LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kenworth has enhanced its T2000 to make it more aerodynamic while providing greater durability and driver comfort.

Kenworth reconfigured the front bumper of the T2000, making it three pieces rather than one while isolating the bumper from the body.

“We’ve focused on where front-end damage can occur,” Jim Bechtold, Kenworth’s chief engineer announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show. “This new design lowers repair costs. What’s more, we’ve added a new steel subframe to better protect the radiator from front collision impact.”

A subtle change to the T2000’s sun visor is designed to direct more air over the top of the cab, saving fuel for linehaul drivers.

“It doesn’t look like a big improvement, but it makes a significant impact,” Bechtold said. “It reduces drag by nearly one per cent and can cut fuel bills by more than $200 per year for the average long haul driver.”
Other modifications to the T2000 will provide drivers with more room to maneuver. The driver’s seat has an extra six degrees of seat recline and an extra 2.5 inches of belly room.

Users of Kenworth’s medium-duty T300 will also enjoy some new enhancements. The 2005 edition of this medium-duty rig is the T300’s 10th anniversary model and as such it was given some extra attention by engineers.

The 2005 model is available with option corner windows for improved visibility while backing up and negotiating tight areas. The exterior also features a wire mesh grille with a polished stainless steel center trim; standard complex reflector headlamps that provide a 50 per cent increase in illumination; and an optional one-piece stainless steel-clad aluminum bumper with fog lights.

The interior of the T300 has also been modified to improve driver comfort.

“Many drivers, especially those making multiple stops in a day, use the cab as their office – filling out paperwork and logging hours,” says Steve Gilligan, Kenworth general marketing manager. “To make it easier, Kenworth developed an optional workstation between the driver and passenger seat.”

The workstation includes a small desk containing two 12-volt power outlets that can be used to power lap top computers. The workstation also includes a compartment for hanging files or storing a clipboard.
New dash appearances are also available – including an Australian burl wood panel treatment. Two-tone seats are also available in either fabric or vinyl.

For those wanting a heavier-duty T300 work truck, Kenworth has added a heavier front-axle option of 14,600-lbs which can be paired with the already available 30,000-lb rear axle.

“These are especially great options for customers running cranes or hanging forklifts off the back of the body,” Gilligan said. “In addition, we now offer an air accessory package for trucks spec’d with hydraulic brakes and the CAT C7 engine at 330-h.p. is available for all applications.”