Kenworth unveiled its new W990 Sept. 27 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which was touted as “a driver’s truck” and added to the company’s longest running model in its portfolio.
“The replacement of the W900, that’s a special place,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice-president, during the launch. “A lot of passion, a lot of pride has gone into what we think is a very special product.”
Available in a day cab, 40-inch flat top, and 52-inch, and 76-inch mid-roof sleeper configuration, the W990 is designed for line haul, pickup and delivery, regional haul, and heavy haul operations.
The truck comes standard with the proprietary Paccar powertrain, the MX-13 engine, 510hp and 1,850lbs.-ft. of torque.
With a 12-speed Paccar automated transmission and 40K tandem rear axles, the W990 is built on the 2.1-meter cab platform, which is also used for the T680 and T880 models.
Driver comfort was a focal point when designing the W990. Special features include the limited edition cab and sleeper interior and the driver’s studio package of premium options that create a “home on the road” for the driver.
“Anything we can do to help them feel more comfortable, feel a sense of pride…that’s what we’re doing today,” said Dozier. “We are passionate about our products, our customers that depend on them, and the drivers that operate them. We know that there are many customers and drivers out there who share our passion. The Kenworth W990 represents the pride, image and freedom of trucking, and captures the spirit of what trucking is all about.”
On the exterior, the two biggest visuals on the W990 are the hood and grille designs, with a “long hood” measuring 131.5 inches from bumper to the back of the cab.
“The grille is really the face of the new W990,” said Jonathan Duncan, Kenworth’s design director. “Incorporating stainless steel was important. It had to be pure Kenworth and it needed to be instantly recognizable as the top-of-the-line. We maintained the traditional cathedral shape to the grille and the inset surfaces at the top to give it a refined tailored look. That powerful center spear signifies this is part of the new generation of Kenworth trucks and the tapered grille spears are there for a classic touch. It’s elegant, beautiful, and full of brawn.”
Duncan said the inside of the truck boasts as much attitude as its exterior.
“Behind the wheel, the driver’s view over the hood is a huge part of the appeal of the W990,” he said. “It’s really one of the keys to the success of this design. The powerful wind-split (the raised center section on the hood top) is designed to accentuate the length of the hood and the dynamic shape reflects the powerful engine underneath. The side air intakes wrap over the top of the hood so that they are visible from the driver’s seat. All of this creates a strong visual impact from behind the wheel.”
During the unveiling, Duncan said the W990’s dynamic shape helps the driver connect with the road.
“We wanted to reward the drivers with sharpest truck and the view of the road,” said Duncan. “The world’s best drivers deserve and expect no less, and we had to give it to them.”
Oculus Transport, a Calgary, Alta.-based carrier, started purchasing Kenworth trucks in 2011, and has stuck with the brand ever since.
“We stand out with our long hoods and bright orange paint scheme,” said Cory Heck, vice-president of assets and equipment for Oculus. “We stick to our roots, and have pride in ownership. Image is so important to us and the Kenworth W900L, and now W990, support that image perfectly. When drivers are required to dwell in their truck, it is important that they feel rested and comfortable. I know that our equipment helps with driver retention, and we’ve seen our drivers turn up their nose at offers from other companies with lesser equipment. That really tells you something.”
Purchasing its trucks through Inland Kenworth – Fort St. John, B.C., Oculus’ W990 is spec’d with the Paccar MX-13 engine with 510hp and an Eaton UltraShift, 18-speed transmission.
“Everyone loves the Paccar MX engine around here,” said Heck. “They’ve proven very reliable in our other trucks, plus they’re giving us better fuel economy numbers. The W990 with Paccar MX-13 engines is a great combination for us.”
The truck comes standard with Kenworth’s TruckTech+ remote diagnostics system, and a Nav+HD seven-inch display provides access to various additional features, such as navigation, roadside assistance, vehicle data, hands-free calling, and the Internet.
Written by Derek Clouthier from Truck News