Kenworth Adds Medium-Duty Offerings, Including Hybrids

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kenworth has overhauled its medium-duty truck lineup, adding four new trucks to its growing MD stable.

The new offerings include: The Class 7 T370; Class 6 T270; the T270 hybrid-electric conventional; and the K260 Class 6 cabover. The trucks aim to fill the needs of customers in applications ranging from pickup-and-delivery to propane and fuel haulers.

The hybrid will be marketed to municipalities and utility companies.

“Kenworth’s expanded lineup of reliable, durable and quality trucks provides excellent performance and value for a wide range of medium-duty applications,” announced Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice-president, at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The T370 Class 7 and T270 Class 6 feature an enhanced lighting system that improves nighttime visibility, the company announced. The new halogen projector low beam headlamps deliver 30% more light down the road than traditional sealed-beam headlamps, explained Mike Dozier, chief engineer with Kenworth.

The hood is comprised of sheet molded composite for a better fit and finish and a new hood assist device makes it easier to open.

Both trucks come with the PACCAR PX-6 or PX-8 engines and can be spec’d with a manual or automatic transmission. Customers can also choose between air or hydraulic brakes.

Production of the T370 and T270 is slated to begin this summer.

Also new to Kenworth is a hybrid-electric version of the T270, powered by the PACCAR PX-6 engine. The truck uses Eaton’s hybrid technology which utilizes a transmission-mounted motor/generator and a frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack. The truck receives its power from the diesel engine while driving faster than 30 mph, but incorporates electrical energy at speeds of less than 30 mph. The system switches seamlessly between the two modes, explained Dozier.

Kenworth officials said the hybrid T270 will reduce fuel use by as much as 30%, depending on application.

“The more stop-and-go in the application, the better the truck’s performance,” said Dozier.

The hybrid can be spec’d with a power take-off that operates nearly soundlessly, making it ideal for early morning work in residential areas.

“A PTO can be powered using electric power. As the battery charge is depleted, the engine will automatically restart and recharge the battery in less than five minutes,” said Dozier. “This is an excellent benefit, especially for utility customers who need to power buckets. Plus there’s no noise with electricity, a big consideration when working in urban and residential areas.”

Kenworth will begin limited production of the hybrid T270 this year with full-scale production expected to begin in 2008.

Also unveiled at Mid-America was Kenworth’s new K260 Class 6 cabover, which compliments the current K360 cabover. The truck will target applications that require excellent maneuverability in urban environments, Kenworth announced.

“The new Kenworth K260 Class 6 cabover offers the latest in world-class styling, durability, maneuverability, ease of service, and technology,” saidChristensen. “The K260 also gives companies another Kenworth product choice for the growing Class 6 market where non-CDL drivers are used.”

The K260 has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,000 lbs. It will initially be powered by PACCAR’s 5.9-litre engine rated at 220 hp with 600 lb.-ft. of torque.

The K260 comes with a six-speed manual transmission; an air or mechanical rear suspension; and air disc brakes. The truck boasts a 55-degree wheel cut making it easy to maneuver in tight quarters, said Dozier.

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