Below is a recap of CCJ executive editor Jack Roberts’ recent test drive of a Peterbilt 567. To read his full report, click here.
Given the realities of truck design today, Peterbilt’s Model 567 simply did not spring into existence all on its own.
The truck is derived from the company’s Model 579 tractor, which debuted two years ago at the Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, Ky. The focus of the Model 579 was to create an entirely new and modern cab/driver environment.
The untold thousands of data points created by this research effort led to the final Model 579 product and the eventual Model 567 vocational truck which is now entering full production. And make no mistake: The end result is a truck that is crafted with driver comfort and productivity as a first priority.
Well-positioned grab handles make climbing up into the Model 567 a breeze. An extra boost is PACCAR’s new, proprietary, Evolution air suspension seat. This seat was developed in conjunction with the Model 579/567 cab and shares the same dedication to improving driver comfort. The seat is very comfortable and features an infinite range of ergonomic settings.
Perhaps the most noticeable hallmark of the Model 567 is how quiet the truck is. Walking around the truck at idle, I was amazed at how quiet the PACCAR MX-13 is. The optional – and highly effective – Eaton UltraShift Plus automated transmission smoothly converts the MX-13’s 450 horses into usable power; another convenience calculated to ease driver workload and enhance safety.
The instrument cluster on the new Model 567 positively sparkles.
Although the Model 567 will eventually be “the” primary vocational truck offered by Peterbilt, for now production of the company’s Model 365 and Model 367 will continue for the foreseeable future. Peterbilt is taking Model 567 orders now for both 115- and 121-BBC models of the new truck.