T680 Advantage Saves 5%

Kenworth’s T680 Advantage

The Kenworth T680 Advantage features a special factory-installed aerodynamic package along with the optimized powertrain combination of the PACCAR MX-13 engine integrated with the Eaton Fuller Advantage 10-speed automated transmission. It’s in production now.

Like Peterbilt’s Model 579 EPIQ, it features all the factory-installed aerodynamic treatments in the book. They include longer side extenders for the T680 76-in. sleeper, lower cab fairing extenders, front air dam, aerodynamic mud flaps, rear fairing without steps coupled with an air deflector, exhaust cutout covers, and optional wheel covers for drive tires.

The T680 Advantage spec — with a weight-saving 6×2 axle configuration and wide-base single tires — may improve on an ordinary T680 with the MX-13 by as much as 5% in fuel efficiency.

Other fuel-efficient specs for the T680 Advantage include speed management that uses speed limiters; a tire-pressure monitoring system to keep tires at optimum PSI; and the new Idle Management System, which eliminates the need to idle in order to run air conditioning.

Kenworth’s Idle Management System is now available as an option for the Kenworth T680 with a 76-in. sleeper. It’s a battery-based auxiliary power unit (APU) system for air conditioning that’s tied directly into the truck’s ducting system. An optional fuel-fired heater provides full engine-off heating capability.

Combined with a new insulation package for the T680 cab and 76-in. sleeper, the system can provide more than 12 hours of continuous AC performance in typical off-hour downtime.

Powered by four dedicated batteries, the AC system has a small under-bunk footprint to maintain storage space. There are full on-board controls in the sleeper to control both cooling and heating. Once the truck is turned off, the driver simply uses the control panel in the sleeper to maintain the temperature. There are three fan speeds for air flow, and an LCD display gives drivers full system information, including a monitor for remaining battery power. Once the truck is back on the road, the batteries are recharged to 90% capacity in as little as 4-1/2 hours, says Kenworth.

Kenworth also announced exterior and interior enhancements to its K270 and K370 models during the Mid-America show.

Inside the cab, a new dash and gauge cluster provide more information than ever before, and both models feature a standard air-ride driver’s seat and 2-person bench seating with storage underneath.

Available with wheelbases ranging from 142 to 242 in. in 12-in. increments, the K270 and K370 can accommodate bodies from 16 to 28 ft. Powered by the 6.7-liter PACCAR PX-7 engine, with power ratings from 200 to 250-hp, and up to 660 lb t of torque, these cabovers are now available with a 6-speed Allison transmission, joining a 5-speed transmission already available. Kenworth also added a high-quality, push-button control shifter .

New this year on the KW cabovers are Dana axles as well as front air disc brakes for improved stopping power and longer brake life. Kenworth has added an electronic braking module that will allow for the addition of stability control later this year.

Finally, Kenworth is also offering a 2014 T680 with a natural gas option. The T680 day cab and 52-in. mid-roof sleeper will be available with the factory-installed Cummins Westport ISX12 G natural gas engine rated up to 400 hp and 1450 lb-ft of torque.


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