The C580 is set to combine the existing severe-duty C500 chassis with the comforts of Kenworth’s latest cab platform. (Kenworth)
March 3, 2026 4:30 PM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- Kenworth on March 3 unveiled the C580 heavy‑haul truck, which will replace the C500 when production begins in January 2027.
- The C580 introduces Kenworth’s latest cab platform, expanded axle and powertrain options and EPA‑compliant Cummins X15 engines as the company phases out legacy 1.9‑meter cabs.
- Paccar plans additional engine launches ahead of 2027 NOx rules and aims to boost its North American heavy‑duty truck market share to 35%.
Kenworth Truck Co. on March 3 unveiled the C580 heavy-haul tractor and truck as a replacement for the C500 model, continuing its vocational portfolio revamp.
Production of the C580 is set to start in January 2027, with the model fully replacing the C500, which will sunset in 2026, the Paccar unit said. The truck was first showcased at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG conference in Las Vegas.
The C500 was introduced in 1972. Kenworth said in March 2025 that the model would be phased out in 2026 due to emissions regulations. Kenworth said at the time that it would be phasing out the W900 and T800 models as well, as part of a decision to end production of legacy 1.9-meter cabs.
The C580 is set to combine the existing severe-duty C500 chassis with the comforts of Kenworth’s latest cab platform.
The C580’s cab will offer a larger windshield, optimized hood slope and increased room between seats compared with its predecessor. A customizable 15-inch digital display places all gauges and critical information in view, supporting safer and more efficient operation, Kenworth said, adding that heated LED headlamps are standard on the C580.
C580s will be available in single- or twin-steer axle configurations, with front-drive axle options in 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 and 10×10 configurations. High-capacity axle ratings will support up to 44,000 pounds on twin-steer axles and up to 165,000 pounds on tandem rear axles.
In North America, the C580 will come as standard with Environmental Protection Agency-compliant Cummins X15 engines, with ratings up to 605 horsepower and 2,050 pound-feet of torque.
Paccar itself is set to unveil two engine platforms ahead of the introduction of tighter EPA nitrogen oxide emissions in 2027, executives said in February. EPA is set to leave in place a Biden-era requirement that NOx emissions for heavy-duty trucks drop to 35 milligrams per hp-hr from 200 mg/hp-hr.
The engines are in the final phase of development, said Chief Technology Officer John Rich, who oversees Paccar powertrain operations, adding that they were being tested in the Arctic Circle, Death Valley, Calif., and elsewhere.
(Kenworth)
C580s are available with manual, Allison 4000 and 6000 Series automatic, and Eaton Endurant XD Pro automated transmission options.
“The Kenworth C580 marks a new era in extreme-duty performance, capable of hauling a gross combination weight of up to 1 million pounds,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “For more than 50 years, the C500 set the benchmark in severe-service applications around the world, operating in conditions and applications no other commercially available truck can.”
Alongside phasing out 1.9-meter cabs, Kenworth overhauled its battery-electric vocational truck portfolio over the past 12 months.
The truck manufacturer launched a battery-electric T880E, its first Class 8 battery-electric vocational truck, at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim, Calif.
At the same time, Kenworth launched a revamped version of the battery-electric configuration of its flagship T680 tractor.
Kenworth also launched two battery-electric models Dec. 9.
The Class 8 T480E is available as a truck or tractor with a powertrain rating of up to 350 kilowatts and 1,850 pound-feet of torque. It offers up to 200 miles of range. The Classes 7-8 T380E is available as a truck or tractor and offers a similar powertrain top end. The T380E offers up to 280 miles of range.
Production of the models, plus the new Class 6 T280E, is expected to start in 2026. The order book opened Dec. 9. All three come with Paccar’s ePowertrain platform, which offers a 170 kW (230 hp continuous) to 350 kW (470 hp continuous) rating.
The launch of the trucks comes as Paccar aims for a 35% share of the North American heavy-duty truck market.
The medium-term aim is expected to be aided by tariffs and production plant flexibility, Senior Vice President Laura Bloch said at the analyst day.
Paccar brands won a combined 30.3% share of the Class 8 truck retail market in 2025, according to Omdia Automotive data. Peterbilt contributed 15.2% of that and Kenworth 15.1%. The two brands secured an overall share of 30.9% in 2024.
