Topic: Bye Bye Humvee

[Driver]

Humvee Out, International MXT In the Army?
by Marty Padgett             (2006-02-09)

A quiet revolution is underway in the sourcing of military vehicles and the International Truck & Engine Corp. ofChicago is hoping that its new $69,900 MXT 4X4 can fit into the mix. "The new MXT is a symbol of our company's commitment to breaking through into new markets," said Dee Kapur, president of International Truck Group. Kapur said that International has been asked to provide prototypes of the truck to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Defense for use by agencies such as the U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Army, and other services. Kapur also confirmed that International also has won one contract from the DOD to build a prototype for a vehicle that would eventually become the replacement for the U.S. Army's fleet of Humvees. Lockheed Martin also won a contract to build a prototype. But AM General of South Bend, Ind., appears to have been shut out of the competition, which is being refereed by the U.S. Army's Tank & Automotive Command in Warren, Mich. -Joseph Szczesny

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/Car_Shows/Chicago_Auto_Show/Humvee_Out_International_MXT_In_the_Army.S289.A10003.html

[G0dspd]

It's ugly alright!  But we're talking real heavy-duty now ... look at the specs.  I'm sure some rapper will pimp one out soon enough.

"This one has a diesel V8 capable of 230 horsepower and 540 lb.-ft. of torque, shuttled through an Allison 2200 five-speed automatic transmission and capable of achieving as much as 12 mpg. Hydraulic rather than air brakes are used on the International RXT, and this truck is equipped to handle 20,500 pounds GVWR or a trailer weighing up to 24,000 pounds. In the fall, power ratings rise to about 300 horses."

24 000 pounds ... you could haul every mountain in Afghanistan to find Ben!  LOTS of headroom ... I like it. 

[X-Traction]

Why not just revive the Grizzly?  Oops, it's not US.
http://willbop.breebop.com/2006/01/26/the-grizzly-truck/
http://bb.bc4x4.com/showthread.php?threadid=24005

[mrthompson]

These behemoths are fine and dandy for open terrain, like deserts and plains.  But I can't see anything larger than a Humvee (which is already too large for some jobs) maneouvring through tight city streets, or dense forest/jungle.