I understand that the engine in being made by International under license from Caterpillar for these trucks.
Ya, they are ugly. But, on the other hand most of the trucks built now are ugly. If it is going to look like a truck and be good lookin' go for a Peterbilt 359, Mack Superliner or Mack RB series. AS for tough and Mack in the same sentence that went to h--- in a hand cart when Volvo did their thing to the Mack line after they got their hands on it. I know of several people who bought Granites and hate or hated them until they got rid of them. Volvo also trashed the Mack engine line too. I have run Macks around here for over twenty years. Good thing I am not going to be buying any mroe trucks because I don't know what I would go for any more. Not impressed much with any of them.