Dec 6th 2024
Throughout its 80+ years in the business, Peterbilt has never stopped creating innovative trucks for American drivers. In this article, we will explore when the Peterbilt 579 came out on the market and how it revolutionized efficiency and comfort in trucking.
When Did the Peterbilt 579 Come Out?
Peterbilt formally introduced the Model 579 to the American truck market in 2012. It is tagged as a Class 8 wide-cab aerodynamic tractor, which sports improved cab designs from its predecessors. The unit is manufactured with body skirting and an enhanced under-body design for improved serviceability. Aside from this, the 579 is released without vent windows, giving drivers better road visibility
Most importantly, the Peterbilt 579 became a crowd favorite because of its aero packages, which significantly boost the unit’s aerodynamics. Aside from improved driving performance, this gives the unit excellent fuel efficiency and practicality. As of this writing, it’s labeled as one of the most cost-effective Class 8 models on the market today, which delivers productivity and profitability among business owners.
How Was Peterbilt 579 Created?
The development of the iconic Peterbilt 579 can be traced to three models: the 587, 567, and 579EV. To gain insights into the aerodynamic design of the 579, let’s explore these models individually.
Peterbilt 587
In 2010, Peterbilt released the 587, branding it as a wide-cab aerodynamic tractor. It served as a successor to Class 8 387, which sported similar configurations except for its five-model designation. The model also had a sharper-edged hood, better forward visibility, and improved indoor lighting. However, truck drivers and enthusiasts noted that it had the same cab structure as the Kenworth T700.
Because of its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, the Peterbilt 587 was a popular option among regional hauling businesses. Its day cab and sleeper units were made available with Cummins ISX, PACCAR MX13, and the X15, giving business owners 13- and 15-liter engines. Despite its promising features, the model was ultimately discontinued in 2018 to make way for the Model 579.
Peterbilt 567
Peterbilt launched the Model 567 in 2013. It’s a heavy-duty truck, gracing the size and specifications of the 367 and the headlamp configurations of the 389. On top of this, it has the aerodynamic cab design of the 579
In 2015, Peterbilt released model iterations with set-back and set-forward front axles. It’s still being manufactured today, and it’s usually configured as dump trucks, boom trucks, and fuel tanks. Similar to other Peterbilt models, this unit offers a choice of 15- and 13-liter engines, including day cab and sleeper configurations.
Peterbilt 579 Anniversary Edition and Peterbilt 579EV
Peterbilt celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2014 by releasing limited edition units of the Model 579. The trucks were painted with a two-tone exterior in Diamond Red, which came with a matching interior.
Because of its popularity and exceptional aerodynamics, Peterbilt chose the Model 579 for its electric truck production. In 2018, the company began manufacturing 12 electric variations of the 579 and 3 prototypes of the 520, which sported an all-electric chassis.
The prototype trials were a success. Thus, in 2021, the company officially launched its three all-electric lines:
- Class 8 579EV tractor;
- Class 8 520EV low-cab; and the
- Class 7 220EV cab-over-engine.
While they are yet to reach the popularity of the traditional 579, business owners are now showing interest in the electric models because of their sustainability.
To learn more about sustainable semi trucks, read the article: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Semi vs. Electric Semi: Which Will Win the Green Race?
What Made the Peterbilt 579 Special?
There’s no denying that the Peterbilt 579 revolutionized the aerodynamics of tractor units. Aside from this, it also has numerous exceptional engine, interior, exterior, and sleeper features. Let’s go through each of them:
Engine
Peterbilt doesn’t shy away from providing options for its users. The 579 is available in 5 engines:
- PACCAR MX-13, MX-11, and PX-9
- Cummins X15 and X12N
Drivers have the option of pairing them with PACCAR 12-speed, Eaton Automated, and Eaton Manual transmissions. Aside from these configurations, the units are equipped with front axles from reputable manufacturers like Dana, Hendrickson, and Meritor, offering a weight range of 12,000 to 14,600 pounds.
Most importantly, the aerodynamics of the 579 was released in two sets, the EPIQ Aero Package and EPIQ Max Aero Package. They come with various aerodynamic specifications, such as bumper air dams, bumper-to-hood seals, under-cab closeouts, advanced aero mirrors, and more.
Interior
The 579 is designed with an aluminum interior, making the model durable and lightweight. Because of its strong corrosion resistance, the unit is also designed to last, giving it an excellent resale value. Furthermore, the interior comes with a special in-mold finish, reducing the risk of peeling, scratching, and fading.
Above all, the cabin of the 579 is truly spacious, with a dashboard that’s highly accessible to drivers. It also comes with a driver display package with easy-to-read operational gauges. The current model releases have the all-new Peterbilt SmartNav system, which operates with a dual-function display, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice recognition. The model also comes with a Garmin navigation system to further boost its smart features
Exterior
The Peterbilt 579 is available with two hood length options: a 118″ BBC Metton and a 124″ BBC Metton. It also comes with numerous multi-piece bumpers in molded-in-color, molded painted, steel chrome, and steel-painted.
The forward lighting of the 579 includes various options, such as LED headlights, halogen headlights, and LED combo lights for fog, driving, and cornering purposes. It offers standard aero mirrors and advanced aero mirrors, providing versatile choices for the Peterbilt 579.
Sleeper Options
Peterbilt 579 Sleeper models come in numerous sizes: 44”, 58”, 72”, 80” Discreet and 80” UltraLoft. The bunks can hold up to a whopping 82-inch mattress with a unique swiveling mount for a flat-screen television. The UltraLoft sleeper cab also comes with plenty of overhead storage with two enclosed cabinets.
Most importantly, the day cab and sleeper configurations have remarkable HVAC systems. This ensures drivers’ optimal comfort and convenience, even during all-day hauling
Enjoy the Iconic and Innovative Peterbilt 579
Peterbilt really hit its targets when designing the Model 579. Because of its aerodynamic features, it’s considered one of the most economical trucks on the market today. In addition to its exceptional fuel efficiency, the truck takes sustainability to the next level by introducing innovative electric variants.
You can also unlock the full potential of your Peterbilt 579 by upgrading it with premium aftermarket semi truck parts. Enhance performance, boost efficiency, and take your truck to new heights!