Kenworth claims the T680 Advantage is the most aerodynamic truck it has ever produced, boasting a 5% improvement over the standard T680. Here are a few photos we shot during a test drive of the Kenworth T680 Advantage. Photos by Jim Park.
Test Drive: Kenworth T680 Advantage
Sculpted side skirt extensions improve airflow around the trailer while a soft rubber gasket keeps air from getting under the trailer.
Soft rubber side skirt extenders help to close the gap under the truck while resisting damage from debris, curb strikes, etc.
A soft rubber air dam under the front bumper smooths under-truck air flow and helps transition air flow around the wheels.
The condenser and fan of the Idle Management system are mounted behind the bunk. It operates separetly from the engine-mounted AC system.
The Collision Warning display in the Driver Information Center shows following distance and warns of potential collision. The information comes from the Bendix Wingman Advanced collision mitigation and braking system.
Collision warning thresholds trigger in-cab alarms to warn the driver of insufficient following distance.
Electronic guages with a traditional look feed information to the driver from a variety of sources.
There's loads of room between the seats and the tall sleeper boasts more than seven feet between the floor and the ceiling.
The shifter knob for the Eaton Advantage AMT is within easy reach of the driver and features a hold button to keep the transmission in a gear as well as manual up and down shift buttons.
The optional Smart Wheel has Cruise Control buttons at finger's reach so drivers don't need to take their hands off the wheel. Radio controls are on the left side of the wheel.
Kenworth claims the T680 Advantage is the most aerodynamic truck it has ever produced, boasting a 5% improvement over the standard T680.
While not part of the official Advantage trim package, an ATDynamics boattail could improve aerodynamics by up an additional 5%.
Sleeper fairing extenders minimize the gap between the tractor and trailer without increasing the risk of damage to the fairing itself.
Side skirts are molded to improve airflow around the drive axles. Three-piece construction helps keep repair costs in check.
The 76-in. sleeper can be configured with single or upper and lower bunks for team operation. Side windows let in lots of daylight, but they come with covers for day-sleepers too.
Kenworth's battery powered Idle Management system is mounted neatly under the bunk. Kenworth says it offers up to 10 hours of engine-off AC operation.
The dash display offers warnings and incentives to drivers. Fuel economy is displayed in real time.
The Bendix Wingman Advanced system warns the driver when following too closely before automatically slowing the truck with an engine brake or service brake application.
Visibility is very good in every direction, and you'll never lose sight of a car in front of the truck thanks to the low hood profile.
At about 6 feet and 200 pounds, my frame fits nicely behind the wheel. There's lots of fore and aft movement in the seat sliders and the basic driving position is very comfortable.
Wide-single tires, wheel covers and porous 'aero' mudflaps all contribute to the fuel efficiency gains.