LOUISVILLE, KY -- At the Mid-America Trucking Show, Peterbilt announced that air disc brakes will become standard on all Class 8 models. As well, Peterbilt is making electronic engine speed control available on MX engines.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's new heavy truck braking standards are due to come into effect in August, and Peterbilt will be ready to meet the 250-ft stopping distance with air disc brakes on all Class 8 front axles.

Bill Jackson, Paccar vice president and Peterbilt general manager, says air disc brakes offer the shortest stopping distances in the market today and provide a compact design, minimizing weight, reducing maintenance and improving both vehicle and operator efficiency.

"Peterbilt is the first to go standard with air disc brakes across its full line up Class 8 vehicles," Jackson says.

Air disc brakes have a dual, internally adjusted piston design that offers precise automatic brake adjustment and minimal brake force variation for maximum straight line stability. In addition, Peterbilt has upgraded the rotors provided with air disc brakes to a newer "splined" design, which will also be standard. The new splined rotor design provides reduced weight up to 50 pounds for a Conventional Class 8 vehicle, improved durability with more resistance to high temperatures, and common parts for both steer and drive axles for simplified maintenance.

Engine Speed Control Option Promotes Fuel-efficient Driving

When spec'ing new equipment, customers can take advantage of two speed control management options that can be specified independently or jointly based on customer needs: Progressive Shift Control encourages drivers to shift at reduced engine speeds while in lower gears, and Gear Down Protection encourages drivers to shift into higher gears sooner in order to use the engine at a lower engine speed when the vehicle is at higher road speeds.

"Customers can optimize their powertrain for their operational requirements when ordering the truck," said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt sales director. "Peterbilt Dealers Prospector spec'ing program to ensure vehicles are configured precisely to meet the needs of the customer."

Also new from Peterbilt is an extended day-cab option that adds 10 inches to the overall length of the cab. With the extra room, seats recline doubles to 23 degrees, and and additional four cubic feet of storage can be added behind the seats.

The extended-cab option is available immediately.

www.peterbilt.com.