Overdrive

November 2018

Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info

Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/1044881

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 43 of 67

42 | Overdrive | November 2018 P eterbilt debuted its Model 567 Heritage two years ago as a modernized throw- back to the working trucker. With its bling-heavy and blocky exterior, the vocational workhorse mixes classic Pete styling with modern comforts and efficiencies. My test unit for a rainy, roughly 60-mile jaunt from Columbus, Mississippi, to just outside nearby Starkville fea- tured Paccar's MX13 with an output of 510 hp and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. I'll get a few cowboy points deducted for the Eaton UltraShift Plus automated manual transmis- sion, but at least it was an 18-speed. Steering was tight and easy, and shifting was seamless with precision timing. The transmission's Electronic Clutch Actuator makes for smooth engagement. The Skip Shift feature auto- matically jumps over unneces- sary gears as the truck builds velocity, helping increase acceleration to achieve cruis- ing speed quicker and more smoothly. It also lets the driver begin acceleration in the best possible start gear based on load and grade. Another benefit of the UltraShift is that it takes the gear shifter off the floor. Replacing the stick with dash- mounted selector buttons opens a lot of room between the front seats for a cooler and allows easier access to a refrig- erator and the sleeper. Old-school-cool trucks typ- ically feature split windows, but the Model 567 Heritage uses a panoramic single-piece windshield that provides a superior field of view. Air disc brakes on the front and rear, the SmarTire tire pressure monitoring system and SmartLinq remote diag- nostics add modern elements of safety and efficiency. The factory-installed SmartLinq provides drivers with an instant look at the truck's health, with detailed diagnostics and recommend- ed actions available through a companion mobile app and a web-based portal. The sys- tem monitors more than 750 engine and aftertreatment diagnostics codes. The chrome-laden exterior is a truck stop showstopper that includes a chromed air intake bezel and hood latches; a mirror-finish bright bumper, sun visor, grille bars, exhaust stacks and mirrors; and polished rocker panels, quarter-fender closeout pan- els, fender brace and brack- ets, battery boxes and fuel tanks. Headlight pods make bulb replacement easier while also contributing to the modern classic look. With its ultra-plush premi- um cabin, the 567 Heritage appeals heavily to drivers who want to play long-haul cowboy but don't want to sleep fireside in the tent. The interior includes leather seats, accent stitching and wood-finish trim. The truck is available as a daycab or with a 72- or 80-inch sleeper. It is config- ured with a 121-inch BBC set-forward front axle to optimize payloads and weight distribution. The Model 567 Heritage is a comfortable way to embrace the most modern parts of trucking while still acknowledging its heritage, represented in no small part by Peterbilt's classic rigs. The 567 Heritage looks like a classic, but with its smooth on-road mannerisms, it certainly doesn't feel like one. DRIVE TEST Jason Cannon is equipment editor for Overdrive. Pete's 567 Heritage blends classic, modern BY JASON CANNON

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Overdrive - November 2018