LOUISVILLE, KY - Kenworth announced a new Kenworth T660 regional hauler configuration with shorter wheelbases, tighter chassis packaging, enhanced maneuverability and weight savings -- all while maintaining the same fuel tank capacity as a T660 with forward chassis fairings.

"This new Kenworth T660 option is especially useful for regional haulers interested in operating aerodynamic trucks to help increase fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs," said Preston Feight, Kenworth chief engineer, during the announcement at the annual Mid-America Trucking Show. "The Kenworth T660 regional hauler configuration offers the same styling and lighting advantages - and similar aerodynamic advantages - as the standard T660 with the maneuverability and fuel capacity of the Kenworth T800."

The new T660 configuration removes the standard under-cab chassis fairing and replaces it with a cab-mounted extension of the hood fender. This allows larger diameter 24.5-inch and 28.5-inch fuel tanks to fit under the cab. Previously, only 22.5-inch tanks fit in that space.

As a result, this configuration gains significant wheelbase reductions, while maintaining the same under-cab fuel tank capacities of 75, 100 or 120 gallons offered by the standard T660 configuration with forward chassis fairings and 22.5-inch diameter fuel tank. With the T660 regional hauler configuration, the use of a 24.5-inch diameter fuel tank can reduce the wheelbase by up to 19 inches, while a 28.5-inch diameter fuel tank provides a potential wheelbase reduction of up to 34 inches.

The new configuration also reduces weight by at least 250 pounds from a comparably equipped Kenworth T660 with forward fairings, providing the truck with more payload carrying capacity. In cases, where wheelbase is not critical to an operation, the customer can order the same wheelbase as with a standard T660 configuration, but with a higher fuel capacity for traveling longer distances between refueling stops.

In addition to the T660's fuel-saving aerodynamic benefits, regional haulers also can benefit from the model's forward lighting technology. The forward lighting system features standard halogen projector headlamps that provide 40 percent more light down the road than a sealed beam lamp and last three times longer. An optional High Intensity Discharge configuration provides 75 percent more light and lasts 11 times longer than sealed beam lamps.

More info: www.kenworth.com