It’s the best part of 11 years since Kenworth launched its K200 cab-over family.

Now its much-anticipated successor has been unveiled, the new K220 continuing the evolution of cab-over Kenworth’s.

The Aussies introduced the new K220 in Brisbane on June 3. Southpac Trucks is expecting the New Zealand order book to open by the end of June and is hopeful of landing the first units before the end of this year.

Local launch plans include a roadshow and display at summer events including the Bombay Truck Show and Wheels at Wanaka.

The K220 line-up boasts 6×4, 8×4, 8×4 tandem with lazy axle, 8×6, 10×4 tandem with lazy axle and 10×6 variants. Cab options comprise 1.7m Day Cab, 2.3m Flat Roof sleeper, 2.3m Aerodyne sleeper and 2.8m Aerodyne sleeper.

Southpac Trucks General Sales Manager Richard Smart says the New Zealand focus is primarily on the 8x4 variant which will go into production a little behind the 6x4. The sales history of the K200 suggests the 8x4 Day Cab will be the most popular seller in New Zealand closely followed by Flat Roof and Aerodyne. 

The familiar visual appearance of the K220 is a clear evolution of the K200 and earlier K models. Viewed head on the grille has lost a little of its oval appearance while new LED headlamps have integrated indicators and daytime running lights (DRL) that can be paired with bright look bezels.

The new grille works with a more efficient fan for optimised cooling system performance. New wheel well shields protect the engine bay and critical electrical systems from road spray and debris. 

Computational Fluid Dynamics shaped the wind cheating roof profile and the K220 achieves an estimated 4% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. The new roof profile also increases headroom and triples the overhead storage space. 

Also immediately noticeable is the absence of the trademark vista windows. Inspired by the success of this change on the T610. Kenworth says this allows for improved sleeper insulation and a more easily maintained cabin temperature.

The new climate-controlled HVAC system provides 60% increased flow to vastly enhance interior comfort in any weather.

Interior features include a new 15-inch high-definition digital instrument panel and the multi-function Smartwheel steering wheel which enhances fingertip control of an expanded range of vehicle functions. Both features are derived from Kenworth’s North America market Next Generation T680.

The intuitive new digital instrumentation helps reduce distraction by allowing the driver to control how much information is shown when operating the truck. This can be customised from driver to driver and trip to trip.

The instrument panel will display critical content to alert the driver of all necessary information, constantly monitoring critical vehicle parameters, and displaying them to the driver as required. This includes early intervention warnings for the driver, allowing them to respond quickly.

The new 8-inch Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) unit provides easy access display with intuitive controls for truck navigation, the audio system, and smartphone mirroring. The AVN can be intelligently integrated with up to six external cameras, giving drivers full visibility around the vehicle.

To further help drivers remain focused on the road, the AVN is integrated with the steering wheel controls and the driver’s phone can be stored safely on either the charging pad, or in one of the convenient storage pockets in the new dash.

More space in the footwell is achieved by moving pedals further forward while a greater range of seat movement offers drivers more legroom.

“The 2.3m and 2.8m sleeper cabs offer our greatest ever range of optional sleeper storage and bunk options, as well as a 240V inverter, and other personal touches that make this the ultimate home away from home,” Smart says.

All cab options are available with side extenders. The 2.3m and 2.8m Aerodynamic versions are available with roof fairings.

The K220 has been optimised for the Cummins X15 engine in both Euro 6 and Euro 5 specification. Automated transmission is expected to take a greater role in the sales mix with the  all-new 18-speed Endurant XD Pro automated transmission.  

“We have had AMT options for a number of year and the shift is slowing moving towards favouring that,” Smart says.

“But certain applications still prefer manual 18-speed such as logging and livestock and we are very happy to still support those clients.”

The Endurant XD Pro utilises Eaton’s Extreme Duty clutches with components designed for increased durability, improved noise and vibration, in addition to higher thermal capacity for enhanced low-speed manoeuvrability. It’s also lighter, smoother, and engineered to reduce fuel and maintenance costs.

The K220 will have the most up-to-date roster of active and passive safety options ever offered by Kenworth Australia, adding multi-lane Autonomous Emergency Braking and stop-and-go functionality to a growing list of systems.

Introducing the K220 is not the end of the popular K200. Smart says all K200s on order will still be built with production expected to continue until Q1-2 2024.

“We will be able to offer clients with K200 on order the option to change to K220 for trucks offline after June `23,” Smart says.