Is there going to be a follow up to the W900 and 389?

[BigBad]

So this is only to start a little discussion on our old favorites being updated or just being dropped. What do you think? After seeing the Kenworth T680 and T880 with a new cab, do you think the W900 series will be updated or just be dropped? Same thing for the Pete 388-389, will they inherit the same new cab from the 567 and 579 or just die? Can the industry still support the classic square nosed chromed clad classics? Let's talk! Heck, draw what you think they should look like!

[Tesla]

I certainly hope that the classic style is kept. These are still very popular with owner operators...at least in my neck of the woods. To me they represent what a real truck is supposed to look like...a source of pride and polish.

The newer models are no frills and very utilitarian...nothing to make them stand out. This is just my opinion

Edited July 2, 2014 by Tesla

[niteowl7710]

I don't know how many 389s Peterbilt is actually selling, as I don't see that many new ones around. A lot of the fleets that used them have moved over to the more aerodynamic "fleet" models that they're selling now. Although I suspect down south, especially in Texas, the 389 is as popular as ever.

The W900 (or dubbya 9) is still seen by most truckers (at least those of us old enough to have started driving before EVERY fleet went to the 10 ton Toyota - aero, easy to drive, all hard plastics) as the pinnacle of trucker ownership, especially as an Owner Operator. The 84" Studio Sleeper was (and may still be) the largest factory sleeper made.

Celadon recently purchased 500 black metallic LoneStars that are max option trucks. They have every box ticked, including hardwood floors. They really are the 1:1 version of the Moebius kit.

Until they can either outlaw, or make the entire proposition too expensive for the little guy, there's always going to be a "boutique" market for "Large Car" Class 8 Tractors. Freightliner's main truck is the Cascadia, but they still offer a line of "Legacy Model" trucks which include the Classic/Classic XL and Original Coronado (there's a non-Legacy Coronado and a Classic-ish 122SD available under their regular truck models).

Edited July 2, 2014 by niteowl7710

[redneckrodder]

I new what i wanted to be by the time i was three and only have a few years to go until i can start driving truck and having diabetes became a major blow because i would only be able to drive in - state so if they do discontinue the w 900 or the 389 im changing my career plan.

[Petetrucker07]

Im the same way as you, in kindergarten i could spell international. Never wanted to be anything but a truck driver, have been now for about 10 years. But with all the regulations and garbage they put on us, not mention in cali we are unjustly targeted. Highway patrol told me, in southern cali they are tripling commercial enforcement. The government has taken the fun out of drivin. I still love what i do, but lately have seriously considered hangin it up. Im just glad ive had the opportunity to drive the bad azz 379s and a couple w9s. I really like the 386 im in now, the whole industry has been targeted by the EPA and other agencies, now exhaust filter and fluid, spark plugs on diesels, skirts on trailers, i honestly think the end of the square hood truck is on the horizon, unfortunately. When, who knows, but the writing is on the wall. But at least theyre makin aerodynamic trucks better looking. Its come a long way since the introduction of the t600 in the 80s. In my opinion the t700 kw is the best lookin aero truck. I do vote that they keep makin the square hood trucks, thats a staple in the image of the industry, what people think when they think truck. It would be a great tragedy if they stopped

[mistermodel]

if they are updated they will loose the "classic" look to the "aero" look

[scale trucker]

when is this gonna happen?? we just got a 2015 w 900 with a cummins at work..arrived today

[Petetrucker07]

Who knows when, it could be 5 it could be 10, maybe never. With the government you never can tell

[BigBad]

And how does it look? Any different from the 2014?

[redneckrodder]

Yea post some pictures of that bad boy

[redneckrodder]

Well if anything i'll just buy a new freightliner cabover glider kit they're actually not that bad looking just an updated argosy with a different grill

[scale trucker]

looks the same as the 2008 and the 2012 we have

[Petetrucker07]

There really hasnt been a big change to the W900L over the years. Door handles, dash board, seems standard from factory extra wide fuel tank straps, and thats about it cosmetically.

[rctruk]

I just got a new W900 at work. Was surprised that it was licensed as a 2015. It's just a basic work truck. Paccar MX13,Allison 4750 trans.Looks identical to our 06 and 07 models,except for the exhaust system and the DEF tank. I'm thinking that the construction industry will help the classic look hang around for a while.

[Petetrucker07]

Thats true, i have yet to see a 579 pete or a cascadia mixer, closest ive seen is in vegas, silver state had a couple volvos and mack granites, other wise pete and KWs. Same with heavy service trucks. But over the road, aero is the way of the future, unfortunately.

[BigBad]

I think you're right about the vocational/construction type trucks, look at the Mack Titan! Man, is that a tough lookin' mother! That is a good looking truck!