ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Kenworth announced its 2010 medium-duty engine offerings and upgrades to its medium-duty trucks at the Work Truck Show.

Kenworth said the Paccar PX-6 and PX-8 engines will both be available in the Kenworth T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 models. The Class 5 T170 will come with the PX-6.

“The 2010 Paccar PX-6 and Paccar PX-8 engines offer enhancements in torque and horsepower options which will provide greater benefits to Kenworth customers in a variety of medium-duty applications,” said Jason Skoog, Kenworth director of marketing planning and research. “Both engines feature a fully integrated electronic control system for increased power density, enhanced reliability and serviceability, and optimized performance.”

The PX-6 has available horsepower ratings of 200 to 325 hp with torque from 520 to 750 lb.-ft. The PX-8 comes with 260-350 hp and 660-1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. Paccar claims its PX-6 has the highest horsepower-to-weight ratio in the industry.

Paccar engines will come with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to meet EPA2010 emissions requirments and three diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank sizes are available for the medium-duty market: 6.6-, 9- and 18-gallons.
Customers can choose from several exhaust configurations to provide a clear back of cab for body builders.

 “Clear back of cab is an important feature for many body installations and Kenworth is proud to have true clear back of cab options for our body builder partners and customers,” said Skoog.
Kenworth also announced its medium-duty trucks  now feature multiplex instrumentation and a driver information center.
“The multiplex instrumentation increases performance and reliability,” said Skoog. “The Kenworth Driver Information Center is a cost-effective technology tool to help enhance fuel economy performance and reduce operating costs.  The new dash offers updated modern, clean styling and improved functionality.”

Both systems were first introduced in Kenworth’s heavy-duty trucks.
“They received such overwhelming positive feedback from customers that we decided to introduce these features into our medium-duty products,” Skoog said.

The multiplex system is integrated into a more modern, visually appealing dash, according to the company. It features a new speedometer and tach cluster featuring large, two-inch diameter gauges with chrome bezels, an engine hour meter, odometer, trip odometer and outside temperature gauge.

The Driver Information Center provides the driver with real-time information including miles per gallon, engine and idle hours, idle percentage and optimum RPM range. A “sweet spot indicator” also helps the driver operate the engine efficiently.

Finally, Kenworth introduced a 16,000-lb rated front axle for its T370 model.

“Our new axle rating for the Kenworth T370 broadens our commitment to support medium-duty vocational applications, such as fuel hauler, dump, mixer, utility, service truck and others, which require a heavier front axle to get the job done,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.