Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/62228
Gear Guide Spring Truck Show Roundup Kenworth debuts T680 Kenworth's Model T680 features include sculpted full- height roof, optimized bumper and hood, full-height side extenders, cab/sleeper-to-fairings closeout panels, chassis fairings extenders and flush-mounted light- ing. Compared with other similar models, it has a 10 percent enhancement in aerodynamics, 65 percent more storage capacity, a 50 percent larger windshield, 40 percent less interior noise, 30 percent larger door openings and best-in-class forward lighting. "The Kenworth T680 is Kenworth's most aerody- namic truck … ever," said Preston Feight, Kenworth chief engineer. The Kenworth T680 is designed to maximize perfor- mance in line haul, pickup and delivery and regional hauling operations. Available with a new 76-inch sleeper or as a day cab, the T680 is standard with the fuel-efficient, 12.9-liter Paccar MX engine and optional with the Cum- mins ISX15 engine. The T680 cab is 83 inches wide with 23 inches of space between the seats. The T680 offers the premium Diamond VIT and Vantage trim levels and interior color options of Sandstone Tan and Slate Gray. Michelin drive tire, single-wide retread The Michelin X Multi Energy D drive tire is designed for regional and the emerging super regional applications and the X One XDN2 Pre-Mold retread for carriers and owner-operators who want fuel and weight savings of a wide single with the traction of a lug-style tread. The retread is now available. The SmartWay-verified Multi En- ergy D drive tire delivers enhanced fuel efficiency, optimized traction and long Daimler offers Detroit Transmission overdrive automated transmission with a traditional clutch-actuated manual gearbox with high-speed computer-controlled shift and clutch actuators that automatically select the right shift pattern for opti- mum fuel economy and engine power. The trans- mission initially will be paired with the DD15 in the Freightliner Cascadia lineup. Additional features include the Hill-Start Aid op- tion to prevent rollback after standing still on a hill, 38 | TRUCKERS NEWS | MAY 2012 tread life, the company said. The all-weather drive tread design now available in the X One XDN2 retread delivers traction and mileage, the company said. The Michelin X One XDN2 Pre-Mold is only available for retreading on Michelin X One casings. It also qualifies for the Michelin on Michelin Guarantee, which pledges 30 percent more mileage than competi- tor retreads and a second X One trailer retread on a Michelin casing. Daimler Trucks North America's Detroit Transmis- sion, completes the truck manufacturer's goal of full powertrain integration to complement its Detroit axle and heavy-duty engine offerings. The Detroit Transmission is a 12-speed direct or enhanced cruise control and improved dash display, shift lever with gear, auto/manual mode and brake selection, improving ergonomics, and driver selectable shift modes for performance or economy.