MATS REPORT: Kenworth lifts curtain on new T660 truck
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kenworth Truck unveiled a new T660 aerodynamic model heavy-truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. today.
Aimed at on-highway truck buyers with fuel economy and aerodynamics in mind, the Kenworth T660, which effectively is the next step beyond the truckmaker’s T600, will be available for customer delivery with the new 2007 engines.
The company is particularly proud of the truck’s advanced forward lighting system and stylish grille. The new Halogen projector low beams provide 40 percent more light down the road than a sealed beam lamp and last three times longer. An optional High Intensity Discharge configuration provides 75 percent more light and lasts 11 times longer than sealed beam lamps, the company says.
“We’re excited to introduce the new Kenworth T660 with modern styling, superior forward-lighting technology, enhanced aerodynamics and fuel economy, advanced technology, and increased driver comfort,” said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The new Kenworth T660 is the latest evolution of our quality, aerodynamic product line and reinforces Kenworth’s leadership in fuel economy performance.”
The Kenworth new grille is five percent larger to accommodate increased airflow and cooling performance, says Mike Dozier, Kenworth chief engineer. “Yet, Kenworth was able to actually achieve a positive increase in aerodynamics and fuel economy. We used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis extensively to fine tune the aerodynamic performance of the whole vehicle,” he added.
Inside, Kenworth’s new advanced technology includes an enhanced multiplexed electrical instrumentation system, GPS navigation system standard with the Kenworth Diamond cab interior and optional on the Splendor cab interior, and new driver’s display with real-time fuel economy, ignition timer, on-board diagnostics, gear display, vehicle system configuration reporting, and even an electronic alarm clock.
For additional comfort, Kenworth will introduce a new seating innovation. “Our proprietary seats will feature armrests that can be folded away behind the seat. This provides the vehicle’s occupants with an additional four inches of sleeper access between driver and passenger seats,” said Dozier.
Kenworth also has introduced new durable, high-quality material for its proprietary seats, which incorporate lively new styling, colors, textures and patterns.
At the same press event, Kenworth also announced the introduction of a new T300 Class 6 25,000-pound GVWR vehicle equipped with air brakes for pickup and delivery and various other applications.
The T300 Class 6 model is available with Cummins ISB and ISC engines and Caterpillar C7 engine. In conjunction with air brakes, Kenworth is offering a low profile chassis with 19.5-inch wheels and tires. Also available are 22.5-inch wheels and tires.
The Kenworth T300 is available in Class 6 and Class 7 configurations as a straight truck or tractor and is popular with food and beverage distributors, fire departments, towing and recovery operators, propane and fuel fleets, general construction and landscape firms, and dry, refrigerated and side-curtain van operations. Kenworth continues to also provide hydraulic brakes on its T300 Class 6 and 7 vehicles.
And finally, Kenworth says it will offer a limited edition W900 with special interior leather high-back heated seats and a leather sofa bed with ultra-suede inserts.
The Kenworth W900 Pendleton is available in both Kenworth’s 86-inch AeroCab and 72-inch AeroCab AERODYNE sleepers.
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