Kenworth Truck Company is upgrading a number of products and producing some new ones.
The Clean Power no-idle system can be ordered as a factory-installed option on new W900s and T800s equipped with Kenworth's 72-inch AeroCab sleeper. The system uses dedicated, advanced deep-cycle batteries to power a thermal storage cooler with 21,000 BTUs of cooling capacity.
Fully compliant with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) idling regulations, the Clean Power system has the capability to provide engine-off cooling and heating, plus 120-volt power for hotel loads.
Suspensions
The AG130, AG210L, and AG400L suspensions are the latest additions to Kenworth's suspension family.
The AG130 is a robust proprietary front axle air-spring suspension that features a four-bag air spring configuration to “help reduce road inputs and vibration to provide the best riding suspension we've ever offered,” said Kenworth chief engineer Mike Dozier. “Roll stiffness is also improved to provide better handling and road feel.”
The disc-brake compatible AG130 will be available in 12,000- and 13,200-pound ratings for Kenworth's T660, T800, and T2000 Class 8 models.
Rear suspension
The AG400L tandem rear suspension, also disc brake-compatible, is a 40,000-pound rated highway rear suspension system for the T660, T800, T2000, and W900 heavy duty models. A four-bag suspension with a proven trailing arm design, it supports fifthwheel height as low as 42 inches and has an 8½ inch ride height.
The AG210L, a two-bag version of the AG400L, is a 21,000-pound single-axle rear suspension for Kenworth's Class 6 and Class 7 T370 and T270 conventional models.
The T2000 tractor gets new standard multiplex instrumentation that provides enhanced serviceability and reliability, and an option for the Kenworth Driver Information Center, already available on Kenworth's other Class 8 models.
Information center
The Center has features that “can help drivers maximize their potential in getting the best fuel economy possible, helping reduce operating costs,” Dozier said.
The new dash offers a more ergonomic, modern, and visually appealing instrumentation system designed to make it much easier to check gauges and warning lights. A new speedometer and tachometer cluster features large, two-inch diameter gauges with chrome bezels.
The system is supported by the Kenworth Electronic Service Analyst, a computer-based diagnostics tool.
The new Marathon seat insert material, which has a stain-resistant treatment, is standard on Kenworth's Air-Cushion Plus, Air-Cushion Premium Plus, and Steel Tool Box Plus proprietary seats. The material also comes on sofa beds in Kenworth's 86-inch AeroCab and 72-inch AeroCab Aerodyne sleepers.
Kenworth has added new interior wood finish trim accents, called Trust Walnut, on its Diamond and Diamond VIT interiors.
Parts
An addition to the Kenworth PremierCare Connect program, a fleet and maintenance Windows-based software program, is the new Connect Express, an option for small fleets and maintenance shops that electronically links them with their preferred Kenworth dealer.
The program enables these fleets and shops to have an automated parts ordering and replenish inventory system for any make of heavy and medium duty truck, trailer, or other fleet equipment, without the complexities of a full repair shop management program. It also offers additional features, such as parts usage tracking by vehicle and warranty alerts.
Hybrids
Kenworth will begin full production of new fuel-efficient medium duty, diesel-electric hybrid T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 conventional models this summer.
These hybrids, which qualify for federal tax credits, are expected to enhance fuel economy by up to 30 percent in pick-up and delivery applications.
Kenworth plans to begin production of its T800 liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks in 2009. LNG-powered trucks reduce nitrogen oxide and greenhouse gas emissions in greater amounts compared to diesel-fueled trucks.