Newly Equipped: New trucking equipment announcements from Kenworth, GMC, Fontaine

Kenworth continues expansion of Paccar TX-12 PRO automated transmission now available with Kenworth medium-duty models

Kenworth is expanding availability of its Paccar TX-12 PRO automated transmission, bringing it to several models within the company’s medium-duty line. Ranging from Class 7 to light Class 8, the vocational transmission is available on the Kenworth T380 and T480 when matched with the Paccar PX-9 engine.

“Versatility and durability are what the Kenworth T380 and T480 are all about,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant GM for sales and marketing. “For customers who prefer an AMT (automated manual transmission) over an automatic option, the TX-12 PRO is the solution. It gives customers great performance and toughness when they use the T380 or T480 in demanding vocational applications.”

The Paccar TX-12 PRO was designed for rugged service and low-end drive performance applications like dump truck, snowplow, or in chassis-mounted tanker configurations. Additionally, the TX-12 PRO features an Extreme Duty clutch for low-speed maneuvering and Rock Free mode to help trucks get unstuck in mud or sand. Plus, it has an off-highway calibration tuned for changing soil conditions. The 12-speed gear set provides wide ratio coverage, allowing for excellent maneuverability without sacrificing fuel economy at highway speeds.

For those applications requiring a PTO, The TX-12 PRO is available with dual openings—a bottom mount 8-bolt and 4-bolt rear mount for a combined 95 hp capacity.

To monitor performance and to ensure long life, the transmission and clutch are both equipped with internal oil temperature sensors. Their temperatures can be displayed on the in-cab 7-inch digital display and can provide driver notifications in situations causing excessive temperatures.

Oil maintenance intervals for the TX-12 PRO are 250,000 miles, and the clutch is maintenance-free.

See also: Ford F-250 Super Duty: A work truck that acts like a Tremor

New Fontaine Impact trailer delivers strength and savings for flatbed haulers

Fontaine introduces the Fontaine Impact, a durable, lightweight, and cost-effective flatbed trailer engineered to meet customer demands for performance and affordability.

“Everything we do is focused on the customer,” said Al Cox, senior director of sales for Fontaine. “We prioritize our customers’ needs, developing solutions to exceed their expectations. The new Fontaine Impact trailer, with its exceptional strength, reduced tare weight, and cost savings is our latest product innovation and a real game-changer for our customers.”

The Impact trailer features an aluminum deck and steel mainbeams with spaced steel crossmembers, achieving a 52,000-lb. rating in just four feet while minimizing weight. Its robust steel rear design enhances impact resistance and torsional stability, ensuring durability under heavy loads and frequent loading shocks. A full-length integrated winch track on both sides makes load securement fast and easy. Fontaine Impact trailers are available in 48-ft. and 53-ft. models, both featuring widespread axles and air suspension.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team for bringing the IMPACT trailer to life,” said Alan Briley, president of Fontaine. “This trailer strikes the perfect balance of strength, weight, and cost, meeting the needs of customers seeking a reliable, high-value flatbed solution.”

GMC introduces first-ever Acadia Denali Ultimate for 2026

The 2026 Acadia is the latest vehicle in GMC’s lineup of trucks and SUVs to receive the ultra-premium Denali Ultimate trim.

“Denali Ultimate represents the pinnacle of premium expression for the GMC brand, delivering an innovative mixture of stunning craftsmanship and real-world capability,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, global VP, Buick and GMC. “Expanding Denali Ultimate’s innovative technologies and exclusive design elements to the Acadia nameplate allows us to further differentiate our mid-size offering in a highly competitive segment.”

Helping to distinguish the exterior of the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate is a signature Vader Chrome grille and GMC logo, LED daytime running lamps with animated lighting sequence, exclusive badging, and 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with After Midnight Metallic finish.

Exclusive interior appointments help further set the Acadia Denali Ultimate apart, including heated and ventilated Woodland Mahogany full leather massaging front seats with plaited contrast stitching; Paldao wood with laser-etched accents and embossed topographical maps on the seat backs, door trim and map pockets; unique floor mats; and Denali Ultimate badging on the vehicle’s seat backs.

All trims of the 2026 Acadia will feature a standard Rear Camera Mirror, allowing drivers to toggle between a traditional rearview mirror or camera view, which provides a less obstructed view of the vehicle.

The 2026 GMC Acadia comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine offering 328 hp and 326 lb.-ft. of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a maximum available towing capacity of up to 5,000 lb.

The 2026 GMC Acadia will be produced at Lansing Delta Township Assembly and is expected to arrive at dealerships beginning in the third quarter of 2025, with Denali Ultimate coming later in the year.