LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Peterbilt introduced two new aerodynamic tractors at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The addition of the Model 387 day cab and Model 384 bring Peterbilt’s aerodynamic truck total to four. The existing 387 and the 386 will continue to be offered by the company.

“Reducing operating expenses through improved fuel efficiency is increasingly an industry priority,” pointed out Sobic. “Aerodynamically-styled trucks continue to gain in popularity and account for a growing portion of Peterbilt’s heavy-duty on-highway truck production. This trend will continue, and our expanded offering of aero trucks will meet that demand.”

The Model 387 day cab will be aimed at tanker and regional haul applications. It’s available in a medium-length and long-length BBC with front axle placement which is optimized for maneuverability and weight distribution, the company says. The truck also features a sloped hood and large windshield for enhanced visibility.

“The Model 387 day cab meets two key criteria for our tanker and regional haul customers visibility and maneuverability,” announced Landon Sproull, chief engineer with Peterbilt.

The Model 384 is a mid-length aerodynamic offering featuring a 116-inch BBC and set-back front axle for improved maneuverability in vocational and urban operations. It’s also lightweight for increased payloads, making it ideal for weight-sensitive operations, Sproull said. It’s available as a day cab or with a full range of sleepers.

“The lower radiator position and sloped hood combine to improve forward visibility by nearly 12 inches,” Sproull said. “It has the same advanced forward lighting system found on all of our aerodynamic truck models, which improves nighttime illumination by 43 per cent and reduces serviceability requirements with a 71 per cent improvement in bulb life.”

The position of the set-back front axle allows for 50 degrees of wheel cut, Sproull pointed out, and decreases the turning radius by 12 inches.