When in doubt, make it stout. That’s what Kenworth’s engineering and design teams did when they created the all-new C580, unveiled at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas, Nev., replacing the C500.

Designed to meet the most demanding off-highway and severe-service applications, the C580 blends the durability of the C500 chassis with the modern comfort, technology and integration of Kenworth’s latest cab platform.

Each of the team members who built the truck has an average of more than 30 years of experience, noted Hank Johnson, general sales manager at Kenworth, during the launch.

“The Kenworth C580 marks a new era in extreme-duty performance, capable of hauling a gross combination weight of up to 1 million lb. (45,3592 kg),” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “For more than 50 years, the C500 set the benchmark in severe-service applications around the world, operating in conditions and applications no other commercially available truck can.”

Extreme loads and harsh terrain

Kenworth remains the only OEM serving the extreme-duty, off-highway vocational industries, with the C580 the only truck of its class on the market, according to Haygood.

Since 1972, the Kenworth C500 has earned a reputation as one of the most rugged and capable vocational trucks ever built, the truck maker claims. It became a staple in industries such as mining, oilfield operations, logging, heavy equipment transport and prime mover applications — both domestically and globally — where extreme loads, harsh terrain and non-stop duty cycles are the norm.

“These trucks have been to the Arctic in the oilfields; in Borneo hauling logs and coal; in Asia transporting massive mining equipment; and deep in the Amazon hauling transformers,” said Haygood. “They’ve gone where no other truck could go, and now the new C580 will do the same — handling the most demanding jobs on — and off — the road.”

The C580 is available in single- or twin-steer axle configurations, with front-drive axle options enabling 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 and 10×10 configurations. High-capacity axle ratings support up to 44,000 lb. (19,958 kg) on twin-steer axles and up to 165,000 lb. (74,842 kg) on tandem rear axles.

Cummins X15 engine

In North America, the C580 comes standard with EPA27-compliant Cummins X15 engines, with ratings up to 605 hp and 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque. Additional Cummins X15 engines are available with several levels of Euro emissions compliance for export to international markets. The C580 features Kenworth’s full suite of transmission offerings, including manual transmissions, Allison 4000 and 6000 Series automatics, and — for the first time in the extreme-duty segment — the advanced Eaton Endurant XD Pro automated transmission.

The vehicle features a 1,780-sq.-in. cooling module and is designed to handle high-horsepower operation in stationary, high-altitude and extreme-heat environments. Full-length parent frame rails extend to the front of the chassis and support FEPTO capability for specialized vocational applications. Standard dual 13-inch cowl-mounted air cleaners offer high performance and ease of service.

Larger windshield

The cab offers excellent visibility, with a larger windshield, optimized hood slope and increased room between seats compared with its predecessor. A customizable 15-inch digital display places all gauges and critical information clearly in view. New heated LED headlamps are standard.

Supporting body installations

Advanced driver-assistance systems improve driver safety, while TruckTech+ remote diagnostics delivers real-time fleet insights into the usage and health of vehicles.

It features abrasion-resistant double-wrapped exterior wiring harnesses, a sheet-metal hood and fenders, robust five-piece crossmembers, and enhanced serviceability and component access to support body installations. Common electrical architecture with other Kenworth vocational models allows for seamless integration of power takeoffs, auxiliary lighting, remote throttle controls and body-specific functionality.

Production of the C580 is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with the model fully replacing the C500, which sunsets in 2026.