Calling it the result of “the most extensive, rigorous product development process in the company’s history,” Peterbilt unveiled its all-new Model 579 during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. Smooth styling and apparent aerodynamic efficiency are obvious but it may be the interior that wins most fans. Serviceability has also been much improved.

The cab structure is a new design that features greater strength and enhanced safety, says Pete. With 83-in. or 2.1-metre width, the aluminum cab is light, and both cab and sleeper are tested to SAE and ECE crashworthiness standards. Doors are newly designed with an aluminum double-wall structure that reduces weight. The new hidden gravity-hinge system requires little effort and provides an airtight seal to reduce wind noise, the company says. The doors do close with a satisfying ‘thunk’.

As part of the Unibilt family, the sleeper is fully detachable for enhanced resale value and increased versatility in second- and third-life operations. Depending on how you define ‘detachable’, it may be the only one in the industry.

Aerodynamic performance is achieved through modular aero packages that meet the EPA’s SmartWay designation. They include variable-length chassis fairings, sleeper extenders and rubber flares, under-cab close-outs, and under-fairing skirts. The bumper is a three-piece design so individual sections can be replaced if they’re damaged, and the aero hood is also in three pieces. Incorporated into the hood pivot system are supports that direct energy around the cooling module in the event of certain types of accidents – like meeting a moose – that are said to minimize damage.

The Model 579’s sleeper area includes an integrated entertainment center with an optional 22-in. flat-panel TV that includes an inverter, fourth battery, and duplex power outlets. You get all-LED interior lighting.

Other sleeper features include a strong-looking pull-out workstation; abundant side- and rear-wall cabinet storage; wall-to-wall, 85-in. ‘premium’ mattress; a liftable bunk for additional storage and service access to HVAC and audio components; and a DVD/video game console shelf with cable pass-through to the television and power outlets.

The main instrumentation panel has gauges that are completely visible through the steering wheel, and the colour, five-inch Driver Information Display shows a new engine-rpm sweet-spot indicator to help drivers maximize fuel economy. It can also display ‘virtual’ gauges.

The new Evolution ST seat is standard and can be upgraded with optional heating elements while the premium Evolution LX features two-chamber lumbar support, adjustable side bolsters, adjustable suspension dampening, heating and ventilation options, a swivel option, and additional storage pockets.

The pedal package allows adjustments for pedal-position and pedal-effort preferences, designed after hundreds of drivers were consulted.

Model 579 buyers will see new door-mounted mirrors with cast-aluminum arms and bases, large reflective surfaces, standard heating elements, optional motorized elements, and an airflow-managing shape that is claimed to virtually eliminate debris build-up, misting, and wind noise. New serviceability improvements include no-tool-necessary glass replacement with one electrical connector.

The Model 579’s all-new electrical system got a lot of attention paid to optimized routings and system integrity. Enhancements include angled dress covers that reduce pin tension and provide additional protection to connections and routing troughs. The cab electrical and air connections, air intake filter, A/C service ports, and fresh-air filter are mounted to the firewall for easy access.

Pete says the best improvement to the electrical system may be the new electric-over-air rocker switches that enable critical interlocks. Not only does this technology remove air plumbing from the dash, it ensures the correct operation settings of critical systems, according to Peterbilt.

The backbone of the Model 579 is a new chassis design that’s said to be light and stiff while providing “exceptional” maneuverability. Through angled gear installation, wheel cut is optimized for an “exceptional” curb-to-curb turning radius. New chassis systems routings for the air and fuel lines enhance ease of serviceability and reduce repair times, as do separation of key air, fuel and diesel emissions fluid lines and electrical wiring.

The 579 comes standard with front air-disc brakes and the Bendix Electronic Stability Control system.