LOUISVILLE, Ken. — A new class 7 tractor and class 6 hybrid was introduced by Kenworth Truck yesterday at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY.

The T370 conventional is available as a tractor or a straight truck with single or tandem axles. It’s available with either the PACCAR PX-6 engine (rated to 325 hp and 750 ft-lb of torque), or the PACCAR PX-8 engine (rated to 330 hp and 1,000 ft-lb of torque). Front axle ratings are from 10,000 to 14,600 pounds with rears from 17,000 to 40,000 pounds.

Customers can choose manual or automatic transmissions and air or hydraulic brakes. The T370 also offers many exhaust options for the various wheelbases, especially important to body builders that work with medium duty customers. The new T370 is scheduled to begin production this summer.Other T370 features include: new halogen projector low beam headlamps with 30 percent more light down the road and three times longer life than sealed beam headlamps; a new hood made of sheet molded composite (SMC) for enhanced fit and finish; a new hood assist device and 90-degree hood tilt opening for easy access to the engine compartment; and a one-piece chrome or painted bumper and new Metton quarter fenders for additional durability and impact resistance.

Standard features include power door locks, passenger-side electric window, and DayLite doors with peeper window. The truck features 50-degree wheel cut for excellent maneuverability; and options include a telescoping and tilting steering wheel, workstation with two 12-volt power, corner windows to aid in backing up and negotiating tight spots, and electronic shift module.

Also unveiled yesterday was a new Kenworth Class 6 hybrid-electric — the T270.

The hybrid is powered by the new PACCAR PX-6 engine and features an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, a frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack, and a dedicated power management system.

“During steady driving conditions above 30 mph, the T270 hybrid operates like a standard diesel vehicle with all power coming from the engine,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth chief engineer. “Below 30 mph, it uses a combination of diesel and electricity. The system automatically switches between the two modes of operation and is seamless to the driver.”

Kenworth will have limited production of medium duty hybrid trucks for municipal fleets and utility companies this year with full-scale production expected to follow in 2008, according to the company.

The goal for the T270 hybrid is to improve fuel economy by 30 percent in start-and-stop applications, such as utility trucks and pick-up and delivery. “The more stop-and-go in the application, the better the truck’s performance,” said Dozier.

For medium-duty applications, such as for utility work, the T270 can be spec’d with an electric power-take-off (PTO). “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.