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New industry standard set by the T680 Next Gen

Jul. 28 2022 New Trucks By Bridget Ranchero

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The Kenworth T680 Next Generation was first introduced to the market in 2021 and has set a new industry standard for long-haul trucking; with its 15-inch digital dashboard display, Next Gen SmartWheel, 2021 PACCAR MX-13 engine, new bumper design with fender vents and so many more unique features. In this post, we’ll provide an all-encompassing rundown of the T680 Next Gen’s new features and why they are so important.

The standard specifications of the truck are:

  • EPA 2021 PACCAR MX-13 Engine
  • 12.9 Liter
  • 405-510 HP
  • 1,550 – 1,850 lb-ft of Torque
  • TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics and Over-the-Air Update Capable
  • RH Under Fairing DPF/SCR with Horizontal Tailpipe
  • DEF Tank – 21 Usable Gallons
  • PACCAR PX-12 Automated Transmission
  • PACCAR DX-40 Tandem Axle



What are the new trendsetting features of the T680 Next Gen?

The new aerodynamic design reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency. The truck’s exterior includes:

  • A new bumper design with a narrower hood
  • 28-inch side extenders
  • Battery inspection panel in the driver’s sidestep
  • New side turn indicator
  • Optional led headlights
  • Daytime running lights
  • Tandem axle fairings and wind-slick wheel covers

The new features have created an opportunity for 7% fuel savings compared to the classic T680. With a narrower hood and grille design, the truck cuts neatly through the air, and A-pillar turning vanes create less wake next to side windows and smooths airflow around the cab. Easy access to the battery inspection panel allows for efficient inspection. On the back edge of the front fender, there are led turn indicators to increase visibility to surrounding traffic. The tandem axle fairings combined with new wind-slick wheel covers reduce turbulence around the rear wheels and on the trailer.

The new interior features include:

  • A 15-inch digital display
  • A SmartWheel
  • New interior color options

The digital display is fully customizable for the driver to decide what appears on the dashboard. Customization will minimize clutter and maximize driver comfort. The SmartWheel is equipped with tactile eyes-on-the-road function choices.

On the left side of the wheel, there are four buttons: set trip segment, cruise control, headway adjustment, and variable road speed limiter. The set trip segment button starts the trip and can save up to 26 separate trip segments. The cruise control button gives drivers easy access to set the speed and improves overall fuel economy. The headway adjustment scroll bar adjusts adaptive cruise control following distances, sets predictive cruise control droop and overshoot. The variable road speed limiter sets the pedal speed (exclusive PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11 feature).

The right side has three buttons: phone & radio source, shortcut, and instrumentation scroll & select. The phone & radio source button answers and ends phone calls, changes radio source, and adjusts the volume. The shortcut is a customizable shortcut button, that can be used to display the favorites screen, digital RPM, dual speed. The instrumentation scroll & select customizes display layout by moving and placing gauges. As for the interior colors, signature diamond and vantage motifs are available in tan and gray. Diamond interiors feature madrona-colored door inserts, woodgrain accents, and black covers for the dash and trim.

For more details on the product development check out Kenworth’s YouTube video: Kenworth T680 Next Gen Product Development - YouTube

 Interested in purchasing a T680 Next Gen? Contact a Palmer Trucks Dealership near you!