LAS VEGAS. Mike Dozier, general manager for Kenworth Truck Co., detailed a long list of enhancements and new offerings being introduced by the OEM this year and on into 2017 at the at the annual American Trucking Associations (ATA) conference.
First up: a new 52-in. mid-roof sleeper package for Kenworth T680 models in Advantage powertrain configurations, aimed at regional haul and LTL customers, that should help deliver up to a 6% improvement in fuel economy.
New aerodynamic elements on the 52-in. mid-roof sleeper help redirect airflow around the chassis and sleeper include a front air dam to redirect around versus under the tractor, mini “kickout” fairings to force air around the trailer and drive tires, and lower fairing extenders, Dozier said.
He added that the OEM is also going to start offering the FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit as an option for its T680 models starting in the first quarter of 2017.
That “Aerokit” features fairings fitted on each side of the truck between the T680’s tandem axles, a fairing directly behind the rear drive axle, and quick-release aerodynamic wheel covers that reduce turbulence within the wheel itself, according to Kenworth, with the fairings constructed of a durable yet flexible thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) for long life.
Dozier added that Kenworth is also going to make its “Advantage” configuration the standard package for its T680 line. That configuration includes a PACCAR MX-13 or MX-11 engine mated to an Eaton Fuller Advantage series 10-speed automated mechanical transmission (AMT) plus Meritor MT40-14X drive axles rated at 40,000 lbs.
Dozier added that Kenworth is going to add the Bendix Wingman Advanced radar-based collision mitigation system as an option for its medium duty T270 and T370 models, noting that the Wingman system is “already popular with our Class 8 customers” and should be ideal in the heavy start/stop traffic flows experienced by medium-duty fleets.
Other new offerings and enhancements introduced by Kenworth include:
- Beginning in 2017, Kenworth will expand its onboard TruckTech+ diagnostic package and PACCAR Solutions portal to include a service management system powered by Decisiv that will allow fleets to monitor the service status for their individual trucks in real-time.
- The Kenworth power management system, available on its T680 and T880 models, will be upgraded to add cab temperature monitoring to the system’s auto start and stop capability.
- The addition of the Espar Airtronic D4 fuel-fired bunk heater that produces nearly double the BTUs [British Thermal Units] of Espar’s previous generation heater. The Airtronic D4 heater has a BTU rating up to 13,650, and is available for the Kenworth T680 and T880 specified with either the 76-in. or 52-in. sleepers
- The 8.9-liter Cummins Westport ISL G Near Zero NOx [oxides of nitrogen] emissions natural gas engine, rated at 320 hp and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque, will become available as an option for the Kenworth T680 and T880 models in early 2017. NOx emissions from the ISL G are 90% lower than the current NOx limit of 0.2 gram per brake horsepower-hour, and meet the 2017 EPA greenhouse gas emission (GHG) requirements, Kenworth said.
