LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kenworth announced that the new T660 will come in a regional haul configuration with shorter wheelbases, tighter chassis packaging, enhanced maneuverability and weight savings.

The company made the announcement at the annual Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., adding that it maintained the same fuel tank capacity as a standard T660 with forward chassis fairings.

The regional hauler removes the standard under-cab chassis fairing and replaces it with a cab-mounted extension of the hood fender for significant wheelbase gains.

This allows larger diameter 24.5-inch and 28.5-inch fuel tanks to fit under the cab. Previously, only 22.5-inch tanks fit in that space, the company explained.

The use of the 24.5 tank can reduce the wheelbase by up to 19 inches, while a 28.5-inch diameter provides a potential wheelbase reduction of up to 34 inches, the company says.

Additionally, weight is reduced by about 250 pounds, providing more payload carrying capacity.

In situations where wheelbase is not critical, the customer can order the same wheelbase as with a standard T660 configuration, but with a higher fuel capacity for traveling longer distances between refueling stops.

Building on the 4×4 setup introduced last year for the T270 and T370, Kenworth also announced that it will offer its first factory-installed 6×6 configuration for the medium duty T370.

The new offering is aimed at customers looking for a heavier front axle and tandem rear axle, specifically in utility service, construction, oilfield service and boom trucks; as well as municipal applications, such as fire and emergency vehicles.

The T370 6×6 features a front drive axle available in ratings ranging from 10,000 lbs. to 16,000 lbs; and a 40,000 lb. rated rear suspension.

Initially, the Chalmers series 854-40 suspension will be offered, followed by the addition of the Hendrickson PRIMAAX(R) EX rear air suspension later this year.

Both the Paccar PX-6 and the PX-8 engine are offered.