Peterbilt Motors Co. unveiled its Model 579, which the truck maker said features all-new innovations to maximize fuel efficiency and provide driver comfort.
“The 579 integrates legendary Peterbilt quality and innovation with a product platform that delivers in every aspect of vehicle performance, productivity and safety,” said Bill Kozek, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “From optimized cab dimensions to an enhanced chassis design, and from driver amenities to a revamped electrical system, every design element of the 579 was analyzed and engineered to provide real-world benefits and business solutions that exceed industry trends.”
In support of the new truck, Peterbilt has launched a dedicated website, peterbiltlegend.com, and is kicking off its “Legend Continues Tour,” which will include stops at more than 100 Peterbilt dealer locations across the U.S. and Canada throughout the year.
The 579 features distinctive new styling that goes far deeper than just exterior beauty, Peterbilt said. According to Landon Sproull, chief engineer, “Maximizing fuel economy was a priority and we achieved best-in-class aerodynamic efficiency through Computational Fluid Dynamics and subsequent wind tunnel testing.”
The 2.1-meter-wide aluminum cab, which features greater strength and enhanced safety, is strong, solid and lightweight. Both cab and sleeper are tested to the stringent SAE and ECE crashworthiness standards, the truck maker said.
Aerodynamic performance is enhanced through modular aero packages that meet the EPA’s SmartWay designation. Sproull said the packages are designed to meet customer-optimized requirements, with variable length chassis fairings, sleeper extenders and rubber flares, under-cab close-outs and under-fairing skirts.
The aerodynamic bumper is a three-piece design so individual sections can be replaced if they are damaged, improving serviceability and reducing costs, the truck maker said. The aero hood also has a three-piece design that is lightweight, durable and easy to service. It features the company’s most efficient tilt assist system that reduces lift effort to 25 lbs.
Sproull said two cab trim levels are available for the 579: the Platinum, with woodgrain highlights throughout the cab and sleeper; and the Prestige, a balance between comfort and functionality. Both are available in a choice of Buckskin Tan and Titanium Gray, with optional Burgundy accents in the Platinum.
The dash is constructed from a soft, durable material and has an integrated tray for convenient storage of often-used items, Peterbilt said. The dash shell, kick panels and steering column shroud are made from molded-in-color parts to maintain cosmetic integrity and attractiveness.
The main instrumentation panel, Sproull said, has easy-to-read gauges that are completely visible through the steering wheel, as is the color, 5-in. Driver Information Display, which provides a new engine-RPM sweet-spot indicator to help drivers maximize fuel economy and the capability to display virtual gauges. The secondary gauge display area can accommodate six optional gauges or Peterbilt’s SmartNav driver infotainment center.
The standard steering column can be adjusted simultaneously for both tilt and telescoping through an easy-to-use, column-mounted lever, the truck maker said, adding that two new steering wheels are available: the 18-in., four-spoke, soft-touch Standard Wheel and the leather-wrapped Premium Wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons.
Peterbilt’s new Evolution ST seat is standard and can be upgraded with optional heating elements and the premium Evolution LX features two-chamber lumbar support, adjustable side bolsters, adjustable suspension dampening, heating and ventilation options, a swivel option and additional storage pockets.
Among the features of the 579’s sleeper are: convenient pull-out workstation; side and rear wall cabinet storage; wall-to-wall, 85-in. premium mattress; liftable bunk for additional storage and service access to HVAC and audio components; optional mid-height refrigerator; optional mounting bracket for a 22-in. flat-panel television; DVD/video game console shelf with cable pass-through to the television and power outlets; and oversized wardrobe closets.
Maximum visibility is achieved through a panoramic-style windshield that is thicker than previous designs for improved noise insulation and chip resistance, Peterbilt added. Doors are newly designed with a durable, aluminum double-wall structure that reduces weight.
The 579’s forward lighting system produces superior down-road visibility while reducing operator fatigue. Standard halogen headlamps emit even beam patterns and the fog lamps eliminate hotspots. Separate daytime running lamps maximize headlamp life and improve safety, the maker added.
The Model 579’s electrical system includes angled dress covers that reduce pin tension and provide additional protection to connections and routing troughs. Sproull said the cab electrical and air connections, air intake filter, A/C service ports and fresh-air filter are mounted to the firewall for easy access.
The backbone of the Model 579 is a new chassis design that is lightweight, stiff and incorporates exceptional maneuverability. “The turning radius and the ride and handling characteristics provide superior operability and performance,” said Sproull. “Through angled gear installation, wheel cut is optimized for exceptional curb-to-curb turning.” Even though the chassis weight is reduced, its stiffness was increased by 10% to 15% to improve ride-and-handling performance and reduce in-cab noise.
The 579 comes standard with front air-disc brakes and the Bendix Electronic Stability Control system.
