Kenworth Truck Company was busy Wednesday at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.
The company introduced a new hood for its T880 truck and announced Cummins' EPA 2027 certified B6.7L Octane engine will be available for Kenworth's Class 5-7 conventional trucks later this year.
Cummins' B6.7 engine is a unique product, offering diesel-like performance with horsepower ranging from 200-300 hp with up to 660 lb.-ft., of torque and paired with the Paccar TX-8 automated transmission. According to Cummins, the engine is 10% more fuel efficient than other gasoline engines in its category, and it has an extended oil drain interval of up to 15,000 miles.
“The engine was validated against the same standards as Cummins diesel B6.7 engine,” says Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “With environmental regulations changing, it spurred us to offer another engine option to our customers. The new Cummins B6.7 Octane engine will meet stringent emission regulations, so we expect it to be a popular option in California and other states that have adopted CARB’s standards.
“It can be a great fit for many of our customers’ applications, especially in P&D, and towing applications. We also see it being popular for the lease and rental markets, as well as for landscapers, where those behind the wheel are used to driving gas-powered vehicles.”
[RELATED: Cummins releases new B7.2 engine, showcases medium-duty lineup at Work Truck Show]
Kenworth Director of Marketing Kyle Kimball also believes the engine will be a major draw for carriers looking to simplify maintenance and customer ease of use. On the latter, he says Kenworth believes the engine will immediately earn fans in the lease and rental space with customers who see the value of gasoline familiarity for end users.
“Some fleets that run Class 5-6 trucks run an all-gasoline fleet and their maintenance facilities are set up for that. By spec’ing the Cummins B6.7 Octane engine, new customers can step into a Kenworth and enjoy all the driver comfort and longevity a Kenworth offers while keeping their operations simplified with a gasoline powerplant,” Haygood says.
The engine will come with three fuel tank options, 45-, 60- and 80-gallons, and will have no need for DEF and active regens since Cummins utilizes a 3-way catalyst for emission control. “What’s more, body builders will not have a problem with the engine or placement with the fuel tank (45-80 gallon options) which will streamline upfits,” Haygood says.
