The K220 – Kenworth’s next level cab over – incorporates a number of significant and subtle enhancements.
It marks the next step in the evolution of the K200 model which has been at the forefront of Australian highway transport for the past decade.
The most significant exterior change is the new wind cheating roof profile. Shaped with the aid of computational fluid dynamics, the new roof profile improves aerodynamic efficiency by four per cent.
Also noticeable is the absence of the trademark vista windows of the K200. Inspired by the success of this change on the T610, this allows for improved sleeper insulation and a more easily maintained cabin temperature while also increasing headroom and providing greater overhead storage space, which is now triple the size. The new climate-controlled HVAC system provides significantly improved performance to provide interior comfort in any weather.
Some of the other exterior changes include new LED headlamps with integrated indicators and daytime running lights. The K220’s new grille combines with a more efficient engine fan to deliver optimised cooling system performance and efficiency.
The K220 is available in 1.7m Day Cab, 2.3m Aerodynamic roof sleeper, 2.3m Flat roof sleeper and 2.8m Aerodynamic roof sleeper versions.
Inside the cab, the dash is now a 15-inch high-definition instrument panel, with analogue gauges for air pressure and driveline temperatures located on a panel positioned to the left of the driver.
The main instrument panel displays information including early intervention warnings for the driver and, at the start of the working day with a simple press of a button, the K220 will perform a comprehensive Systems Check. Likewise, at the end of a shift it will display a detailed trip and vehicle summary including statistics such as average fuel economy, idle time, and cruise control usage as well as any potential mechanical issues. Every K220 is equipped with PACCAR’s proprietary telematics solution, PACCAR Connect which offers live tracking and monitoring of the vehicle, driver, and fleet performance.
The interior is much quieter and more spacious including more leg room in the foot well which is achieved by moving the pedals further forward, combined with a greater range of seat movement. Driver distraction is minimised by a new and improved SmartWheel and stalk mounted controls. This enhances fingertip control of an expanded range of vehicle functions and settings.
The new 8-inch Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) unit provides an easy access display with intuitive controls for truck navigation, the audio system, and smartphone mirroring. The AVN can be intelligently integrated with up to six external cameras giving drivers full visibility of what is happening around the vehicle. To further help drivers remain focused on the road, the AVN is integrated with the steering wheel controls and the driver’s phone can be stored safely on either the induction charging pad, or in one of the convenient storage pockets in the new dash.
Contributing to improved safety for drivers and other road users, the K220 has the largest range of active and passive safety options ever offered by Kenworth Australia, adding multi-lane Autonomous Emergency Braking and stop-and-go functionality.
Optimised for the Cummins X15 Euro VI and Euro V engines, the K220 can be fitted with a manual RoadRanger transmission or the all-new 18-speed Endurant XD Pro automated manual transmission which has been designed from the outset as an AMT rather than a retro-engineered manual.
“The K220 celebrates Australian ingenuity to engineer a uniquely Australian product to optimise the capability of both owners and drivers to prosper in what is surely the world’s toughest but most productive transport industry”, said the current Director Sales and Marketing, Brad May, who will be shortly taking up the role of Chief Engineer at PACCAR Australia.
In other news, Skyroad Logistics recently announced a mammoth Kenworth order.
