Kenworth phasing out certain classic-styled models
Kenworth has announced it is phasing out some of its most rugged heavy-duty trucks, as it transitions its lineup to a wider cab platform.
Customers wanting to order the W900, T800W (wide-hood) or C500 should get their orders in as soon as possible, the truck maker warns, as it announced the sunset of those models comprising its 1.9-meter cab platform.
The trucks are being replaced with more efficient models.
“We know these legacy Kenworth models are an integral part of our history here at Kenworth, which makes this decision a difficult but necessary one as we enter the next era of trucking,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “As we transition to future products, we remain committed to honoring the spirit of these iconic trucks by delivering innovation, efficiency, and the same level of craftsmanship that our customers and drivers have trusted for generations.”
The W900 was introduced in 1963 and features classic long-hood styling. It was widely used for longhaul, heavy haul, logging, dump and other vocational and on-highway applications.
“The W900 is truly historic in that it’s helped shape North American trucking culture and tradition as we know it today,” said Haygood. “Often seen at truck shows, featured in movies and on TV, and shown at other events, it’s an iconic truck that’s cherished for its classic styling by our customers and truck aficionados. While production of these trucks is coming to an end, we look forward to seeing them on our roads and at truck shows for many years to come.”
The T800 vocational truck with wide hood was used in heavy haul and off-road applications and built to accommodate large engines with increased cooling capacity. It was popular in the oilpatch and in logging applications.
Kenworth’s C500 was built for the most rugged terrain. It launched in 1972 and was intended for extreme heavy haul, oilfield, logging, mining and off-road applications.
Kenworth will continue to offer its classic-styled W990 and T880. The T880S features a newly designed hood that can contain high horsepower engines with increased cooling capacity. The performance hood edition is compatible with the Cummins X15 engine with up to 605 hp and 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque, which Kenworth says makes it an ideal substitute for the T800W.
“As part of the phase-out process for its legacy trucks, Kenworth is advising dealers and customers to place final orders as soon as possible. For the latest regarding timelines during this transition, contact your local Kenworth dealer,” the company said in a release.
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A very sad day in trucking for sure…. O/Op’s are feeling it.
Hi-Kenworth has made a mistake, although this has been in the books for the last 20 years. The plastic cabs – egr- honda steering wheels- automatic transmissions- will attract even more commercial accidents and death on our highway infrastructure.
That will be a sad day to see these big trucks go away. Have owned the T800w and driven several c500s over the years. I guess that Western Star will probably start to fill the niche for the big stuff.
I am sad to see both models go, but for me, the T800 holds pleasant memories. I drove both models.
Driving the W900 on the highway, everyone ( almost) was looking at you, you got really noticed, for which, I did not Care.
I loved the way W900 drove, especially in the winter. Your windshield stayed really clean in a snowstorm. You did not have the windshield-frozen passenger-side problem, LOL… that you have with modern plastic trucks.
On top of that, the W900 is stable and solid in driving.
She did not want to turn tight in small spaces, but they were not made for that.
Overall, both trucks are some of the Best American Trucks ever made.
S
orry to see them go and no longer will be available,;best truck in the industry.