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The New, Redesigned Medium Duty Kenworth Truck Lineup
ABOUT THE ALL-NEW MEDIUM DUTY KENWORTH TRUCK LINEUP
Kenworth recently introduced a comprehensive new medium duty conventional truck lineup ranging from Class 5 to light Class 8. These newly designed vehicles provide substantial updates based on customer feedback, evolving technology, and the goal of making them an excellent choice for optimizing performance. Among other changes and features, drivers will enjoy:
○ Optimized driver ergonomics and visibility
○ Improved vehicle ingress and egress
○ Increased ease of operation
○ Maximized vehicle maneuverability
○ Flexible vehicle platform
○ Available air suspended cab mounts
KENWORTH MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK LINEUP
Kenworth has structured its new medium duty lineup to now feature one model per class. The T380V and T480V are Class 7 and Class 8 respectively, and feature a vocational hood, for customers needing FEPTO, full parent rails and fixed grille.
T180 (Class 5) | T280 (Class 6) | T380 (Class 7) | T480 (Class 8)
○ View T180 & T280 Literature
○ View T380 & T480 Literature
○ View T380V & T480V Literature
LINEUP REDESIGN CHANGES & FEATURES
Across the lineup, several changes were made based on feedback received from customers, including:
○ New 2.1-meter cab is 8" wider
○ Three-person seating with bench seat is standard on most models
○ Various seating options available featuring high- or medium-back seats
○ Larger front windshield enhances visibility by nearly 17%
○ New cab construction has reduced interior noise by up to 50%
○ Air ride cab will provide smoother ride and increase driver comfort
○ Cab lowered by up to 2" for drivers who may climb in and out of their truck multiple times a day
○ Instrumentation cluster features a 7" high-definition digital display, with a personalizable screen to match preferences
EXTERIOR
The exterior of the medium duty trucks offer Hood and Roof options. The three hood variations include Aerodynamic Short, Aerodynamic Medium, and Vocational. The short aero hood (107.5-inch BBC) accommodates front axles from 8K to 20K lbs while the medium aero hood (109.5-inch BBC) is best for higher horsepower & AWD applications. The vocational or ‘sloped’ hood is for the T380V and T480V. Standard Low (63") and Raised (67") are the two roof options.
INTERIOR
Once inside the redesigned trucks, several updates stand out. There is now an option to order the truck with comfortable, three-person bench seating. The redesigned dash is simple and placed low for enhanced visibility. View the analog speedometer, tachometer, oil and coolant gauges clearly with the 7” customizable Kenworth Digital Display. Two 12V power points and two USB ports come standard in the center console for convenient accessory charging.
STORAGE
Kenworth has manufactured the new medium duty lineup with the need for storage in mind. Inside, there is an open storage tray on the passenger side, cup holders and a storage tray in the center console, a driver-side door pad featuring a cup holder and a large storage pocket that can hold a 2” binder, and the large pocket on the top of the dash can hold map books, utensils, other equipment, and more.
POWERTRAIN & SUPPORT SYSTEMS
The new lineup is available with 2021 PACCAR PX-7 and PX-9 engines, and, for the first time, the Cummins Westport L9N natural gas engine. The redesigned medium duty vehicles can also be spec'd with the all-new PACCAR TX-8 automatic transmission. This is offered as an alternative to the Allison 1000, 2000 and Low Torque Allison 3000 and is designed to complement the PACCAR PX Engines.
Introducing the Kenworth Medium Duty Trucks
Kenworth Medium Duty Product Development
Kenworth New Medium Duty Walkaround
ADDITIONAL FEATURES & SPECIAL UPDATES
Aero Grille: Constructed with bright, annealed stainless steel, the new aero grille offers increased durability and protection from the elements.
Air Intake System: The new engine-mounted system reduces cab noise, offers ease of service, and cuts the cost of replacement filter elements. It features an automotive-style flat panel filter design with a one-piece intake pipe and optional, remotely controlled inside/outside air control.
Air-Assisted Hydraulic Clutch: This system for manual transmissions reduces driver fatigue through a pedal design that better matches a driver’s foot angle when engaging the clutch.
Bumper: Kenworth offers three bumper types – the standard one-piece or optional three-piece breakaway “aero” bumper; a rear-mounted one-piece channel bumper; and a vocational bumper with options for a tow hook, fog lights, headlights, daytime running lights (DRL) and other mounts.
DEF Tanks: Improved thawing time from the redesigned DEF tanks results in reduced emissions and increased fuel economy.
Exhaust System: The under cab DPF/SCR option optimizes cab access via a robust step and cover design. The underframe DPF/SCR offers a shortened wheelbase resulting in a gain of 5 inches and additional flexibility for under cab components.
Hydraulic Brake: The new brake reduces driver fatigue and is more similar to that in a passenger vehicle by better matcheing a driver’s foot angle.
Kenworth SmartWheel®: Providing automotive-level functionality and allowing for quick fingertip control, the Kenworth SmartWheel® steering wheel controls for the Digital Display are optional.
Kenworth TruckTech+® Remote Diagnostics: This optional system diagnoses the issue and provides the recommended solution for new Kenworth medium duty trucks to drivers, fleet managers, and Kenworth dealers.
Steering and Front Suspension: An enhanced turning radius comes from the new, impressive wheel cut angle with max axle capability of 50 degrees (standard track) and 55 degrees (wide track).
Steering Column: With full-tilt and telescopic position capability, self-canceling turn signal capability, and a column-mounted shifter, the new steering column extends ergonomic range of motion, reduces driver fatigue, and enhances overall comfort.
Throttle Pedal: The new hanging throttle pedal offers more durability, helps reduce driver-fatigue, and features a slip-resistant surface.
Transmission Shifter: Ergonomics are improved compared to the former pushbutton controller with the enhanced column-mounted shifter.