{"id":9820,"date":"2021-02-15T09:55:24","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T08:55:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=9820"},"modified":"2021-02-15T09:55:24","modified_gmt":"2021-02-15T08:55:24","slug":"kenworth-t680","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2021\/02\/15\/kenworth-t680\/","title":{"rendered":"Kenworth T680 Next Gen: A high-tech aero dynamo"},"content":{"rendered":"

After nine years, the T680 has a ‘sleek and sophisticated’ new look with additional fairings for a 6% fuel efficiency improvement and high-tech infotainment display.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make the T680 Next Generation, Kenworth Trucking Co.\u2019s on-highway flagship available for order in Q2 of 2021, the truck maker gathered up its engineers, aerodynamic experts and styling team, gave them eight years of driver data since the original T680 was launched, and told them to have at it. Using race cars, iPhones and well-crafted watches as muses, they came up with a refreshed tractor design as eye-catching as it is aerodynamic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe T680 Next Gen hit our design goal of being sleek and sophisticated. 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,\u201d said Jonathan Duncan, Kenworth design director.<\/span><\/p>\n

And it\u2019s really aerodynamic. So aerodynamic, in fact, that the T680 Next Gen 76-in. sleeper with the EPA 2021 MX-13 engine increases fuel efficiency by 6% over the comparable classic with the 2017 MX-13.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe think the T680 Next Gen will become the new standard when it comes to fuel economy,\u201d said Joe Adams, Kenworth\u2019s chief engineer, during the Feb. 11 virtual launch. \u201cCoupled with the sleek look of the truck, it\u2019s going to raise eyebrows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Noticeable contour enhancements include a 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. These work in concert to guide airflow closer to the cab to reduce drag-causing turbulence. While the truck glides down the road, the redesigned air dam guides airflow under the chassis to reduce friction and move hot air away from the radiator and engine for better cooling.<\/span><\/p>\n

For drivers accustomed to the classic T680\u2019s aero bumper\u2019s approach angle and ground clearance, the good news is Kenworth kept those the same. The most profound change on the sleeper models is a pair of fairing extender \u201cdoors\u201d jutting from the back to close the gap between truck and trailer. They swing open and closed so \u201cthe drivers have clear access to the back of sleeper to do any of the things they need to do in their daily inspection,\u201d Adams explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

To reduce the trailer gap by 38 to 42 inches, an alternate chassis package with a shorter wheelbase can be spec\u2019d.<\/span><\/p>\n

The litany of improvements starts with those curves along the truck\u2019s body, but it\u2019s got plenty of bling as well, in the form of bold heated LED headlamps and additional turn signal indicators adorning the fenders\u2019 backside near the driver and passenger steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt gives us as designers a nice cool blade of light down the back of the fender and really gives it an expressive look, but for the driver, it makes sure that everybody coming up alongside of you, especially folks in passenger cars, they can see what you’re going to do you turn that turn signal on, they can’t they can’t miss it,\u201d Duncan asserted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adams added on a media call after the presentation that the side signals also provide the driver with \u201cpeace of mind\u201d and more confidence down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n