CT660 A Beautiful Beast of a Truck

 Here in North America you already know Caterpillar has decided that it's time for them to enter the vocational truck market with the introduction of the CT660. What you may not know is that this started as a 50/50 joint venture between Caterpillar and the well established makers of the International brand of trucks (Navistar).

 
With Caterpillar's solid global reputation for building premium quality heavy equipment and Navistar's extensive experience building solid trucks it would seem as thought a joint venture of this nature was a "no brainer". Though I'm sure the two had quite the debate on when and how this should be accomplished I think their timing was probably "spot on". Yes, that's right I think that they are getting this off the ground at just the right time. With the economy starting to show some signs of life and a Trucking industry that is long over due for a new player to the game I think this is going to go over very well.

When your first look at the CT660 you can't help but notice the tuff yet somehow refined finish of this beautiful beast.  Here is a general list of features of the CT660:

On the outside: 

• Halogen headlights that give a higher luminous efficacy (the amount of visible light) and colour temperature (this is a good thing) and unlike your first marriage they last longer, are easily accessible and less expensive when it's time to change them.
• A bolted three piece front bumper because lets face it, if your out working hard bumps happen and when they do why replace the entire bumper. With the three piece design repairs are easier and cost less.
• A sloped front hood that helps increase aerodynamics which in turn helps improve fuel efficiency and if you're like me you will really appreciate the improved visibility when your on the job in those tight spots.
• One great feature you can't see is the aluminum alloy cab construction that is lighter than a steel constructed frame but in better will last longer is much less prone to rust.
• Cowl mounted side view mirrors that are both power adjustable and heated. They offer better stability and put and end to constant retightening (unlike your work boots).
• Flexible fenders made of rubber-composite for those tight place or the careless equipment operators you are bound to encounter along your day.
• Larger door openings and grab irons makes getting in and out easier and safer. 

On the inside:

• Premium insulation and soundproofing helps keep the noise level down.
• All air vents have been strategically placed to quickly clear the windows, cool you down or warm you up.
• A feature that shouldn't be overlooked is the thought put into the materials inside the cab to help make clean up quick and easy.
• The cockpit is spacious, well thought out with switches and gauges easy to see  helping to minimize driver fatigue.
• Tilt and telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel

Power Plant:

• With three inline 6 cylinder Cat engines to choose from you can be assured you will find just the right configuration of power, fuel economy and reliability for your profession. 

•   CT11  

Engine Type:	Diesel, 4-Cycle
Configuration:	Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:	10.5 L (641 cu. in.)
Bore & Stroke:	4.72 in. & 6.10 in. (12 cm & 15.5 cm)
Compression Ratio:	16.5:1
Aspiration:	Dual Series Turbochargers, Intercooler and Aftercooler
Combustion System:	Direct Injection
Lubricating System Capacity:	42 Quarts (40 L)
Total Engine Weight (Dry):	2400 lbs. (1089 kg)
Length:	59 in (150 cm)
Width:	37 in (94 cm)
Height:	49 in (125 cm)
Valves:	4 Valves Per Cylinder, Overhead Cam Actuated
Horsepower:	330-390 hp (246 - 291 kW) @ 2100 rpm
Peak Torque:	1250-1450 lb-ft. (1693 - 1966 Nm) @ 1000 rpm

 

• CT13

Engine Type:	Diesel, 4-Cycle
Configuration:	Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:	12.4 L (758 cu. in.)
Bore & Stroke:	4.96 in. & 6.54 in. (12.6 cm & 16.6 cm)
Compression Ratio:	17:1
Aspiration:	Dual Series Turbochargers, Intercooler and Aftercooler
Combustion System:	Direct Injection
Lubricating System Capacity:	42 Quarts (40 L)
Total Engine Weight (Dry):	2400 lbs. (1089 kg)
Length:	59 in (150 cm)
Width:	37 in (94 cm)
Height:	49 in (125 cm)
Valves:	4 Valves Per Cylinder, Overhead Cam Actuated
Horsepower:	410-475 hp (306 - 354 kW) @ 2100 rpm
Peak Torque:	1450-1700 lb-ft. (1964 - 2302 Nm) @ 1000 rp

 

• CT15

Engine Type:	Diesel, 4-Cycle
Configuration:	Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:	15.21 L (928.17 cu. in.)
Bore & Stroke:	5.4 in. & 6.75 in. (13.7 cm & 17.1 cm)
Compression Ratio:	16.0:1
Aspiration:	Dual Sequential Turbochargers, Intercooler and Aftercooler
Combustion System:	Direct Injection
Lubricating System Capacity:	40 Quarts (38 L)
Total Engine Weight (Dry):	3150 lbs. (1429 kg)
Length:	56.6 in (144 cm)
Width:	49 in (124 cm)
Height:	51 in (129 cm)
Valves:	4 Valves Per Cylinder, Overhead Cam Actuated
Horsepower:	450-550 hp (336 - 410 kW) @ 2100 rpm
Peak Torque:	1550-1850 lb-ft. (2102 - 2508 Nm) @ 1200 rpm

 Transmissions:

Another great feature Cat has to offer is the CX31 automatic transmission. Here again is a feature to help you stay as sharp as possible throughout a long work day. Lets face it shifting gears especially if you are anywhere near a city is tiring and to not have to worry about that part of driving sounds great to me. In addition to the CX31 there are also both Ultrashift Plus or Manual options built by Eaton available for the CT660.


Overview:

 The CT660 is a great looking truck with a ton of features and configurations at around the mid $150K range. If your in the market for a vocational truck I would not hesitate recommending that you take a good long look at the CT660. I will even go as far as saying you should take a good long look at it. Be sure to visit you local Cat dealer and go for the ride that just may make you as big a fan as I am.

Keep checking back with here as I intend on digging up even more info on the CT660. Also please let me know what other topics you are interested in, what you like or don't like and I'll be sure to share it with everyone. Last but not least please share this with anyone.