Unicat MXT

[boblynch]

Originally Posted by haven

I think it's unlikely that we'll see a stripped down version of the MXT. The civilian version of the MXT is marketed as an expensive "personal statement" vehicle for wealthy ranchers, construction company owners and XXXL-size professional athletes. Marketing a stripped down work truck MXT would make the vehicle less attractive to the "ostrich cowboy boots" crowd.

Chip you're probably right. However, I just don't get it. Are there really enough of the "ostrich boot" crowd and "urban elite" crowd to justify the marketing approach used by Hummers, Range Rover, and International MXT/RXT/CXT? I drive past a bunch of RR and H2 lots full of tricked out inventory no one is buying.

Would be nice to see someone break ranks and go 180 degrees. Instead of fighting Ford in court, maybe Navistar should offer their own "Super Duty" at a price point targeting contractors and recreational users.

Bob

[haven]

I agree that International should consider building a smaller pickup of its own. Ford has already said it's not interested in International's V6 diesel, and in time Ford will probably stop selling the PowerStoke 6.4L diesel in the F250/350/450/550.

The Powerstroke 6.4L is called the VT365 by International. This engine is used in International's 4000 series (now called Durastar) as well as the MXT, so International will continue making them if Ford says goodbye.

International has a hybrid pickup prototype, developed as a military concept. It uses a 3.0L 4 cylinder diesel from International's Brasilian factory, and a big electric motor. together, the two motors produce more than 500 lb-ft of torque. The truck has a 6,000 lb payload capacity. The prototype has 4 wheel steering, too!



A simplified version of this truck would be commercially viable.
Chip Haven

[boblynch]

Diesel hybrid, SRW, 6000 lb payload, and 4 wheel steering! I'll take a crew cab in tan please.

[avimeyers]

With its off-road capability (extreme terrain and climates), 200 gal of fuel, 100 gal water (+on-board water maker), supplies and equipment carrying capacity, the MXT Unicat makes for an awesome expedition-grade vehicle.

We are also offering this model in an extended or single cab configuration with smaller bodies.

The quoted price of 237K Euro is exclusive of the chassis.

As for the Ford F550, we scrapped that project because the chassis, axles and motor don't meet our standards for reliability and robustness. We are currently evaluating the new Dodge 5500 and its twin Sterling Bullet and if we find them suitable, we'll let you know.

[Metcalf]

Cool concept.......

I would like to see a 2 door version with a low profile pop-up rear camper box to keep the overall height down. The MXT body really isn't that much larger than a full size truck, but has the guts to back it up. Center, front, and rear locking differentials, 20" rim tires, etc. The low overall profile is made possible by using an IFS front suspension correct? I would also like to see a low profile front winch system similar to the military hummer. The MXT shares a lot of design and functional cues with the hummer in my opinion.

Looking at the Uni-cat site...

Personally I only need a 2-3 person camper.....

The Two door version on the MXT....



With the camper off the back of this one.....





That would be slick....

I would like to have a true hard side pop up without the flip up sides under the hard roof.....

[charlieaarons]

Originally Posted by Metcalf

Cool concept.......

Center, front, and rear locking differentials, 20" rim tires, etc. The low overall profile is made possible by using an IFS front suspension correct?
Personally I only need a 2-3 person camper.....

.

The MXT-MV has a solid front axle, 9000 lb rating. Apparently it has a front locker but no rear locker is yet available for the Dana S110. But I'd guess a Detroit Locker will come soon.

Charlie

[expeditionvan]

Price of the MXT-MV (chassis)?

[charlieaarons]

Check with an Int'l dealer or contact Avi Meyers at ameyers@unicatamericas.com

Charlie

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by Metcalf

Cool concept.......

I would like to see a 2 door version with a low profile pop-up rear camper box to keep the overall height down. //snip// I would like to have a true hard side pop up without the flip up sides under the hard roof.....

I concur. Hard-sided for better protection from the elements and the critters (four-legged or two-legged).

I personally like the hard-side pop-ups that have the upper walls on the outside, so that they cover the windows when in the down position. Here's a pic I borrowed from ActionMobil:



Bigger windows would be nice, though.

I've seen this style of pop-up on smaller trucks, but this is the first one I could find to paste in.

LATER THAT SAME DAY: Here's a Unicat example:



Again, needs bigger windows

[explore this]

What is the front axle on this? The military version.

Not to crash this thread, but wouldn't it be nice to get a SRW Dana S110 and front axle off this on the Earthroamer...