BELLEVUE , Wash. — Kenworth says will install the new Paccar PX-6 and PX-8 medium duty engines in its conventional Class 6 and 7 vehicles in January 2007.

“The new Paccar engines will provide customers with an integrated engine and chassis solution to complement Kenworth’s outstanding T300 Class 6 and 7 vehicles,” said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice-president.

The 6.7-liter PX-6 engine, which will be offered in both Class 6 and Class 7 configurations, will be available in ratings ranging from 200 to 325 horsepower and 520 to 750 ft-lb of torque. The PX-6 engine has a 2-year warranty with unlimited miles.

The 8.3-liter PX-8 engine will be available in ratings ranging from 240 to 330 horsepower and a torque range of 660 to 1,000 ft-lb in addition to a 360 horsepower version for emergency vehicles. The engine will be available in the Class 7 configuration and the tandem axle Kenworth T300. It comes with a 2-year, 250,000-mile warranty.

Meanwhile, Kenworth once again has achieved the highest ranking in customer satisfaction according to the new J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Heavy Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study.

For the second year in a row, the truckmaker was anointed with the honor by Class 8 truck owners in the Over The Road, Pickup and Delivery, and Dealer Service segments.

“Kenworth is extremely honored to receive these three prestigious awards for the second consecutive year,” said Christensen. “Kenworth leads all competitive makes on performance, quality, and cost of ownership — well above industry average scores. Kenworth employees and dealers provide the World’s Best products and support and we look forward to continuing our industry leadership.”

In the J.D. Power and Associates Heavy Duty Truck Dealer Service award, the company was rated the highest for Dealer Facility, Service Quality, Service Initiation, and Service Advisor.