Page 22 - Newcom

EQUIPMENT
Kenworth unleashes the W990
By Derek Clouthier
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Kenworth Trucks unveiled its new W990 Sept. 27 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was touted as “a driver’s truck,” adding to the com- pany’s longest running model in its portfolio.
“The replacement of the W900, that’s a special place,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice-president, during the launch. “A lot of passion, a lot of pride has gone into what we think is a very special product.”
Available in a day cab, 40-inch flat top, as well as 52- and 76-inch mid-roof sleeper configurations, the
W990 is designed for linehaul, pick- up-and-delivery, regional haul, and heavy-haul operations.
The truck comes standard with the proprietary Paccar powertrain, including the MX-13 engine with a rating of up to 510 hp and
1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. With a 12-speed Paccar automated trans- mission and 40K tandem rear axles, the W990 is built on the 2.1-meter cab platform, previously seen on the T680 and
T880 models.
Driver comfort was a focal point when designing the W990. Special features include the limited-edition cab and sleeper interior and the driver’s studio package of premium
options that creates a “home on the road” for the driver.
“Anything we can do to help them feel more comfortable, feel a sense of pride – that’s what we’re doing today,” said Dozier. “We are pas-
sionate about our products, our customers that depend on them, and the drivers that operate them. We know that there are many cus- tomers and drivers out there who share our passion. The Kenworth W990 represents the pride, image and freedom of trucking, and cap- tures the spirit of what trucking is all about.”
On the exterior, the two biggest visuals on the W990 are the hood and grille designs, with a “long hood” and a cab measuring 131.5 inches from bumper to the back of cab (BBC).
“The grille is really the face of
the new W990,” said Jonathan Duncan, Kenworth’s design direc- tor. “Incorporating stainless steel was important. It had to be pure Kenworth and it needed to be instantly recognizable as the top-of- the-line. We maintained the tradi- tional cathedral shape to the grille and the inset surfaces at the top to give it a refined tailored look. That powerful center spear signifies this is part of the new generation of Kenworth trucks and the tapered grille spears are there for a classic touch. It’s elegant, beautiful, and full of brawn.”
Duncan said the inside of the truck boasts as much attitude as its exterior.
“Behind the wheel, the driver’s view over the hood is a huge part
of the appeal of the W990,” he said. “It’s really one of the keys to the success of this design. The powerful wind-split (the raised center section on the hood top) is designed to accentuate the length of the hood and the dynamic shape reflects the powerful engine underneath. The side air intakes wrap over the top
of the hood so that they are visible from the driver’s seat. All of this creates a strong visual impact from behind the wheel.”
During the unveiling, Duncan said the W990’s dynamic shape helps the driver connect with the road.
“We wanted to reward the drivers with the sharpest truck and the view of the road,” said Duncan. “The world’s best drivers deserve and expect no less, and we had to give it tothem.”
Oculus Transport, a Calgary, Alta.-based carrier, started purchas- ing Kenworth trucks in 2011, and
22 TruckWest•November2018