Our Lucky Day

      Talk about coincidence. Having been invited recently to test drive a couple of '07 Cummins engines at the company's Columbus, Ind., headquarters, we found our ISX test engine installed in an early prototype International ProStar.
      Since the truck was outfitted for Cummins' needs, not a customer spec or even a showroom model, it wouldn't be fair to comment on any particular element in the cab or under the hood, except to say it was darn smooth, really quiet and very roomy.
      What I can tell you, however, is that the truck drove and handled like a dream. The steering was firm and positive, but the wheel was easy to turn when negotiating tight corners. This one had a steel spring front end that absorbed the bumps like air, without the sloppy feel sometimes associated with air-ride front ends.
      I think drivers will be impressed with the view from the driver's seat, as well as the slippery outside lines of the truck. It looks to be quite aerodynamically efficient, and the deep slope of the hood provides tremendous forward visibility. The great large mirrors work like a charm without messing up the view to the side at all.
      It ran really quiet; completely without wind and road noise. For the size of the cab – and this one was fitted with the barest essentials of creature comfort, i.e., little acoustic damping – I had no trouble talking with the Cummins engineer sitting on the far side of the cab.
      Based on this short and unauthorized test drive in a truck that wasn't spec'd to please, I'm very anxious to check out a production model with all the bells and whistles. I'm anticipating a real treat.

- Jim Park, Editor, HighwayStar Magazine