Supertruck 2..............coming to a highway near you, soon. Maybe.....probably not...lol

[Brandy]

I like it! Hope we see them soon. If the cost of operating them goes down maybe the cost of goods will foll

FOX News
'CyberGuy': Bullet train-looking giant semitruck to hit US highways

Kenworth has unveiled its latest innovation, the SuperTruck 2, at the Advanced Clean Transport expo in Las Vegas. This sleek and aerodynamic truck is the result of a six-year collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at improving freight efficiency without abandoning diesel as the primary energy source.

SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Fox News


The SuperTruck 2 surpassed the company's expectations, achieving a remarkable 136% improvement in efficiency over the 2009 Kenworth T660, which was considered the most fuel-efficient truck at the time. This feat was accomplished through a combination of improved fuel efficiency, reaching up to 12.8 mpg, and a significant weight reduction of over 7,000 pounds.

SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Fox News


The aerodynamic design of the SuperTruck 2 is a standout feature, resembling a bullet train with a central cockpit, a narrowed nose, and sloped forehead. The truck also features low skirts, fully enclosed wheels within the bodywork, and slim camera stalks with night vision capabilities, replacing the traditional side mirrors. These design elements contribute to an astonishing 48% reduction in drag.


Weight savings were also a crucial factor, with the SuperTruck 2 tractor and trailer weighing in at 26,100 pounds, representing a 7,100-pound reduction compared to a typical tractor-trailer configuration. Lightweight, low-rolling-resistance tires, a smaller 80-gallon fuel tank, and innovative materials and design considerations all contributed to this significant weight reduction.

SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Fox News


The SuperTruck 2's power train is equally impressive, combining a PACCAR MX-11-based diesel engine, a TX-12 automated transmission, and a 48-volt electric generator to create a mild hybrid system. This system charges lithium-ion batteries through regenerative braking, powering electric fans, steering, coolant, and HVAC systems, which were previously mechanically driven.


In bench testing, this power train achieved a record 55.7% engine efficiency rating, a significant improvement over today's modern diesel engines, which demonstrate around 47% efficiency.

For drivers, the SuperTruck 2 offers a unique experience with a panoramic view from the central cockpit, a configurable 15-inch digital display and a sleeper berth featuring a fold-down bed and a rotating tabletop for added convenience.

SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson


While the SuperTruck 2 is powered by a diesel engine, Kenworth designed the overall layout to be power train-agnostic, capable of accommodating battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell-powered drive systems in the future.

Kenworth acknowledges the challenges ahead in achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and views the SuperTruck 2 program as an opportunity to explore and commercialize new technologies more quickly.

SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Fox News


Kenworth's SuperTruck 2 is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of efficiency in the trucking industry. While the SuperTruck 2 itself may not go into production, the technologies and design concepts developed during this project could pave the way for future commercial vehicles that are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and driver-focused.

 

[MarPar]

That thing has gotta be a nightmare to work on...

 

[XS22J8R]

The US Department of Energy provides funding to over the road truck builders to develop these concepts. I doubt you'll ever see that Kenworth rig on the market, but certain efficiency improvements that are developed in these concept builds do get carried over into updates on presently available models. Here is one my work, Navistar, built, probably 4 or 5 years ago. I don't remember the numbers now, but I believe the MPG of this supertruck was similar or even better than I get with my Ram 2500 pulling my 24' enclosed car trailer!

 

[Brandy]

That thing has gotta be a nightmare to work on...

HA! That was also MY first thought...

 

[MarPar]

HA! That was also MY first thought...

Great minds, Chief!

 

[DeltaV]

Where are the CB antennas, LED disco lights, and spiked lug nuts?

 

[Photon440]

That centralized cockpit looks cool, but the same idea was one of the criticisms on the Tesla Semi. It makes it harder for the driver to use a toll booth or hand papers out at a receiving gate.

 

[Brandy]

The US Department of Energy provides funding to over the road truck builders to develop these concepts. I doubt you'll ever see that Kenworth rig on the market, but certain efficiency improvements that are developed in these concept builds do get carried over into updates on presently available models. Here is one my work, Navistar, built, probably 4 or 5 years ago. I don't remember the numbers now, but I believe the MPG of this supertruck was similar or even better than I get with my Ram 2500 pulling my 24' enclosed car trailer!

View attachment 1677622

Agreed, it's a concept but, perhaps some features will make their way into production trucks.

 

[XS22J8R]

Agreed, it's a concept but, perhaps some features will make their way into production trucks.

They do. I dug around online and see the ones we made were Supertruck 2 DOE program, that Kenworth is Paccar's Supertruck 3 program product.
SuperTruck 3 Program Participants Named
Looks like my work's last Supertruck got similar mileage to my 3/4 ton gas truck just driving around with no trailer or load in the bed!
Navistar Reveals International® SuperTruck II Results with Improved Fuel and Freight Efficiency, Goals for Hybridization

 

[cr8crshr]

The way Commiefornia is and its mandates, I bet I will see a lot of these here in Reno NV in the coming future...cr8crshr/Bill

 

[Budnicks]

I like it! Hope we see them soon. If the cost of operating them goes down maybe the cost of goods will foll

FOX News
'CyberGuy': Bullet train-looking giant semitruck to hit US highways

Kenworth has unveiled its latest innovation, the SuperTruck 2, at the Advanced Clean Transport expo in Las Vegas. This sleek and aerodynamic truck is the result of a six-year collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at improving freight efficiency without abandoning diesel as the primary energy source.




View attachment 1677605
SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Fox News


The SuperTruck 2 surpassed the company's expectations, achieving a remarkable 136% improvement in efficiency over the 2009 Kenworth T660, which was considered the most fuel-efficient truck at the time. This feat was accomplished through a combination of improved fuel efficiency, reaching up to 12.8 mpg, and a significant weight reduction of over 7,000 pounds.


View attachment 1677606
SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Fox News


The aerodynamic design of the SuperTruck 2 is a standout feature, resembling a bullet train with a central cockpit, a narrowed nose, and sloped forehead. The truck also features low skirts, fully enclosed wheels within the bodywork, and slim camera stalks with night vision capabilities, replacing the traditional side mirrors. These design elements contribute to an astonishing 48% reduction in drag.


Weight savings were also a crucial factor, with the SuperTruck 2 tractor and trailer weighing in at 26,100 pounds, representing a 7,100-pound reduction compared to a typical tractor-trailer configuration. Lightweight, low-rolling-resistance tires, a smaller 80-gallon fuel tank, and innovative materials and design considerations all contributed to this significant weight reduction.




View attachment 1677607
SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Fox News


The SuperTruck 2's power train is equally impressive, combining a PACCAR MX-11-based diesel engine, a TX-12 automated transmission, and a 48-volt electric generator to create a mild hybrid system. This system charges lithium-ion batteries through regenerative braking, powering electric fans, steering, coolant, and HVAC systems, which were previously mechanically driven.


In bench testing, this power train achieved a record 55.7% engine efficiency rating, a significant improvement over today's modern diesel engines, which demonstrate around 47% efficiency.

For drivers, the SuperTruck 2 offers a unique experience with a panoramic view from the central cockpit, a configurable 15-inch digital display and a sleeper berth featuring a fold-down bed and a rotating tabletop for added convenience.


View attachment 1677608
SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson


While the SuperTruck 2 is powered by a diesel engine, Kenworth designed the overall layout to be power train-agnostic, capable of accommodating battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell-powered drive systems in the future.

Kenworth acknowledges the challenges ahead in achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and views the SuperTruck 2 program as an opportunity to explore and commercialize new technologies more quickly.


View attachment 1677609
SuperTruck 2 (Kenworth) Fox News© Fox News


Kenworth's SuperTruck 2 is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of efficiency in the trucking industry. While the SuperTruck 2 itself may not go into production, the technologies and design concepts developed during this project could pave the way for future commercial vehicles that are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and driver-focused.

Looks cool
ICE
& 48% less drag

That thing has gotta be a nightmare to work on...

I was thinking the same thing
must be a crapload of easily removable/replaceable parts to make that work

 

[Richard Cranium]

Where are the CB antennas, LED disco lights, and spiked lug nuts?

And mud flaps adorned with chrome girlie silhouettes.