Peterbilt Motors Co. has introduced an aerodynamic package for its on-highway Models 386 and 384 designed to improve fuel economy up to an estimated 12 percent. The company also introduced a new proprietary fuel efficiency package designed to provide fuel savings gains of up to 12 percent for its traditionally styled Models 388 and 389. Peterbilt also introduced its new lineup of interior enhancements developed for on-highway and vocational trucks.
The aerodynamic package for Models 386 and 384 was designed through analysis and testing to reduce vehicle drag by up to 24 percent, resulting in an estimated $5,600 in savings annually (130,000 miles, $2.30/gal) versus a comparable Model 386 or 384 without the aerodynamic package. Proper truck specification is critical in maximizing fuel efficiency, and Peterbilts new aerodynamic package provides the optimum set of components specially designed to increase fuel efficiency and add savings to our customers bottom line, says Landon Sproull, chief engineer for Denton, Texas-based Peterbilt.
The proprietary package, according to the company, includes:
Roof fairing and trim tabs Proprietary roof fairings with trim tabs to help push air up and over the cab and trailer to reduce drag and improve fuel economy;
New sleeper roof transition Enhanced design provides a smooth transition between the cab and sleeper roof lines;
Enhanced chassis fairings The new chassis fairings have been recontoured at the end to feature a flair design element that redirects airflow around the rear tires and wheels;
Aero battery box/toolbox Optimized to provide better airflow under the cab for improved aerodynamics;
Composite sunvisor A new composite sunvisor provides less aerodynamic drag and maximized glare protection;
Sleeper extender A new sleeper extender features a 3-inch rubber extender flair to redirect airflow outward and around the trailer; and
Aerodynamic mirrors The mirrors include a tough, lightweight 4-way adjustability, providing both vertical and horizontal adjustments, an integral convex mirror and fully heated primary and convex mirrors.
Peterbilt says its aerodynamic package also will be available from Paccar Parts for Model 386 and 384 retrofit.
The company says the fuel efficiency package for Models 388 and 389 utilizes a set of proprietary components to reduce vehicle drag by up to 24 percent, resulting in an estimated $5,600 in savings annually (130,000, $2.30/gal) versus a comparable nonequipped Model 388 or 389. Reducing fuel consumption and overall operating costs are primary concerns for all customers, says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. The new fuel efficiency package provides tangible savings that help our customers compete in todays challenging economic environment. For fleets and owner-operators who prefer classic styling, the fuel efficiency package offers fuel savings with uncompromised style and performance.
Package components include aerodynamic mirrors, sleeper extender, roof fairing and trim tabs, composite sunvisor and a sleeper roof transition. According to Peterbilt, components redirect airflow and provide less drag resistance, resulting in improved overall fuel economy and a more streamlined appearance. The fuel efficiency package complements the standard features engineered into the Models 388 and 389, such as the redesigned hoods, headlamps, hood ornament and crown and grille.
The fuel efficiency package also will be available from Paccar Parts for the Models 388 and 389, as well as earlier Models 378 and 379.
The new interior designs are included on all interior levels, including the Platinum interior for the ultimate in luxury, Prestige for contemporary and cost-efficient operation, and ProBilt for customers who demand rugged efficiency. The new series of interior enhancements available on Models 386, 384, 389, 388, 367 and 365 feature a contemporary dash design that utilizes an in-mold process that embeds color directly into the dash material rather than requiring an add-on finish; the company says this advanced production process virtually eliminates fading, peeling and color degradation. Additionally, all new interiors are equipped with a new HVAC system built to provide excellent overall cab heating and cooling.
To complement the new dash interior designs, Peterbilt has enhanced its Premium UltraRide and UltraRide seats with coordinated colors and new fabric patterns. According to the company, the new seats are available as options on Platinum, Prestige and ProBilt interiors and provide customers with the latest technology in comfort, adjustability and ergonomic support.
Our new interiors were engineered to provide Peterbilts customers enhancements in esthetic design with the latest in material and color matching technology, says Larry Reding, Peterbilt assistant general manager of sales and marketing.
To provide customers a range of customization options or a consistent appearance throughout their fleet, Paccar Parts will offer accessory packages for interior retrofit.
