Kenworth begins production on new predictive cruise control system

By anticipating the terrain ahead using GPS, Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control ensures that the PACCAR MX-13 engine and the transmission are in the most efficient operating mode to increase fuel economy.By anticipating the terrain ahead using GPS, Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control ensures that the PACCAR MX-13 engine and the transmission are in the most efficient operating mode to increase fuel economy.

Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control is now in production for new T680 and T880 models spec’d with the Paccar MX-13 engine.

Available as a factory-installed option, the new Kenworth system combines cruise control with GPS to deliver optimal fuel economy, the company says. Individual fuel economy improvement will vary depending on use, road conditions and other factors, the truck maker says.

The system is available with Eaton UltraShift and Eaton Fuller Advantage automated and manual transmissions.

The Kenworth Driver Performance Assistant is now standard on Kenworth T680s and T880s spec’d with the Paccar MX-13 engine. The system is a built-in virtual driver’s coach and a tool to improve driver performance for fleets and owner operators.The Kenworth Driver Performance Assistant is now standard on Kenworth T680s and T880s spec’d with the Paccar MX-13 engine. The system is a built-in virtual driver’s coach and a tool to improve driver performance for fleets and owner operators.

The Driver Performance Assistant is standard on T680s and T880s with the Paccar MX-13 engine. It is a built-in virtual driver’s coach. Drivers will receive real-time coaching based on coasting and braking as a means to improve fuel economy. The system also grades drivers, calculating a score fuel economy performance.

The Kenworth Driver Shift Aid is also available on Kenworth models with the Paccar MX-13 engine with manual transmissions. It provides a “shift now” light, telling drivers when to shift, which Kenworth says will help driver hit the “sweet spot” in shifting. The system also recommends skip or split shifting, keeping the engine in the optimum RPM range to improve fuel economy, Kenworth says.