May 1, 2003 12:00 PM

IN a move designed to appeal to appearance-minded fleets and owner-operators, Peterbilt Motors Company, Denton TX, introduced its new Model 379X during the Mid-America Trucking show in Louisville, Kentucky, March 19 to 21, 2003. Styled to make the most of Peterbilt longnose conventional traditions, the new 379X has a polished aluminum grille and air cleaner screen punched with oval holes to mimic the Peterbilt logo. Fenders are polished aluminum. Although the hood and fenders assembly tilts like all 379 hoods, it has a polished aluminum centerline strip that makes the hood look as though it could open in butterfly fashion. Fenders are polished aluminum. In addition the new tractor has chromed, seven-inch dual exhaust stacks, an extended stainless steel sun visor, and a deep, flat front chromed bumper.

Aluminum trim dominates the interior as well. Dash panels and cab and sleeper trim are brushed aluminum. The driver controls the tractor with a large four-spoke steering wheel with stylized x-styled spokes and sits on a custom leather UltraRide seat. The shift lever and transmission control knob are chromed.