Kenworth T600

The Kenworth T600 began life as a response to the 1973 oil crisis (which affected diesel prices in a similar manner as gasoline). In 1976, design work commenced on building a semitractor that could reduce aerodynamic drag, thus reducing fuel usage. After wind-tunnel testing was completed, T600 prototypes were built using the W900 cab and powertrain as a starting point; the frame and front axle were modified with the T600 design and fitted with the newly designed T600 bodywork. At highway speeds with an identical payload as a standard-body conventional, the lower drag of a T600 meant that it required an engine with approximately 100 less horsepower, further increasing fuel economy. == Model overview ==

Along with its sloped hood, the aerodynamic design of the T600 semitractor utilizes several features that mark a major shift away from the Kenworth W900. To accommodate for the hood design, the T600 chassis uses a set-back front axle (a first for a Kenworth conventional). Along with a smaller turning radius (nearly 25% less than a standard conventional T600B (1995–2007) In late 1994, the 1995 T600B replaced the T600A. The sleeper was replaced with the new Aerocab sleeper, which integrated the cab and sleeper into basically a single unit, fully open between the two. The roof of the cab was raised upward several inches (to better integrate with the design with the Aerocab sleeper). Another change involved the addition of turn signal repeaters added to rear-facing portion of the front fenders. In 1994, following the launch of the T600B, the United States Department of Transportation awarded Kenworth the National Award for the Advancement of Motor Vehicle Research and Development. In 2016, Kenworth announced they were discontinuing the T660 in favor of the T680. T680 The Kenworth T680 is a class 8 truck model introduced in 2013/14. It is the direct successor to the Kenworth T700, and, to an extent, the Kenworth T660. Engine Options: Depending on engine options and the load in the trailer, the Kenworth T680 can reach up to 7.2 MPG. The T680E is the battery-electric version with 150 miles range. The T680 platform is also used in the Toyota hydrogen fuel cell trucks. == Gallery ==

File:Heavy Boom Truck.jpg|1987 Kenworth T600 tow truck File:New Zealand Trucks - Flickr - 111 Emergency (57).jpg|Kenworth T600A (New Zealand) File:Triaxle dump truck 2005-10-06.km.jpg|T600B dump truck File:Kenworth T600B, Marten transportation, Venice CA.jpg|T600B with Aerocab sleepercab == Variants ==

T400 (1988–1997) The Kenworth T400 is a Class 8 variant of the T600 semitractor. Built with a slightly shortened hood (for a 112-inch BBC length), the T400 was designed for regional shipping and local delivery applications. T800 (1987–present) Introduced in 1987, the Kenworth T800 is a heavy-duty variant of the T600. Produced as both a semitractor and a straight truck, the T800 is distinguished by the T600 in several ways, including its use of round fenders, optional exposed air cleaners, and the use of a grille similar to the W900, the T800 is designed for multiple applications, ranging from severe-service applications, regional and long-haul shipping. ==References==