Concept Ford Excursion Challenges Desert Racing Competition With Power, Size

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CHICAGO (May 10, 2001) - On the road, the Power Stroke(r) Diesel engine has proven its performance in more than one million Ford work and sport trucks. Now, the number-one diesel engine in its class is out to prove its power off road with the new concept Power Stroke Diesel Excursion desert racer, the first of its kind.

International Truck and Engine Corporation, manufacturer of the 7.3-liter diesel engine, teamed with Ford Motor Company to build the SUV, which will race in six events this year, including the SCORE Baja 500 in June, the BITD Las Vegas to Reno in September and the SCORE Baja 1000 in November. The Excursion's engine is an experimental version of the popular Power Stroke Diesel built for Ford pickup trucks, vans and SUVs, and is capable of producing up to 400 horsepower and 850 foot-pounds of torque.

"Participation in the off-road racing series allows us to test engine performance, chassis, suspension and transmission components in extreme conditions," said Bob Rath, vice president of quality and reliability, engine group, International. "This is just one example of how we are working closely with Ford to develop high performance diesel trucks and SUVs capable of meeting the toughest endurance needs."

Weighing in at 6,000 pounds, the Excursion literally towers over its competition. The concept Excursion was built in just five months by a team of industry experts, including John Marking of Fox Shocks, Ron Norton of National Springs and Bill Varnes of Mirage Racing. Bob Rath and Mark Wildman, field service representative, International, lead the team that built and maintains the Power Stroke Diesel. The SUV's racing specs include a 137-inch wheel base, a 60-gallon fuel cell and over 16 inches of rear wheel travel and 11 inches of front wheel travel.

Veteran racers Matt Scaroni and Tom Watson will drive the Excursion in competition. Scaroni should feel at home behind the wheel of the diesel-powered SUV - his family owns a Power Stroke Diesel Excursion for everyday use, and their business, Scaroni Ranches Inc., runs a fleet of Power Stroke Diesel trucks. SMD Motorsports and Logistics maintains the off-road Excursion for the Scaroni family.

Off-Road Racing

International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Chicago-based Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), which had 2000 sales and revenues of $8.5 billion. International Truck and Engine is a leading producer of mid-range diesel engines, medium trucks, school buses, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, and parts and service sold under the International brand by the industry's broadest dealer and distribution organization. The company also is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Additional information can be found on the company's Web site at www.InternationalDelivers.com.