Since the launch of the T680 in 2012, the truck has been Kenworth’s on-highway flagship with the T680 Advantage sporting the latest in efficiency upgrades—from aerodynamics to engine and powertrain improvements. For 2015, Kenworth has continued to improve efficiency in its product offering and refine the engine and powertrain integration. It all starts with the PACCAR MX-13 engine that, according to Kenworth General Manager and PACCAR Vice President R. Preston Feight, continues to exceed expectations, making up an estimated 40% of Kenworth’s engine orders by year-end.
“People know PACCAR and they know Kenworth. I think there’s an expectation of quality, which is what we had to prove with the PACCAR MX-13,” Feight said. “Not everyone was going to buy it right at launch, but those who did and experienced success are on their next buying cycle and are re-purchasing the MX. Plus those who watched five years ago have seen the performance of the engine and are now buying it for its weight savings and excellent performance.”
It’s the refinement of the PACCAR MX-13 and improved integration with the Eaton Fuller Advantage that are among advancements taking Kenworth trucks to the next level. “The T680 Advantage leads the way with improved fuel efficiency of up to 10% compared to a standard T680 built in 2013,” said Kenworth Chief Engineer Kevin Baney.
To improve vehicle diagnostics and productivity on the road, Kenworth will integrate the newly introduced Kenworth TruckTech+ into new Kenworth Class 8 trucks with the PACCAR MX-13 engine. The system’s real-time vehicle health monitoring technology allows the truck to “talk” with the fleet manager, Kenworth call center and Kenworth dealer to optimize uptime and productivity.
Kenworth was the first truck OEM at the Mid-America Trucking Show to announce integration with Eaton’s Neutral Coast Mode, which allows for disengagement of a truck’s driveline while on slight downhill grades to drop engine speeds to idle. Kenworth also introduced its fuel saving Predictive Cruise Control as an option for the T680 and T880 with the PACCAR MX-13.
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