Kenworth launches T680 Next Generation on-highway flagship

Kenworth recently revealed its new T680 Next Generation on-highway flagship during a virtual introduction.

The Kenworth T680 Next Gen, which the truck manufacturer says “establishes a powerful new industry standard,” offers technology advancements, including an innovative 15-inch Digital Display, Next Gen SmartWheel, fully LED headlamps, under-the-vehicle airflow management, additional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and a sleek high-tech design that balances aerodynamics and serviceability.

“The Kenworth T680 Next Generation raises the bar for overall excellence, superior fuel efficiency, outstanding performance and bold styling,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The Kenworth T680 Next Gen is the new on-highway flagship of The World’s Best product line.”  

Kenworth focused on developing a highly effective aerodynamic package to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency with the new model. “We exceeded the superior fuel efficiency of the current T680, through aerodynamic advancements and design innovations,” said Joe Adams, Kenworth’s chief engineer. “As a result, the Kenworth T680 Next Generation is the most aerodynamic truck in company history.”

The T680 Next Gen includes new aero bumper and hood, turning vanes, durable lower fairing extensions, chassis fairings, wheel well closeouts, 28-inch side extenders, tandem drive axle fairings, and wheel covers, among other features, all to keep the airflow closer to the cab and reduce drag-causing turbulence. The T680 Next Gen is standard with the EPA 2021 PACCAR MX-13 12.9-liter engine and PACCAR Powertrain that also offer strong fuel efficiency gains.

The bottom line is up to an estimated 6% overall fuel economy increase for a T680 Next Gen 76-inch sleeper over a comparably spec’d T680 with an EPA 2017 PACCAR MX-13 engine, noted Adams.

The EPA 2021 PACCAR MX-13 engine features enhanced durability, reduced complexity, performance upgrades, increased downspeeding capability and more effi­cient combustion. The result is more power, longevity, uptime, ease of service and driver satisfaction. The PACCAR MX-13 engine guarantees a smooth-operating, high-performance power­train of unmatched capability, optimized for a seamless integration with the PACCAR 12-speed transmission and PACCAR 40K axles.

“The T680 Next Gen hit our design goal of being sleek and sophisticated,” said Jonathan Duncan, Kenworth’s design director. “We wanted to focus on the aerodynamics, the technology and the refinement, and make the styling show that is a world class, high-performance machine.”

The T680 Next Gen with a Diamond VIT interior has a rich madrona insert in the door pad with black stitching to match the black door. The Diamond VIT sleeper interior has fine black Diamond panels with madrona stitching—also offered on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The T680 Next Gen with 76-inch high-roof sleepers can be spec’d with the optional Kenworth Cargo Shelf, a 5.5-inch storage shelf with multiple secure tie down points. Two LED lights on the shelf’s underside provide lower bunk lighting. 

The cab features the new, 15-inch high-definition, fully Digital Display, which Kenworth says is the largest standard factory display available in any North American truck to date. The design is easily adjustable to enable drivers to match their preferences, while also automatically displaying critical content.

The Kenworth T680 Next Generation is designed to optimize performance in line haul, pickup and delivery, and regional haul operations. Available in day cab, 40-inch, 52-inch and 76-inch-sleeper configurations, the T680 Next Gen is standard with the proprietary PACCAR Powertrain featuring the 2021 PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission and PACCAR 40K tandem rear axles.  

“The Kenworth T680 Next Generation has great innovations, new technologies and outstanding fuel efficiency, but this truck is all about the drivers,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “We built this truck around them and for them. The T680 Next Gen provides drivers with the convenient, next generation SmartWheel, new customizable 15-inch Digital Display, excellent forward lighting down the road, additional advanced driver assistance systems, and, of course, a premium and extremely comfortable cab and sleeper.

“This is the next generation of The Driver’s Truck and offers the full Kenworth Experience.”