Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85435
Kenworth unveils aerodynamic T680 Kenworth's new Model T680 features a sculpted full-height roof, optimized bum- per and hood, full-height side extenders, cab/sleeper-to-fairings closeout panels, chassis fairings extenders and flush- mounted lighting. Compared with similar models, it has a 10 percent enhancement in aerodynam- ics, 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 truck maker says. The T680 is designed to maximize performance in line-haul, pickup and delivery and regional operations. Available with a new 76-inch sleeper or as a daycab, the T680's standard engine is the 2.9-liter Paccar MX. The Cummins ISX15 is optional. The truck's cab is 83 inches wide with 23 inches of space between the seats. Premium Diamond VIT and Vantage trim levels are available for the interior, with two color options of Sandstone Tan and Slate Gray. Executive Editor Jack Roberts took the new Kenworth for a test drive in Louisville, Ky. Here's some of what he had to say about the tractor's interior: My test-drive truck was a regional-cab tractor with an MX13 engine and an Eaton 10-speed manual gear box. Kenworth' s all-new seat design features an advanced air-suspension system and multiple lum- bar and recline adjustments. Combined with the new tilt/telescoping steering wheel, the overall design makes it easy to get comfortable quickly. Another nice touch is the redsigned dash board. If there' s a theme here, it has to be simplicity. Truck dashes have become crammed with competing information systems that can be dif- ficult and distracting to operate, but everything in the T680's cab is laid out 50 OVERDRIVE MAY 2012 The T680's new 76-in. sleeper is integrated with the truck's cab. It's 96 inches wide with a high ceiling, 60 cubic feet of storage and a full-height wardrobe cabinet. logically and ergonomically. Critical engine and vehicle data are arranged in the new A cluster directly in front of the driver, with auxiliary controls and switches within easy reach on the cen- ter cluster. Toggle switches glow green when activated to allow drivers to tell at a glance if they're on. For Roberts' full review of the tractor, visit OverdriveOnline.com/kenworth-test. KENWORTH TRUCKS, kenworth.com, ENTER/CIRCLE 150 Kenworth says its engineers spent five years working on the T680's design, saying it's the most aerodynamic trac- tor the company has ever built.