GEAR GUIDE:
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Gear Guide Spring Truck Show Roundup
Kenworth debuts T680 sculpted fullKenworth’s Model T680 features include
height roof, optimized bumper and hood, full-height
side extenders, cab/sleeper-to-fairings closeout panels,
chassis fairings extenders and flush-mounted lighting. Compared with other similar models, it has a 10
percent enhancement in aerodynamics, 65 percent
more storage capacity, a 50 percent larger windshield,
40 percent less interior noise, 30 percent larger door
openings and best-in-class forward lighting.
“The Kenworth T680 is Kenworth’s most aerodynamic truck … ever,” said Preston Feight, Kenworth
chief engineer.
The Kenworth T680 is designed to maximize performance in line haul, pickup and delivery and regional
hauling operations. Available with a new 76-inch sleeper
or as a day cab, the T680 is standard with the fuel-efficient,
12.9-liter Paccar MX engine and optional with the Cummins ISX15 engine.
The T680 cab is 83 inches wide with 23 inches of space
between the seats. The T680 offers the premium Diamond
VIT and Vantage trim levels and interior color options of
Sandstone Tan and Slate Gray.
Michelin drive tire, single-wide retread
The Michelin X Multi Energy D
drive tire is designed for regional
and the emerging super regional
applications and the X One XDN2
Pre-Mold retread for carriers and
owner-operators who want fuel and
weight savings of a wide single with
the traction of a lug-style tread. The
retread is now available.
The SmartWay-verified Multi Energy D drive tire delivers enhanced fuel
efficiency, optimized traction and long
tread life, the company said.
The all-weather drive tread design
now available in the X One XDN2
retread delivers traction and mileage,
the company said. The Michelin X One
XDN2 Pre-Mold is only available for
retreading on Michelin X One casings.
It also qualifies for the Michelin on
Michelin Guarantee, which pledges 30
percent more mileage than competitor retreads and a second X One trailer
retread on a Michelin casing.
Daimler offers Detroit Transmission
Daimler Trucks North America’s Detroit Transmission, completes the truck manufacturer’s goal of full
powertrain integration to complement its Detroit axle
and heavy-duty engine offerings.
The Detroit Transmission is a 12-speed direct or
overdrive automated transmission with a traditional
clutch-actuated manual gearbox with high-speed
computer-controlled shift and clutch actuators that
automatically select the right shift pattern for optimum fuel economy and engine power. The transmission initially will be paired with the DD15 in the
Freightliner Cascadia lineup.
Additional features include the Hill-Start Aid option to prevent rollback after standing still on a hill,
38 | TRUCKERS NEWS | MAY 2012
enhanced cruise control and improved dash display,
shift lever with gear, auto/manual mode and brake
selection, improving ergonomics, and driver selectable
shift modes for performance or economy.