International LoneStar

1938 International DS218T; the LoneStar adopted its swept-back grille design (which extended onto the sides of the hood)

According to Navistar, the Lonestar was developed to create an "Advanced Classic" truck, mating the design elements of vehicles from the past with 21st-century technology and aerodynamics;[5] the company cited its primary design influence as the late-1930s International Harvester D-series[3][4] As a large extended-hood conventional, the Lonestar also was similar to the classic-style International 9900ix and its competitors, featuring a large grille and bumper, external air filter containers, vertical-mount exhaust (with all of the above trimmed in chrome).

The final model of the NGV series to enter production, the Lonestar was developed in only 24 months from beginning to end;[7] following its initial development on computers and clay models, the company shifted directly to production (bypassing the assembly of traditional prototypes).[5] In line with the more contemporary design of the International Prostar, the exterior of the Lonestar was aerodynamically optimized. In comparison to the 9000-series and similar trucks, the Lonestar was projected to increase its fuel economy by up to 15%.[4][3][5]

While priced as a premium vehicle, the Lonestar was developed as a vehicle for both owner-operators and large fleets, with Navistar citing that a large proportion of classic-style trucks owned by fleets are operated by larger fleets of over 25 vehicles.[7]

2010 Lonestar on display in Germany

2015 Lonestar day-cab (New Zealand, converted to RHD)

Of the International NGV series of trucks, the Lonestar is most closely related to the Prostar; both developed for long-distance highway applications, the two vehicles share a common cab structure. The Lonestar is produced with a set-forward front axle and an extended hoodline; the Lonestar has a 132-inch BBC length (matching the Freightliner Coronado and 5 inches longer than the Peterbilt 379). The series was introduced in three configurations: a day cab, 56-inch sleeper (low and high-roof), and 73-inch sleeper cab (high-roof and extended-roof).[8] All three configurations were shared with the Prostar (the regional-haul Transtar was offered with the day cab and 56-inch sleeper).

At its 2009 launch, the Lonestar was offered with two engines: the Navistar-produced "Maxxforce 13" 12.4 L inline-6 (410-500 hp) and the Cummins ISX15 14.9 L inline-6 (525-600 hp).[3] Both engines were paired to Eaton-Fuller manual or automated manual transmissions.[3]

While sharing its cab structure with lower-price International trucks, the interior of the Lonestar was distinguished by the use of premium-grade materials, components, and features.[4][3] In place of a standard double-bunk configuration, the lower bunk of the wood-floored sleeper was replaced by a sofa bed; both front seats swivel backwards (when parked), converting the cab into a workspace.[3]

To commemorate the launch of the model line, Navistar produced a Harley-Davidson Special Edition of the Lonestar; 250 trucks were produced for the 2009 model year.[9][10] The special edition received its own grille and bumper design, headlights (sourced directly from Harley-Davidson motorcycles), and custom 24.5-inch wheels (with Harley-Davidson emblems on the center caps); each example was painted with a black and silver paint scheme with orange striping.[9] The interior received "engine-turned" trim for the dashboard, black leather, and Harley-Davidson badging in the interior.[3][10]

Following the discontinuation of the MaxxForce 13, the Cummins ISX15 became the sole engine for 2015 (itself becoming the X15 for 2016).