THE KENWORTH T680

Kenworth unveiled its new T680 highway tractor at the Mid-America show last week. Cousin or sister to the Peterbilt Model 589, the new model will complement existing tractors rather than replacing anything.

The T680 uses lightweight aluminum construction, is designed for 1.5 million miles of life, claims 10% better aerodynamics and 5% more fuel efficiency than previous models, and is designed for easy servicing.

For drivers, the T680 has bright bi-xenon headlamps; 30% larger, wide-opening doors; a 50% larger windshield, and a 40% quieter cab with a carefully designed interior that includes 65% more interior storage than previous KWs, the company says. A work station uses a wide table that rotates 90 degrees for convenient positioning. It can be used from the bunk or from the passenger seat, and a nearby mount in the sleeper can accommodate up to 23-in. thin-screen TVs.

The newly designed T680 cab is made of stamped aluminum panels joined to the framework with Henrob fasteners, which help ensure excellent fit and finish while providing a durable structure more resistant to water, noise and vibration. Triple door seals and acoustic treatments in the floor and firewall help block out airborne noise.

A new instrument panel has an available navigation and vehicle status screen that can display much information to speed servicing. Automatic temperature control is used for the first time in a Kenworth.

The cab is 83 in. wide, 10 more than a T660’s, allowing 23 in. of room between the seats for easy movement to the sleeper.

The T680’s smooth body shape includes a sculpted full-height roof, optimized bumper and hood, full-height side extenders, cab/sleeper-to-fairings ‘closeout’ panels, chassis fairing extenders and flush-mounted lighting. The aerodynamic hood is made of sheet moulding compound, a lightweight, durable composite material.

The Kenworth T680 is available with a new 76-in. sleeper or as a day cab, coming standard with the 12.9-litre Paccar MX diesel, while the Cummins ISX15 is optional.


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