Kenworth Truck Co. said today it had further enhanced the fuel efficiency, performance and serviceability of the Kenworth T2000 with the addition of the Kenworth Driver Information Center and new standard multiplex instrumentation.

The announcement came at a news conference at the Mid-America Trucking Show that begins here Thursday.

Kenworth Chief Engineer Mike Dozier said the information center provided instant trip access information for miles per gallon, engine and idle hours, idle percentage and optimum rpm range.

A “sweet spot indicator” offers visual cues when the optimum rpm is reached, while a bar graph displays current mpg against trip average mpg, he said.

“Fuel economy performance has never been more important with today’s high diesel prices, and these features really can help drivers maximize their potential in getting the best fuel economy possible,” Dozier said. “The Kenworth Driver Information Center option provides a cost-effective technology tool to help enhance fuel economy performance and reduce operating costs.”

The Kenworth Driver Information Center also is available on Kenworth’s other Class 8 models.

The Kenworth T2000’s new state-of-the-art dash offers a more ergonomic, modern and visually appealing instrumentation system, Dozier said, adding that a new speedometer and tachometer cluster features large, two-inch diameter gauges with chrome bezels, an engine hour meter, odometer, trip odometer, and outside temperature gauge.

“The new dash design makes it much easier to check gauges and warning lights with LED back-lighting in the face plate and pointers while dash rocker switches contain LED indicator lights,” Dozier said. “The instrumentation system’s multiplex design also provides enhanced serviceability and reliability. For easier servicing, the wiring behind the dash was simplified, color-coded and numbered, and the durability of critical connections is maintained with positive locking connectors.”

The system is supported by the Kenworth Electronic Service Analyst, a computer-based diagnostics tool which enables technicians to review codes stored in the components, verify instrument functions to accurately pinpoint a malfunction, and quickly troubleshoot dashboard electronics.

The aerodynamic Kenworth T2000, which Kenworth said has been especially popular with driver teams, is already acknowledged as a SmartWay program eligible truck by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).