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Overdrive
| August 2014
GaininG an advantaGe
Custom Studio Sleepers_OVD0814_PG050.indd 1 7/30/14 2:14 PM
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integrated drivetrain trend, mating a
Paccar MX13 diesel engine with an
Eaton Advantage automated manual
transmission to boost fuel economy
via precise engine calibrations. "The
shift points are extremely well-timed
and factor in various load demands
and engine output, so it's also nice to
drive," VanVoorhis said.
I took the T680 Advantage on I-65
North on a route I travel often and
that offers some fairly steep grades.
At a glance, the truck does
not look markedly different
from a conventional T680
since Kenworth wisely opted
to retain the original model's
excellent cab and sleeper
amenities. A closer look
reveals the more-aggressive
aerodynamic panels that
VanVoorhis mentioned, as
well as the new wheel covers.
Throttle response was
instantaneous with the
MX13-Eaton Advantage
integrated drivetrain, with
aggressive and timely shifts. I
was only a tad under 30,000
pounds, so acceleration also
was impressive. Once I hit
the governed fuel economy
sweet spot of 68 mph, dialing
in the cruise control was a
breeze, and the truck effort-
lessly ticked along at 1,100
rpm.
It was a windy day, but
minimal wind buffeting is
an obvious bonus from the
enhanced aerodynamics
package. Combined with
excellent views from the cab,
tight handling and comfort-
able ergonomics, it made for
an easy truck to drive.
The T680 Advantage isn't
a radical departure from
anything Kenworth has been
doing. Instead, it builds upon
a solid aerodynamic platform
and takes advantage of new
engine technology to deliver
better fuel economy in a way
that also makes driving easier
and safer.
For videos of
test drives by
Equipment Editor
Jack Roberts,
see the Drive
Tests playlist at
youtube.com/
OverdriveMag.
