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The trucking industry has been abuzz since Peterbilt announced last year that the all-new Model 589 will become the legendary successor of the iconic Model 389. It promises to be the ultimate reward and premium work truck while epitomizing quality, elegance, precision, style and efficiency.
Production of the Model 589 begins this month at Peterbilt’s factory in Denton, Texas, so we thought we’d dive into the rich Peterbilt history that inspired its design and all the new features that will make the Model 589 a truck that works hard and looks good while doing it.
A Tradition of Class 8 Excellence
When the Peterbilt Model 389 was unveiled in 2007, it quickly became an embodiment of Peterbilt’s heritage and a true icon of the road. With its long and tall design, it pays tribute to and incorporates the classic features of its predecessors: the Model 359 in production from 1967 to 1987 and the Model 379 in production from 1987 to 2007.
The Model 359 was the first long hood truck produced by Peterbilt as well as the first to come with an option for a sleeper cab that allowed drivers to walk directly into the rear bunk. Built originally for high-demand logging jobs, it paved the way for an era of trucks customized for specific applications. To sum it up, the 359 “set the standard for what an American truck was and the possibilities of what it could be,” according to Jacob White, Peterbilt’s Director of Product Marketing. When the Model 379 replaced the 359 as the standard Class 8 highway tractor in 1987, it wasn’t long before it became the most popular owner-operated truck of all time. Its recognizable headlamp cluster, long, square nose and aluminum hood were features that became synonymous with the trucking industry.
Now in its final days of production, the Model 389 has been a fundamental part of the Peterbilt brand for almost 20 years and remains the ultimate aspirational truck for drivers. Its traditional aluminum hood, signature grille, West Coast-style mirrors, classic pod headlamps, and external air cleaners paired with the longest-ever hood on a conventional Peterbilt have made the Model 389 one of the most recognized and popular big rigs today.
A Reminiscent Design
As Peterbilt’s design and engineering teams dreamt up the Model 589, their main focus was preserving the key characteristics that make a truck unmistakably Peterbilt while also offering new benefits and an updated driver environment. The result was a blend of tradition and innovation that carefully maintains and boldly enhances the appeal of the Model 389 on a new 2.1-meter cab platform.
The Model 589 features the same long-nose hood and chassis as the Model 389 with an upgraded, more aerodynamic cab that offers better fuel mileage and meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. The Model 379 is also present in its DNA as evidenced by its long aluminum hood, wrap-around polished aluminum grille crown, triple grille bars, headlamp pods and 7-inch chrome dual exhaust stacks. With a strong connection to the truck’s heritage, the stainless steel grille mesh, external 15-inch traditional-style air cleaners, and exhaust covers feature a rectangular pattern found on the very first tilt-hood “Petes.” The iconic Peterbilt bird hood ornament takes its rightful place above the crown to give the Model 589 its bold and instantly recognizable road presence.
All About Versatility
Versatility and customization are integral parts of Peterbilt’s history, and the Model 589 continues the legacy. The all-new truck is available in a 121-inch short hood or 131-inch long hood BBC and can be configured as a day cab or sleeper cab. On sleeper models, choose from a 44-, 58- or 72-inch low-roof configuration or a 44-, 58-, 72- or 80-inch high-roof sleeper.
The Model 589 comes with powertrain options for all applications with either a PACCAR MX-13 or Cummins X15 diesel engine paired with an available Eaton RT/FR manual transmission, TX-12 Endurant HD and TX-18 Endurant XD automated transmission, or Allison 4000/4500/4700 automatic transmission. Plus, drivers have a choice of a wide array of bumpers to fit any application and three options for exterior lighting to meet unique needs for inventory, serviceability, efficiency and protection.
To customize the truck further, drivers can choose the distinctive Legendary Package that includes the original script Peterbilt logo and spears from 1939 on the side of the hood and throughout the cab, bright rocker panels, and polished fenders and lower hood overlay.
Strategic Upgrades
Despite its nods to classic Peterbilt style, the Model 589 was reimagined to provide best-in-class uptime, maximum performance, improved serviceability, and the latest innovations and technologies. Classic huck fasteners on the multi-piece aluminum hood and Matan quarter fender on short hood models make it easier to get under the hood for repairs, while new LED daytime running lights have been added to the fender brace for improved visibility for drivers. Heated and motorized West Coast-style mirrors come standard with a 2-inch taller flat glass and repositioned 8-inch convex mirror for a better view of the road. A V-style visor has also been added to the windshield as a bold new element, and new bullet marker lights on the roof feature twice the number of LEDs for improved light output.
An air-assisted hydraulic clutch has been added on manual transmissions to reduce driver fatigue and maintenance needs, and the latest collision mitigation and drive assistance technologies have been included for improved driver safety. Drivers and fleet owners will appreciate updated adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and side object detection, all of which relieve some of the stresses of highway driving.
Comfortable, Driver-Focused Interior
Peterbilt has spared no detail when it comes to the interior of the new 2.1-meter cab and has incorporated driver feedback to provide a state-of-the-art experience. New, wider 45-inch steps make it easier to get in and out of the cab while a larger 68-inch walkthrough on sleeper models improves access to the bunk. The contemporary, 15-inch digital instrument panel is the largest in the industry and features customizable gauges and intelligent gauge monitoring. And superior ergonomics, new automatic climate control, and larger dual cupholders help maintain a comfortable driver environment.
Drivers can customize the look of their cab with two available trim levels — premier or platinum — and options for either grey or tan finishes. Plus, the B-panel on the dash includes a standard storage bin that can be replaced with up to six traditional-style round gauges.
Plenty of purposeful storage has been added to the sleeper models, including an appliance shelf with space for a large microwave, a full-height wardrobe and pull-out desk workstation on the 72-inch and 80-inch sleepers, and an optional refrigerator and rear wall storage. An optional mount for a 22-inch flat screen is also available to make watching TV from the bunk a comfortable experience.
Now Available for Order from Rush Truck Centers
Rush Truck Centers is excited to offer the new Peterbilt Model 589 at our Peterbilt dealerships nationwide. We are currently taking orders for the Model 589, and our dedicated truck sales specialists are ready and waiting to help you customize your truck to meet your needs.
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