Kenworth Truck Co.’s new T660 regional hauler configuration offers shorter wheelbases, tighter chassis packaging, enhanced maneuverability and weight savings, the company announced Wednesday, March 30, in Louisville, Ky.
The “option is especially useful for regional haulers interested in operating aerodynamic trucks,” said Preston Feight, Kenworth chief engineer. It offers “the same styling and lighting advantages – and similar aerodynamic advantages – as the standard T660 with the maneuverability and fuel capacity of the Kenworth T800.”
The new T660 configuration removes the standard under-cab chassis fairing and replaces it with a cab-mounted extension of the hood fender. This allows larger diameter 24.5-inch and 28.5-inch fuel tanks to fit under the cab. Previously, only 22.5-inch tanks fit in that space.
Also announced:
• The first 6×6 configuration will be offered for its medium-duty T370. “This new offering will benefit operators running utility service, construction, oilfield service and boom trucks, in addition to municipal applications, such as fire and emergency vehicles,” Feight said. “Customers get a great medium-duty truck for applications which require a heavier front axle and tandem rear axle to get the job done.” The T370 6×6 features a factory-installed front drive axle available in ratings ranging from 10,000 lbs. to 16,000 lbs. The 6×6 will be equipped with a 40,000 lb.-rated rear suspension.
• The company will offer a new line of proprietary seats exclusively for the Kenworth T700. The new Kenworth GT701, GT702, and GT703 seats offer features including an advanced air suspension system that can automatically adjust to the weight of the driver. It also offers an adjustable shock that provides drivers with a full range of height adjustments. All GT700 series seats offer optional heating, while the GT703 adds the option for cooling with premium leather covering. The GT703 also comes with an exclusive upper back adjustability feature that provides improved shoulder and neck support over a wide range of recline angles.
• Kenworth will introduce later this year NavPlus, an in-cab navigation and infotainment technology system. It will be standard on premium interiors and optional on some others. It integrates in one screen Garmin navigation, Internet, Bluetooth hands-free communication, vehicle diagnostics and other applications.
• A growing number of customers are selecting the Paccar MX engine, which is available with a horsepower range of 380 to 485 and torque up to 1,750 lb.-ft. on selected Class 8 models. The company said the engine is suited to many over-the-road, pickup and delivery, and vocational applications.
• The aerodynamic T700 equipped with a Paccar MX engine will be featured at 9 p.m. (EDT) April 14 on the new “Speedmakers” series on the Speed channel. The one-hour program was filmed at the Kenworth plant in Chillicothe, Ohio. The program follows the step-by-step assembly process of a T700. The episode is scheduled to air again three hours later at midnight and at 9 a.m. (EDT) April 15.