Kenworth Truck Co. unveiled the Kenworth T660, an aerodynamic tractor that will replace the T600 in 2007, at the Mid-America Trucking Show on Wednesday, March 22.
The truck will offer several new systems and options, including improved seating and headlamps and options for in-cab navigation and the Clean Power System, an anti-idling system that uses alternator current while the engine is operating to charge a power pack that powers cooling, heating and hotel-load 110-volt electric power when the truck is parked.
“The new Kenworth T660 is the latest evolution of our quality aerodynamic product line and reinforces Kenworth’s leadership in fuel economy performance,” said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president.
Kenworth used computational fluid dynamics analysis to overcome aerodynamic challenges in designing a grille that’s 5 percent larger than the T600’s to accommodate increased airflow and cooling performance, said Mike Dozier, Kenworth chief engineer.
The Clean Power System could improve overall fuel economy by as much as 8 percent by eliminating the one gallon of fuel typically burned per idle hour, Kenworth says. The Clean Power System, which will be available first on the T660 and then on the W900, will keep the sleeper cool for 10 hours – coinciding with drivers’ off-duty periods – even with outside temperatures of up to 95 degrees, Dozier said.
In other news, Kenworth on Wednesday introduced a Class 6, air brake-equipped version of its T300 medium-duty truck.
