Latest Kenworth features showcased in ride-and-drive event

This Kenworth mixer is the first T880 to be built with an Allison 4700 RDS automatic transmission. Underhood is a Paccar MX-11 rated at 430 hp/1,550 lbs.-ft. of torque.

A Kenworth T680 with Paccar MX-11 (430 hp/1,550 lbs.-ft.) and Lightweight Spec package, which helps it weigh in at a lean 14,200 lbs., making it "ideal for bulk hauling," noted Kenworth's Kurt Swihart.

In foreground is the 40-in. sleeper option, seen here on a Kenworth T880, that went into production in March, and at rear is a 76-in. sleeper on a T680.

Note aero enhancements on this Kenworth T680, including the Aero Advantage fairing below the sleeper launched a few months ago and FlowBelow wheel covers. 

Not only does this Kenworth T880 have the "clear back-of-cab" DEF tank option launched this year, it's the first built with a Hendrickson ULTIMAAX severe duty suspension. The tank option moves batteries under the passenger and DEF tank below the driver.

Kenworth T880 tractor with 40-in. sleeper option and Paccar MX-13 diesel engine rated at 500 hp and 1,850 lbs.-ft. of torque.

This Kenworth T880 vocational truck was first shown without its spiffy new dump body at the NTEA Work Truck show earlier this year.

Kenworth T680 with Paccar MX-11 and Lightweight spec package pulls out onto the highway at a ride and drive event Wednesday.

Kenworth's John Starr, one of the drivers at the event, gets ready for a spin in this T680 day cab with MX-11 engine (430 hp/1,550 lbs.-ft.). Note the Eaton manual transmission, operating which is becoming a rarer skill among today's upcoming drivers.

Looking right at home in Kingston, OH, farm country are the Kenworth T880 super dump (MX-13 with 485 hp/1,650 lbs.-ft.) and T680 day cab (MX-11 with 430 hp/1,550 lbs.-ft.).

Kenworth T880 dump with Paccar MX-11 and a few subtle touches like a sunvisor and fender extensions.

Little? No, this Kenworth T880 dump and its 11L MX-11 engine (430 hp/1,550 lbs.-ft.) strike a pretty imposing presence, and riding in it feels that way. To the rear is the T880 super dump.

The T680 day cab hauler with MX-11 engine (430 hp/1,550 lbs.-ft.) spreads its wings in southern Ohio corn country.

Kenworth T370 medium duty "baby Class 8" features Meritor MFS20 20,000-lb. front axle and tandem RT-46 46,000-lb. rear axles.

Kurt Swihart, marketing director at Kenworth, points out this T680's Aero Advantage fairing, which is below the sleeper.

Closer look at Kenworth's Aero Advantage side fairing that went into production on T680s earlier this year.

Kenworth T880 with Paccar MX-13 (500 hp/1,850 lbs.-ft.) returns to the Chillicothe plant.

Kenworth T680 day cab with MX-11 pulls back in to the Chillicothe plant as the ride and drive event wraps up Wednesday, May 18. Ahead is the T880 bridge mixer with MX-11 engine and Allison 4700 7-speed automatic transmission.