If you think you’ve heard of mad performance figures, then you know nothing of semi-trucks. These machines run on engines that produce ridiculous amounts of grunt, the kind you’ll only see in high-powered Porsches, Lamborghinis, and McLarens. But why don’t they zoom past as fast as those lightning bolts? The obvious answer is weight. What a train can’t carry, a semi-truck will. These machines move dozens of tons over thousands of miles per trip while sustaining critical supply chains at the same time. In this piece, we’ll look at 10 semi trucks that toppled the highest performance figures ever seen in the industry. This massive grunt is what makes them the ideal choice for logistics companies seeking to maximize their fleet by freighting tens of tons per trip to their various warehouses.

10 International LT Series

International LT Series
Via Truck News

The International LT Series is an amazing semi-truck because of its versatility. It can survive harrowing long hauls and even be converted into a tanker. This menacing semi-truck comes in two engine trims. There’s the International A26 that produces 400-475hp, with the crank turning with up to 1750lb-ft of torque.

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International LT Series
Via Carscoops

On the other hand, there’s the Cummins X15 power unit that churns 400-565hp and 2,050lb-ft of torque at the crank. Apart from being very powerful, the International LT Series also brags of great efficiency, despite packing massive power units that fit the kind of work it is built for.

9 Freightliner New Cascadia

Freightliner New Cascadia
Via SCS Software blog

Before talking about the performance of this impressive semi-truck, let’s digest its looks. This is arguably one of the best-looking semis you can get in the market. What’s even better is that under all that beauty lies no tamed-beast. The Freightliner New Cascadia is a powerful machine capable of hauling up to 60,600 pounds.

Freightliner New Cascadia
Via Velocity Truck Centres

That massive towing capacity is possible thanks to the powerful 605hp engine that runs this beast. That power unit produces up to 2,050lb-ft of torque. The emphasis on performance is extended to the exterior design where, according to Freightliner, the smart design improves basic vehicle servicing, which improves uptime.

8 International Lonestar

International Lonestar
Via International Trucks NZ

The Internation Lonestar also stands as one of the best semi-trucks you can get in the market today. This powerful semi is built to haul special deliveries such as horses, cattle, and the likes. Plus, it does all this with impressive looks that also contribute to the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency and long-term use.

International Lonestar
Via Pinterest

The real deal is the Cummins X15 power unit packed underneath the Lonestar. That power unit is available in 400hp – 605hp outputs. The torque output also ranges from 1,450lb-ft to 2,050lb-ft. Put these two together, and you get an incredible semi-truck that flawlessly combines looks, power, and torque, to consistently deliver on your freighting needs.

7 Volvo VNL 860

Volvo VNL 860
Via Truck News

This is arguably the best semi-truck Volvo produces. The Volvo VNL 860 carries not only better looks but also an improved fuel efficiency that makes it one of the most economical choices in the market. That’s because the Volvo VNL 860 was designed purely with fuel efficiency in mind.

Volvo VNL 860
Via Twitter

The emphasis on efficiency is apparent starting with the exterior design. There’s a lot of emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency which helps boost fuel efficiency in the power unit. That power unit is a Volvo D11 that churns anywhere between 325hp to 565hp depending on the trim.

6 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution

Freightliner Cascadia Evolution
Via Velocity Truck Centres

The Freightliner Cascadia Evolution is another semi-truck that doesn’t disappoint in the looks department. Better yet, when it comes down to performance, this is one of the most powerful semi-trucks you can add to your fleet. RELATED: 10 Of The Sickest Big Rigs We've Ever Seen (10 We Want To Unsee)

Freightliner Cascadia Evolution
Via YouTube

The Freightliner Cascadia Evolution can haul up to 80,000lbs of cargo. That’s thanks to its massive power unit that can summon anywhere between 350-505hp, with the crank twisting with up to 1,750lb-ft of torque. This semi is ideal for regional distribution, temperature-controlled loads, and bulk hauls, with the semi-truck delivering competitive efficiency in the process.

5 Peterbilt 389

Peterbilt 389
Via Pinterest

The Peterbilt 389 is an interesting semi-truck. It comes with a range of features that make it one of the most competitive options you can get in the market. Save for one thing. Design. This might not be the sexiest semi-truck to look at. However, it is one of the most powerful you can get.

Peterbilt 389
Via Pinterest

The Peterbilt 389 runs on two engine options, each offering varying power outputs. There’s the Cummins ISX15 engine that delivers 400 – 600hp and the PACCAR MX-13 engine that delivers 405-510hp. On top of that, the Peterbilt 389 comes with a smart GPS that shows drivers the best routes to take depending on the load the size of their truck.

4 Mercedes-Benz Actros

Mercedes-Benz Actros
Via Auto Trader

This is perhaps the best truck ever built in the international semi-truck market. The Mercedes-Benz Actros has performed supremely in the market, being used by many renowned freight companies as their ideal semi choice.

Mercedes-Benz Actros
Via Australian Roadtrains

The new Mercedes Benz Actros is even much better. According to Mercedes Benz, the new Actros not only carries more grunt but also better aerodynamics that is aimed to improve its efficiency. Mercedes is offering this semi-truck in three engine options – the OM460, the OM471, and the OM473. These engines are rated from 360hp to 625hp.

3 Freightliner 122SD

Freightliner 122SD
Via Bailey Western Star

This is one of the most powerful semi-trucks in the world. The Freightliner 122SD can haul up to a maximum of 210,000lbs, which is 28 times the towing capacity of the menacing Ford F-150 pickup truck. The machinery behind this massive power is an engine that can produce between 350hp and 600hp. But that’s not the only figure that matters.

Freightliner 122SD
Via Freightliner Trucks

That power unit can source up to 2,025lb-ft of torque, enough to crush your bones to dust. That massive power and immense torque, put together, makes the Freightliner 122SD an ideal semi for oil and gas exploration, logging, and construction.

2 Kenworth W990

Kenworth W990
Via Truck News

This is the semi-truck built for professional drivers. This Optimus-Prime-looking beast is designed to haul massive loads interstate with unparalleled fuel economy, power, and even driver experience.

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Kenworth W990
Via YouTube

The beast in the belly of the Kenworth W990 is a 12.9 liter L PACCAR MX-13 engine that cranks anywhere between 405hp and 510hp. That 12.9L engine produces 1,850lb-ft of torque which allows it to haul up to 240,000lbs of gross weight. Another great thing about this truck is that it offers a touch of luxury not available in most semi-trucks. It has a great interior space with a nice finish that perfectly balances between business and comfort.

1 Volvo FH16

Volvo FH16
Via Trucks1 Kenya

When it was launched in 2010, the Volvo FH16 immediately became the most powerful series-manufactured semi-truck in the world. That record was broken thanks to a massive 16-liter power unit that produced 700hp of pure grunt. In case you don’t want that beastly 16-liter power unit, Volvo has offered the FH16 in 540hp and 600hp versions.

Volvo FH16
Via Volvo Trucks

What makes that Volvo D16 engine special and that powerful are the redesigned pistons, a new oil thermostat, and an optimized combustion process that not only boosts the engine’s performance but also improves fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and increases the engine’s lifespan. NEXT: 25 Sick Rigs The Repo Men Drive When They Come Get Our Cars