in 10-speed, and Fuller in 9-, 10-, 13-, 15- or 18-speed.
An integrated powertrain is available with an International S13 12.74 L engine with 400 to 515 horsepower, and 1,450 and 1,850 ft/lbs or torque, with an International T14 automated manual transmission with 14-speed and two crawl gears. The integrated powertrain is expected to improve efficiency by 15 per cent. The system also has a dual stage aftertreatment that does not need active DPF regen, no cooled EGR is needed, and the valve cover is aluminum.
“The S13 Integrated Powertrain is the most advanced powertrain we’ve ever produced and the lightest vocational powertrain available on the market,” says Mark Stasell, vice president, Vocational Truck Business. “The S13 Integrated will benefit vocational customers by achieving stellar performance, simplicity and serviceability, and superior operating economy.”
Moving on to the exhaust system, which includes a single canister after-treatment device that is frame mounted right side under cab. A horizontal or vertical back of cab single exhaust is available, as is a dual B-pillar vertical exhaust.
Other important specifications are: GVW is 32,000 to 60,000 lbs; axle configuration comes in 4×2, 6×4 or 6×2; wheelbase options (day cab with 146 to 226″ in 4×2 or 160 to 252″ in 6×4; or in sleeper cab with 146 to 226″ in 4×2 or 160 to 252″ in 6×4). Available cab configurations are day cab, 56″ low roof sleeper, 56″ hi-rise sleeper, 73″ hi-rise sleeper, or 73″ sky-rise sleeper.
EFFICIENCIES
The LT-Series mated to a S13 integrated powertrain is the most efficient model in the line up. It offers an aero package with chassis enablers, pedestal mirrors that reduce drag and wind noise, hood redesign and fender shape help with airflow, cab extenders help to close gap between cab and trailer which reduces air turbulence, front air dam design reduces drag, among other enhancements.
“We are not waiting for SBTi target validation to be completed,” says Tobias Glitterstam, chief strategy and transformation officer, Navistar. “We are introducing the International S13 Integrated Powertrain, which offers up to a 15 per cent gain in fuel efficiency, marking a leap in the progress toward carbon neutral transport. We also continue to push the boundaries with our electric vehicle portfolio–the IC Bus Electric CE Series and the International eMV Series.”
SAFETY
All LT-Series models (integrated or not) come with standard Bendix Wingman Fusion collision mitigation system, and predictive cruise control. An advanced version of the system integrates adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, over-speed alert, and stationary vehicle braking together. Bendix Blindspotter is also available and can detect objects near the vehicle. Also, the vehicles have LED headlights.
For those who use different truck series for their fleets, the S13 is also available on the company’s RH-Series and HX-Series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern WorkTruck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada and has been a judge for the Canadian Truck King Challenge. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
