Peterbilt has unveiled its first major upgrade to the Model 579 highway tractor since its launch in 2012. Senior Editor Jack Roberts visited Peterbilt's Denton, Texas, manufacturing plant, took a New Model 579 test drive and attended the online virtual launch of the new truck. Here's what he saw.
Peterbilt's New Model 579 in Photos
On Feb. 3, 2021, Peterbilt unveiled the major overhaul of its flagship Model 579 tractor since its debut in 2012.
Photo: Screenshot of YouTube Live unveiling
The new, optional, Peterbilt Advanced Aero Mirrors feature fully enclosed rear- and downward-facing cameras at the bottom of the mirror housing. The previous larger aero mirrors are also still available.
Photo: Screenshot of YouTube Live unveiling
The New Model 579's Digital Display’s System Check feature checks 13 critical vehicle systems as part of the pretrip inspection routine.
Photo: Screenshot of YouTube Live unveiling
New tandem axle fairings help boost the New Model 579 fuel economy performance.
New chassis fairings can quickly be opened and closed without the need for any tools.
Photo: Jack Roberts
New, optional, LED headlamps feature an integrated infared heating system.
Photo: Jack Roberts
The New Model 579 features a more aggressively sloped aero hood and a new, integrated, three-piece front bumper.
While in Denton, we checked out the trucks on the lot headed to customers. This black beauty is headed for a new home and hard work up in Canada.
Photo: Jack Roberts
The curtain goes up on the first new Model 579 models since 2012.
Photo: Screenshot of YouTube Live unveiling
The Legacy Red New Model 579 waits for the second leg of its HDT test drive at a Texas truck stop.
Photo: Jack Roberts
The new, optional, rear-view monitors complement the rear-view mirrors.
A detail shot of the new tandem axle aerodynamic fairings on the Peterbilt New Model 579 tractor.
An all-new, 15-inch Digital Display screen is mounted in the center dash cluster behind the steering wheel on the New Model 579 tractor.
Photo: Jack Roberts
One of the last first-generation Model 579 tractors rolls off the assembly line in Denton, Texas.
Photo: Jack Roberts
A Peterbilt Model 357 awaits its journey to its new owner.
Photo: Jack Roberts
Long-nose, conventional, Peterbilt tractors await their new owners on the backlot of Peterbilt's Denton, Texas, truck plant.
Photo: Jack Roberts
Large bumpers, loads of chrome and tall stacks are still Peterbilt calling cards.
Photo: Jack Roberts
An expanded view of the new Digital Display screen shows the variety of information drivers can select to monitor while driving.
A Model 357 waiting to get to work on the backlot of the Peterbilt plant.
Photo: Jack Roberts