Kenworth Truck Co. announced an extension to its current product line with the unveiling of the new T680 conventional truck. Designed for linehaul, pickup and delivery, and regional hauling operations, the new truck—scheduled to come off the assembly line in May 2012—will be available with a 76-in. sleeper or as a day cab. The vehicle is standard with the 12.9-liter PACCAR MX engine and optional with the Cummins ISX15 engine.
“It’s a new vehicle with an improved drive-work-live environment,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth general manager. ”We’ve strived to be the best in aerodynamics, quietness, comfort, reliability, durability and serviceability.”
“The T680 is designed to smoothly slice through the air, setting an industry standard for aerodynamics and fuel efficiency,” said Preston Feight, Kenworth chief engineer. “The new Kenworth T680 also raises the bar when it comes to fuel economy, with a 10% enhancement in aerodynamics (translates to a 5% fuel efficiency improvement).”
Listening closely to all constituencies was key in the company’s vehicle design—75 fleet and maintenance managers, and 850 drivers (representing 100,000 trucks), according to Jim Bechtold, Kenworth director of product planning.
Other key features include: an 83-in. cab with 23 in. between the seats for excellent sleeper ingress and egress, stamped aluminum cab, new 76-in. sleeper integrated with the cab, 65% more storage capacity, 30% larger door opening and a robust-designed door, panoramic windshield, three-piece hood, improved lighting and a cockpit-like driver performance center including a new dash cluster.
