KENWORTH unveiled a new lineup of medium-duty trucks during the 2007 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
Kenworth introduced the T370 Class 7, T270 Class 6, and T270 hybrid-electric conventional models, and the K260 Class 6 cabover, which joins the K360 Class 7 cabover. The new lineup handles a broad range of diverse applications, including food and beverage distributors, propane and fuel fleets, towing and recovery operators, general construction and landscape firms, and dry, refrigerated, and side-curtain van operations.
“Kenworth's expanded lineup of reliable, durable, and quality trucks provides excellent performance and value for a wide range of medium duty applications,” said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice-president.
The new T370 Class 7 and T270 Class 6 models incorporate a world-class lighting system, stylish hood, and grille. The models feature new halogen projector low-beam headlamps with 30% more light down the road and three times longer life than sealed beam headlamps. The hood is made of sheet molded composite (SMC) for enhanced fit and finish, while a new hood assist device and 90-degree hood tilt opening offer superior access to the engine compartment for ease of service. A one-piece chrome or painted bumper and new Metton quarter fenders provide additional durability and impact resistance.
The T370 and T270 are available with the PACCAR PX-6 engine rated to 325 horsepower and 750 ft-lb of torque, and with the PACCAR PX-8 engine rated to 330 horsepower and 1,000 ft-lb of torque. Customers can choose manual or automatic transmissions and air or hydraulic brakes.
Inside the cab is an ergonomically-friendly, wrap-around instrument panel with large, easy-to-read, glare-free gauges. Standard features include power door locks, passenger-side electric windows (optional on the driver's side), and DayLite doors with peeper window. Drivers should appreciate the 50-degree wheel cut for excellent maneuverability. The T370 and T270 are scheduled to begin production this summer.
The Kenworth T270 Class 6 hybrid-electric medium-duty conventional is powered by the new PACCAR PX-6 engine and features an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, a frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack, and a dedicated power management system. The T270 hybrid operates like a standard diesel vehicle with all power coming from the engine during steady driving conditions above 30 mph, and uses a combination of diesel and electricity below 30 mph. The system automatically switches between the two modes of operation and is seamless to the driver.
The Kenworth K260 Class 6 cabover is for companies in many applications, especially for those that need excellent maneuverability to make tight maneuvers in city conditions.
“The new Kenworth K260 Class 6 cabover offers the latest in world-class styling, durability, maneuverability, ease of service, and technology,” said Christensen. “The K260 also gives companies another Kenworth product choice for the growing Class 6 market where non-CDL drivers are used.”
Both the K260 Class 6 and the K360 Class 7 are based on the DAF LF55, which has received European Truck of the Year honors. European customers cite that model's high-volume payloads through its low chassis weight and clear back of cab as among major reasons for its success.
Turning to Class products, Kenworth officials announced that the T660 is now available with the extended daycab option. This adds six inches of length to the standard T660 daycab's 122-inch BBC (front bumper to back of the cab) and five inches more in cab height. The Extended Day Cab also offers two more inches behind the wheel, additional leg room, up to 21 degrees of recline in the driver's seat, and an extra two cubic feet of storage behind the driver's seat.