Kenworth Model T700Expanding its lineup of aerodynamic Class 8 trucks, Kenworth Truck Co. today, March 24, introduced the T700 in Louisville.
In addition to the new over-the-road model, Kenworth also introduced the 2010 Paccar MX engine for its Class 8 models and the Kenworth NavPlus, a navigational, information and entertainment system for Class 5-8 trucks.
Kenworth engineers made extensive use of computational fluid dynamics to optimize aerodynamics for the T700. “As a result, the T700 has the lowest aerodynamic drag of any Kenworth truck in our history,” said Preston Feight, Kenworth chief engineer. The T700 has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay certification.
Exterior features include a corrosion-resistant aluminum wire mesh grille that provides protection for cooling system components. The aerodynamic hood consists of three pieces to enhance repair, while its ball-and-socket closing system is designed to ensure proper hood placement. To help maximize airflow, the aerodynamic high roof has flush-mounted LED marker lights and no exterior sunvisor.
The aerodynamic bumper and chassis fairings are made of a material that helps minimize fading and has improved impact resistance. Thermal Plastic Olefin is UV stable in nonpainted form, which allows Kenworth to offer the T700 bumper and fairings with painted and nonpainted options. The light texture on the bumper and fairings also is designed specifically to reduce the visibility of small scrapes and scuffs.
The T700 provides standard Halogen projector headlamps and optional Xenon headlamps that offer a 3-fold and 11-fold increase, respectively, in bulb life compared to conventional sealed beams. LED turn signals are used.
On the inside, the T700 sleeper offers an 8-foot cathedral ceiling, with adequate space to sit upright in the upper bunk of the standard 75-inch Aerodyne sleeper. The sleeper includes a 42-inch liftable lower bunk, pull-out desk, full-length door-enclosed hanging closet, 60-plus cubic feet of storage choices and Xenon incandescent lighting bulbs. Among optional amenities are a drawer-style refrigerator and an adjustable flat-panel TV mount to secure and view up to a 16-inch screen.
The major interior feature is the new PC-based in-dash Kenworth NavPlus system, an 8-gigabyte-memory system that includes truck-specific navigation, vehicle data, hands-free phoning, audio controls, camera inputs, roadside assistance and optional Internet access. Kenworth NavPlus is standard on T700 premium trim offerings and optional for all other trim levels.
Developed on the Windows Embedded Automotive software platform, Kenworth NavPlus can be updated and its features and functionality set expanded over time.
Six virtual gauges provide current information on truck operation. Oil temperature, transmission temperature, manifold boost, current and average fuel economy, diesel particulate filter status and fuel pressure come preloaded. NavPlus uses the commercial vehicle J1939 SAE standard for communication, full vehicle monitoring (including hybrid system status) and diagnostics. The system is fully compatible with the Kenworth Electronic Service Analyst, a computer-base diagnostics tool that simplifies troubleshooting.
Kenworth NavPlus offers truck-optimized navigation routes from Garmin customized to a specific truck and its load. The system effectively navigates routes based on truck type, load, height, weight, length and hazardous load restrictions information entered by the fleet or driver. Drivers receive voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, up-to-the-minute alerts on traffic conditions, plus a comprehensive guide to Kenworth dealerships in the United States and Canada.
Leading Kenworth’s engine lineup is the new 2010 Paccar MX engine on Kenworth Class 8 trucks. The engine is available with a horsepower range of 380 to 485 hp and torque outputs up to 1,750 lb-ft.
