The KenworthT600 is a model line of conventional-cab trucks that were produced by the Americantruck manufacturer Kenworth from 1984 to 2007. Distinguished by its aerodynamic sloped hood, the T600 was a Class 8 truck, typically sold in semitractor configuration. While aerodynamic devices had been introduced on Class 8 trucks in the mid-1970s, the Kenworth T600 was the first American semitractor designed from the ground up with aerodynamics and fuel economy in mind. Sharing design commonality with the Kenworth W900 Class 8 semitractor, the T600 differs from its counterpart largely with its set-back front axle, hood, and lower bodywork. For 2008, the 1984-2007 T600 model line was replaced by the Kenworth T660. While sharing the T600 cab structure, the hood and the lower bodywork of the T660 underwent an extensive redesign.
Background
The Kenworth T600 began life as a response to the 1973 oil crisis. In 1976, design work commenced on building a semitractor that could reduce aerodynamic drag, thus reducing fuel usage. Due to length restriction laws, truck development originally began on a cabover tractor. In 1980, changes in length regulations allowed from a shift to the K100 to W900, greatly reducing frontal area. To enhance the exterior design of the T600, Kenworth/PACCAR engineers experimented with scale models in the wind tunnel of the University of Washington. 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. During testing of prototypes at the PACCAR Technical Center, the design of T600 was found to be over 20% more fuel efficient than a W900 with a comparable powertrain. 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. Following the 1985 unveiling of the T600 at a Kenworth dealer meeting, the T600 earned a strong reaction. Along with dealers and customers highly interested in its innovations and potential fuel savings, other truck drivers and truck spotters nicknamed the T600 "Anteater". By the end of 1985, the T600 became a success, itself alone accounting for 40% of Kenworth semitractor sales that year.
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. Along with a smaller turning radius, the configuration allowed for designers to add longer front springs to the suspension, improving weight distribution and ride. Additionally, the lower hoodline would also lead to better forward visibility. In contrast to the cycle-style fenders utilized by traditional Class 8 conventionals, the T600 integrated the front fenders into the bumper, along with extending into the side fuel-tank skirts, making the lower body work together to reduce drag.
T600A (1990–1994)
In 1990, Kenworth enhanced the design of the T600, renaming it the T600A. In what would become another distinguishing feature of the model line, the T600A redesigned the rear view mirrors, integrating the side view and convex mirrors into a single housing mounted to the cab. To further reduce drag, the grille was redesigned, with the shortened W900 grille replaced by a twin-segment grille. The two flat windsheilds were replaced by a curved glass, available as one piece or two split in the center. In another change, the Aerodyne sleeper cab from the 1970s was replaced by the Aerodyne II sleeper. While also distinguished by twin rooftop windows, the Aerodyne II sleeper was more aerodynamic. The T600A also received a digital dashboard as an option, developed in conjunction with Boeing.
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 cab and sleeper. The roof of the cab was raised upward several inches. 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 1997, the hood of the T600B underwent a functional change, changing from a one-piece to a three-piece design. Following the introduction of the Kenworth T2000, the T600B was renamed the T600. During the 2000s, as with the W900, Kenworth introduced "Daylight Doors", replacing the standard door configuration with vent windows with a single-piece window with a notched forward section to provide additional forward visibility.
T660 (2008–2017)
For 2008, the Kenworth T660 was announced as the replacement for the T600. Retaining the cab and Aerocab sleeper of the T600, in a major shift, the T660 adopted diesel engines produced by PACCAR. For the first time since 1990, the aerodynamics of the hood and fenders were updated, as the T660 introduced composite headlamps faired into the fenders while adopting a grille similar to the T2000 conventional. In 2016, Kenworth announced they were discontinuing the T660 in favor of the T680.
Features and options
Accommodates up to 600 horsepower engines
Front axles from 12,000 to 14,600 lb ratings
Rear axles from 23,000-lb single to 46,000-lb tandems
Set-back front axle
59-inch taperleaf springs, providing a smooth ride
The Kenworth T680 is a class 8 truck model first introduced in 2013/14. It is the direct successor to the Kenworth T700, and, to an extent, the Kenworth T660. Engine Options:
Name
Type
Displacement
HP
Torque
PACCAR MX-13
I6 Turbo Diesel
12.9
380-500
1450-1850
Cummins ISX-12
I6 Turbo Diesel
12
370-450
1350-1450
Cummins ISx-15
I6 Turbo Diesel
14.9
450-600
1450-2050
Depending on engine options and the load in the trailer, the Kenworth T680 can reach up to 7.2 MPG.
Gallery
Variants
T400 (1988-1997)
The Kenworth T400 is a Class 8 variant of the T600 semitractor. Built with a slightly shortened hood, 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.
