Kenworth touts benefits of MX-13 engine, adds mid-roof sleeper to T680

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As it celebrates its 90th anniversary, Kenworth took a moment at the Mid-America Trucking Show to reflect back on a good 2012, which saw it set a new Class 8 market share record at 15%.

It’s medium-duty market share in the US and Canada came in at 8%. Gary Moore, general manager of Kenworth, said the company was also pleased with the increasing penetration of the Paccar MX-13 engine. There are now 17,000 Kenworth trucks with the MX-13 engine deployed in North America, and Moore said “We anticipate this growing this year.”

A new 500-hp rating should win the MX-13 some new fans, Moore suggested. He said the engine offers a weight savings of up to 100 lbs and a 3.5% improvement in fuel economy over alternatives.

“We feel Kenworth and the Paccar MX-13 will be the truck make and engine of choice for fleets and truck operators that want a fuel efficient, reliable 12.9-litre engine,” Moore said.

At the Mid-America Trucking Show, Kenworth added a new 52-inch mid-roof sleeper to its T680 model. Kevin Baney, chief engineer with Kenworth, said the new mid-roof sleeper offers “a big package in a small footprint.”

It’s well suited for drivers who are away from home two to three nights at a time, he said. The new configuration is ideal for tanker and flatbed applications, but is also available with a roof fairing for those pulling dry vans.

It also provides a 700-lb weight savings compared to a full 76-inch sleeper, Kenworth officials said.

Also new is a factory-installed, integrated, engine-off heating and cooling system on the T680 with 76-inch sleeper. The Kenworth Idle Management System is a battery-based auxiliary power unit (APU) for air-conditioning, which is integrated into the T680’s ducting system.

An optional fuel-fired heater can be added to provide engine-off heating, Kenworth announced.

“It’s a seamless integration into the T680 which, when compared to other battery APUs on the market, provides excellent, engine-off, heating and cooling,” said Baney. “And, since it’s integrated, it has a very small under-bunk footprint to maintain storage space for drivers and teams.”

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