KW keeping an eye on mpg

Despite how fuel efficient Class 8 trucks have become, there's still room for improvement, according to Kenworth Truck Co. assistant chief engineer. At a Kenworth media event held at the Pacaar Technical Center in Mount Vernon, WA, (which is operated by the OEM's parent firm), Jim Bechtold told FleetOwner that demand remains strong for greater fuel efficiency — even if it's gained in increments as slight as 1/10th of an mpg.

“I don't think we've yet done all we can in terms of improving truck aerodynamics to gain more fuel efficiency,” said Bechtold. “For example, more can be done to manage under-hood airflow; we're only beginning to scratch the surface there,” he explained. “As we learn more about '07 powertrains in the field, we can make gains there too. And anti-idling efforts are huge in terms of fuel economy improvements, environmental benefits, and overall cost savings for truck operators.”

Kenworth had several 2008 model trucks equipped with '07-compliant engines on hand at the tech center for test-driving on a closed course, as well as on public roads. Among them were new T-660 highway tractors, T-800 and W900 units, plus a T-300 tractor and a new K360 medium-duty cabover.

According to Bechtold, fuel economy losses from the lower-emission '07 engines can be offset with aerodynamic improvements. What's more, fuel economy gains could actually be made with future design efforts, he said. “As a vehicle integrator, our job is to install the engine, transmission, axles and other components on our chassis in such a way as to get the best fuel economy possible,” he said.

“Going forward, we're going to look in all areas for fuel economy gains — reducing weight, improving engine cooling packaging, reducing idling — whatever it takes to make sure our vehicles are as fuel efficient as possible.”