By anticipating the terrain ahead using GPS, Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control ensures that the PACCAR MX-13 engine and the transmission are in the most efficient operating mode to increase fuel economy.Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control is now in production for new T680 and T880 models specified with the Paccar MX-13 engine.
Available as a factory-installed option, the new Kenworth system combines cruise control with GPS to deliver optimal fuel economy, Kenworth says. The company says individual fuel economy improvement will vary depending on use, road conditions and other factors.
The system is available with Eaton UltraShift and Eaton Fuller Advantage automated and manual transmissions.
“Kenworth actively develops technologies that will help customers achieve high fuel economy,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth chief engineer. “In addition to Predictive Cruise Control, we offer the Kenworth Driver Performance Assistant, Kenworth Driver Shift Aid and Kenworth Driver Reward systems.”
The Kenworth Driver Performance Assistant is now standard on Kenworth T680s and T880s spec’d with the PACCAR MX-13 engine. The system is a built-in virtual driver’s coach and a tool to improve driver performance for fleets and owner operators.The Driver Performance Assistant is standard on T680s and T880s with the Paccar MX-13 engine. It is a built-in virtual driver’s coach to help improve driver performance for fleets and owner-operators. Drivers will receive real-time coaching based on coasting and braking as a means to improve fuel economy. The system will also grade drivers, giving visual feedback by calculating a score to show how the driver performed.
The Kenworth Driver Shift Aid is available on Kenworth models with the Paccar MX-13 engine with manual transmissions. It provides a “shift now” light, telling drivers when to shift, which Kenworth says will help driver hit the ”sweet spot” in shifting. The system also recommends skip or split shifting, keeping the engine in the optimum RPM range to improve fuel economy.
The Driver Reward system is used by fleets to reward good driving performance with speed adjustments. Fleets can raise the cruise speed for a driver that has positive fuel economy results. The system uses fuel economy and percent idle time, and the rewards program can be customized by the fleet.
