Navistar customers are offered an “up close look” at how the company’s medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines are being manufactured with the release of a new social networking site.

Joe Elmore, host of Spike TV Network’s “Horsepower TV,” lend his services to a new Internet show produced by Navistar that gives customers and insight into the development of the MaxxForce line of engines ahead of 2010 federal emissions requirements.

The first episode is available on Navistar’s online Community page with additional episodes to be released later in September.

“Obviously, engines are one of my passions,” says Elmore. “So it was satisfying to give drivers a chance to win some money and educate them about MaxxForce engines at the same time. During the shoot, I got the opportunity to test-drive the engines myself, and they have some real power. I was impressed.”

One of the show’s features is “MaxxForce IQ,” which is currently playing on MaxxForce TV. Elmore interviews real-life International truck drivers at truck stops and gives them the opportunity to compete for cash and prizes by quizzing them on their knowledge of engines. In one episode, a driver from Chicago answers questions regarding Navistar’s EGR technology to meet the EPA standards that go into effect next year.