The model line also remains a popular basis for truck customization, with owners adding additional chrome trim, wheels, lighting, and paint.

To better allow for engine cooling, the radiator was widened slightly, with the tilting hood made standard.

A heavy-duty W900S (sloped hood) was introduced in 1987; it is similar in appearance to the T800, except for its set-forward front axle and raised chassis.

To accommodate larger diesel engines, the long hood was lengthened several inches to further increase radiator size.

Distinguished by its twin skylight windows, Aerodyne was the first factory-produced sleeper cab with a raised roof.

To accommodate engine cooling and exhaust changes, the hoodline was raised, requiring the cab to be mounted higher on the frame.

Initially produced as a limited edition (to commemorate the W900B model's appearance in Licence to Kill), the W900L became a full-production vehicle.

As an option, an extended-BBC configuration was introduced for day cabs (resulting from the design of the raised roof).

[6] Sharing (only) its cab with the W900, the 963 is a 6x6 vehicle developed exclusively for off-road heavy-haul use (primarily for desert oilfields), with the ability to pull up to 500,000 pounds.

[7] Introduced for 1985,[8] the Kenworth T600 is the first semitractor to bring an aerodynamically-enhanced design to production, including a sloped hood, skirted lower body, and bodywork that closely integrates the front fenders and bumper.

The T600 used the cab and frame from the W900B; to accommodate the sloped hood (which included internally-mounted air cleaners) and larger bumpers, the chassis adopted a set-back front axle configuration.

[8] Marketed alongside the W900 for its entire production run, Kenworth would make the final version of the T600 over 25% sleeker than the original.

[8] In response to the success of the T600 (by 1986, becoming nearly half of Kenworth production[8]), other North American truck manufacturers introduced aerodynamically enhanced Class 8 highway trucks of their own, with the T600 facing competition from the Ford Aeromax, International 9400, and Peterbilt 377 by the end of the 1980s, along with the Peterbilt 372 and Freightliner Argosy cabovers.

While featuring changes to its front bodywork, suspension, and frame, the 2008-2017 Kenworth T660 (replacing the T600) shared its cab/sleeper commonality with its predecessor and the W900.

This model is available in limited production numbers and comes with nearly the entire catalog of chrome "brightwork" as well as unique badges to distinguish itself from the standard W900L.

[9] The option package included "Kenworth 100" badging on the sleeper exterior, sofa bed, seats, sun visor, and exhaust shields.

[9][10] A "Centennial" paint striping design was offered as an option (on sleeper cabs[9]), with red frame rails and special-design "Kenworth 100" wheels included as part of the exterior.

One of the most famous appearances of the model line is in the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit (alongside the Pontiac Trans Am).

A black Kenworth W900 is driven by country singer Terri Clark in her "Dirty Girl" video.