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DAF Booms in Birmingham

Unveiling one of the European truck industry’s best kept secrets, DAF shocked competitors and visitors alike at the recent Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK with its showcase of a new generation of CF and XF models.

 

Building on the strong market acceptance of its current Euro 6 models throughout Europe and the UK, DAF says this new generation of models will go into European production later this year equipped with engine innovations, new drivelines and aerodynamic optimisations which will deliver up to seven percent lower fuel consumption than existing models.

With its current MX-11 and MX-13 Euro 6 engines, DAF is already regarded as one of the most fuel efficient brands in the commercial vehicle industry.

However, DAF principals insist the new ‘DAF Connect’ fleet management system will drive even greate efficiency gains.

Meantime, the new generation CF and XF models also feature lower tare weight and updated interior and exterior designs for enhanced driver comfort and appeal.

“Building on the excellent reputation for fuel efficiency, reliability and driver comfort the current Euro 6 product range has earned in Europe, DAF has developed a new generation of CF and XF trucks offering the best possible solutions for both the customer and the driver,” said DAF Trucks president Preston Feight at the debut of the latest models.

With Euro 6 engines requiring both SCR and EGR emissions systems, DAF says the air management of its Paccar MX engines has been further improved by applying a more efficient turbocharger, a new EGR system and a new valve actuation design.

Additionally, thermal efficiency is said to be enhanced by development of a new combustion system comprising new pistons, injectors and injection strategies including higher compression ratios.

While torque peaks of both MX-11 and MX-13 engines have been increased, the big news is that the MX-13 has been boosted to a top rating of 390 kW (530 hp) and 2600 Nm of torque. 

Fuel efficiency has been further enhanced with the application of low viscosity oils, lower oil levels in the rear axles and low friction wheel end bearings.

In the driveline, ZF’s advanced TraXon automated transmission will be standard in the latest CF and XF models.

Among a suite of advances in both software and hardware, retardation power of the Paccar engine brake has also been improved. Maximum braking power of the MX-13 is now no less than 360 kW and in the important 1200 to 1500 rpm range, DAF says engine braking power has increased up to 30 percent. 

Labelled a major innovation in fleet management, the DAF Connect system offers the truck owner real-time information on the performance of his vehicles and drivers. 

According to DAF, information on vehicle location, fuel consumption, mileage, fleet utilisation and idle time are clearly presented in an on-line dashboard which can be tailored to customer requirements.

DAF further explains the user-friendly dashboard can be configured to provide comprehensive fuel reports with current and historical data that compares the fleet’s vehicles and drivers.

Meanwhile, driver comfort hasn’t been ignored with DAF describing its latest models as a ‘Driver’s Dream’ due to new interior trims, a new climate control system, upgraded instrument panel and dashboard layout, and at the top of the tree, a luxurious ‘Exclusive Line’ option available in both CF and XF models.

As Euro 6 models, the new trucks won’t be appearing in Australia anytime soon but of course, when it comes to emissions regulations, there’s always tomorrow.

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