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Test drive: Kenworth's sleek updated T680

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Updated Jul 18, 2022

When it debuted nine years ago, the T680 was the lightest truck in the industry and was Kenworth’s crown jewel of engineering.

“Back in 2012,” noted Kenworth General Manager Kevin Baney, “we were like ‘This is as good as you can get.’ We didn’t think we could make it more aerodynamic.”

Nearly a decade of technology and innovation (and regulations) has moved the goal posts, and to stay in the game the T680 Thursday got its first significant update since it initially rolled down the Chillicothe, Ohio, assembly line. 

Front bumper of Kenworth T680The front bumper features a flexible air dam to control airflow under the cab, yet offers the same approach angle and ground clearance as the current T680.

I was able to get my hands on two pre-production models (a 76-inch high roof sleeper and a day cab) for a drive around the Renton, Washington, area – only my second such drive during this COVID-era reality in which we all currently live.