With the Euro 6 emission standards for heavy vehicles being phased in through ADR 80/04 in November, Kenworth’s design and engineering teams have developed enhanced new models – the T320, T320A, T420, T420SAR, T620 and T620SAR – that have retained the best attributes of the existing range and readied the trucks for the future. Kenworth customers can continue to depend on their trucks with their renowned reliability and durability, while experiencing new technology to make running their business easier.
Engine and driveline
In the T620 and T620SAR, the Cummins X15 Euro 6 with power ratings up to 625hp and 2,050 lb-ft of torque now available at 1,000 rpm, make it suitable for a wide range of applications.
The T420 and T420SAR house the latest Euro 6 PACCAR MX-13 engine. With its exceptional efficiency and proven performance, the PACCAR engine with the PACCAR TX-12 and TX-18 12 and 18 speed transmissions delivers more torque at low engine speeds and high performance over a wide rev range. The PACCAR transmissions are optimised for integration with MX engines and ideal for vocational, heavy-haul, and high-performance applications on-highway.
Designed to improve fuel economy, the 9L engine in the T320 continues to offer a range of power and torque settings applicable to mid-market segments like agitators and rigid body applications.
Development and design
Numerous features have been fine-tuned to optimise the driver experience and operational efficiency. Recognising the complexities of today’s operating environment, Kenworth has integrated new systems that simplify compliance and daily operations. With PACCAR Connect, the owner experience is transformed by providing real-time data for informed decision-making, easing the burden of business management.
PACCAR Connect offers live tracking and monitoring of the vehicle, driver, and fleet performance. Fully customisable dashboards and reports are in easy-to-read formats. The provision of such a powerful and analytic tool supports owners to continually measure and identify potential vehicle performance improvements.
Technology and innovation
Kenworth has always stood by a design philosophy to keep its trucks easy to operate and maintain. The new generation Kenworths integrate important, useful technology while maintaining this simplicity for operators and drivers.
“A superior driver environment coupled with the technology to inform leads to better all-round driving performance, safety, efficiency and productivity,” said Director Sales and Marketing Michael Long.
“The truck is the source of truth. No longer reliant on anecdotal evidence or gut feeling about critical numbers like fuel consumption, the truck’s existing on-board sensors paired with proprietary PACCAR Connect can tell the full story, providing crucial data for insightful and accurate business decision making,” said Brad May, Chief Engineer.
The new generation Kenworth trucks – T320, T420, T420SAR, T620, and T620SAR – feature a 15-inch high-definition instrument panel. Intuitive and easy to read, this new digital instrumentation helps reduce distraction by allowing the driver to control how much information is shown when operating the truck. This can be customised from driver to driver and trip to trip.
The instrument panel displays critical content to alert the driver of all necessary information, constantly monitoring critical vehicle parameters, and displaying them to the driver as required. This includes early intervention warnings for the driver, allowing them to respond quickly.
At the start of the working day with a simple press of a button, the new generation Kenworths will perform a comprehensive Systems Check. Likewise, at the end of the day upon shutting down, it will display a detailed trip and vehicle summary. This includes statistics like, average fuel economy, idle time, cruise control usage as well as any potential mechanical issues.
The 8-inch Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) unit provides easy access display with intuitive controls for truck navigation, the audio system, and smartphone mirroring.
The AVN can be intelligently integrated with up to six external cameras giving drivers full visibility of what is happening around the vehicle.
To further help drivers remain focused on the road, the AVN is integrated with the steering wheel controls and the driver’s phone can be stored safely on either the charging pad or in one of the convenient storage pockets in the new dash.
Testing and validation
The new generation Kenworth models are available with all the active and passive safety features drivers and operators have come to expect. It builds on existing critical safety design elements and overall ergonomics designed for comfort and control – everything on these trucks has been developed to have a positive impact on the driver’s work life and gives every opportunity for drivers to be supported by full systems.
The new models build on a trusted legacy of innovative, durable and productive trucks, designed and manufactured in Australia for local conditions and applications. A proven approach honed over many years, the new range is the culmination of more than five decades of Australian design and application engineering experience. Supported by the most extensive and committed dealer network across Australia, the new Kenworth range puts the future to work for drivers and operators.
