COMING off a year with record Class 8 market share, Kenworth marked its return to the Mid-America Trucking Show highlighted by a classy red, white, and blue decaled Kenworth T680 Advantage 76-inch sleeper—“The Driver’s Truck.”
The T680 has established a high standard for excellence with its superior fuel efficiency, performance and comfort. “There’s been a phenomenal customer response ranging from large fleets to owner-operators since the T680’s introduction five years ago at Mid-America,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The T680 truly is ‘The Driver’s Truck,’ and has become the fastest selling model in Kenworth history. It’s helping our customers reduce operating costs through its fuel-saving aerodynamics, while enhancing driver retention and recruitment by keeping drivers extremely happy piloting an exceptional truck.”
The special Kenworth T680 Advantage displayed at MATS was specified with the latest technology, components, and driver amenities. The spec list started with an optimized powertrain of a 2017 PACCAR MX-13 455-horsepower engine, new PACCAR 40,000-lb tandem drive axles, and Eaton Fuller Advantage automated 10-speed transmission. Then, add the lightweight Meritor MFS+(TM) 12,500-lb front steer axle with integral knuckle for air disc brakes, and new Kenworth taperleaf lightweight springs for a comfortable ride.
The T680 Advantage was loaded with driver technology features. “The Kenworth Nav+ HD system with virtual gauges features a high-resolution 7-inch color screen for navigation, audio control—including satellite radio—along with internet access,” Dozier said. “Our Driver Performance Center with useful technology aids for the driver, and Predictive Cruise Control both help enhance fuel economy. We also spec’d the Bendix Wingman Fusion driver assistance system, as well as a lane departure system. Plus, the T680 comes with Kenworth TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics to help drive uptime by speeding service and repair at Kenworth dealerships.”
The T680 also includes the “Driver’s Studio” with a range of premium features that combine to create a luxurious, relaxing and comfortable living environment. For eating meals, there’s the 180-degree swivel passenger seat and rotating table to accommodate two people, a drawer-style refrigerator and a convenient space ideal for a microwave.
Kenworth’s premium audio package—with 320-watt amp, 10-inch subwoofer and eight speakers; swivel TV mount for up to a 28-inch flat screen TV; and the optional EpicVue pre-wire for satellite TV, provides the entertainment.
Kenworth also announced at MATS that it will offer Allison’s TC10 fully automatic transmission as an option on its Kenworth T680 on-highway flagship and popular T880 vocational model tractors with availability later this year.
The Allison TC10 is designed for linehaul, regional haul, and pick-up and delivery tractor applications. The transmission provides 10 forward and two reverse speeds. A patented torque converter and twin countershaft gearbox optimize acceleration while improving fuel economy through engine down-speeding and uninterrupted power shifting in all ranges. The TC10 is integrated with multiple engine offerings and will be offered by Kenworth for applications requiring torque up to 1,850 lb-ft and up to 110,000-lb gross combination weight rating. ♦