Navistar's 'Project Horizon' truck at the 2013 Mid America Trucking Show

By 'near term' Navistar means that some of the design concepts shown on this vehicle can be made production ready in 24 to 36 months.

Navistar's Jack Allen said 'Project Horizon' is focused on two goals: crafting a vehicle with more efficiency that's also more driver friendly.

The front grill of the 'Project Horizon' truck can be opened or closed at the touch of a button to either increase or reduce air intake through the engine compartment.

Here's the truck's nose with the grill bars in the 'closed' position.

The aluminum cab steps engraved with diamond-shaped 'traction grips' that not only prevent slipping but harken back to the company's logo as well.

Brighter headlamps help increase forward illumination for drivers.

An fairing under the front of the vehicle reduces aerdoynamic drag be redirecting the air down the side of the vehicle.

The hood is raised to form a key 'reference point' at the top of Navistar's logo to help driver's better judge the vehicle's borders when manuevering in tight spaces.

The door handles on 'Project Horizon' are fixed to help improve the vehicle's aerodynamic profile. A rubber membrane behind the silvered handle is what unlocks the door.

Side marker lights are repositioned to provide 'indirect lighting' along the vehicle as shown by the orange light line here -- again helping improve aerodynamics while better protecting the light bar itself from damage.

The side marker 'light bar' is inside tucked back bsinf the cab fairing as seen here.

Small 'puddle lamps' under the side mirror arms help illuminate both the driver and passenger door areas at night.

Redesigned tandem axle side skirts, along with wheel covers, help further improve the vehicle's aerodynamic profile.

"Light pipes" are used for the vehicle's rear stop and turn signal lights. These 'pipes' provide better illumination and can be more resilient as well.

The integrated mud flaps again help improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.