IAA 2012: New DAF trucks became more enviromenally friendly and... more Asian style
DAF introduced its new flagship Euro 6 XF model at the Hanover truck show. The new XF will enter production in Spring-2013. DAF's new XF flagship model has an elegant appearance, thanks to its redesigned aerodynamic exterior with a smooth, attractive cab. The grille with modern design accents makes a significant contribution to optimizing air flows for aerodynamics and engine cooling. The bumper, made from galvanized steel to enhance durability, has also been designed contributing to the truck's aerodynamics and engine cooling. There are also new headlight units with LED lighting, standard daytime running lights (LED) and optional cornering lights. All this is great, but DAF XF looks like... some Asian truck.
Building on the excellent reputation for reliability and efficiency, the PACCAR MX 12.9L engine has earned in Europe and North America, DAF has developed a new generation of Euro 6 engines. The PACCAR MX-13 engine features state-of-the-art technologies and proven technical innovations. The use of common rail fuel injection technology, a variable geometry turbo, and efficient exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) ensures excellent fuel economy and vehicle reliability. The advanced exhaust gas after treatment system contains a DeNOx catalytic converter and active soot filter (Diesel Particulate Filter) and was developed to achieve maximum efficiency. Use of passive regeneration is optimized during the engines operating cycle to further improve fuel efficiency.
The new PACCAR MX-13 Euro 6 engine is offered with outputs of 300 kW/410 hp, 340 kW/460 hp and 375 kW/510 hp and high torque outputs from 2,000 to 2,500 Nm, available across a broad engine speed range (1,000–1,425 rpm). A key principle when developing the new drivetrain was to keep fuel consumption at the same low level as that of the current Euro 5 ATe engines. The PACCAR MX-13 Euro 6 engine delivers outstanding durability with a B10 design life of 1.6 million kilometers and industry leading service (service intervals up to 150,000 km).
By cleverly installing the engine and cooling system in the chassis, the height of the cab floor has remained virtually the same. This ensures excellent accessibility with only three aluminum steps positioned in a ‘staircase’ style. The low cab floor makes the XF Super Space Cab the most spacious cab on the market with a total volume of more than 12.6 m3. The low cab floor also contributes to the excellent field of vision. The interior of the XF features many significant enhancements. The new PACCAR seats offer a wide adjustment range to provide an even greater degree of comfort. The position of the pedals has been revised to include a hanging brake pedal for maximum ease of operation and more foot-well space.
The steering wheel has been redesigned, along with the new central information panel on the dashboard, which features new functionalities and a new color screen. The instrument panel has been redesigned with attractive aluminum accents around the dials. New high visibility switches which have been re-grouped by function, make the controls easy to operate. Other new additions include the two cup holders fitted in the central part of the dashboard and a waste bin adjacent to the driver. The door panels have also been redesigned. These can be fitted with optional aluminum inlay which is also used on the passenger side of the dashboard. DAF has improved its market-leading sleeping compartment by extending the primary mattress (160 mm deep) to 2.20 meters. A new multifunctional control panel, coupled with new storage space is located on the rear wall. The DAF XF features Vehicle Stability Control as standard, which helps to prevent jack-knifing and roll-over. Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning are optional, as well as an Advanced Emergency Braking System.
A new, lighter rear axle is available for combination weights of up to 44 tonnes and engine torques of up to 2,300 Nm. A Stabilink suspension structure incorporates the function of the anti-roll bar, reducing weight and providing a high level of stability and excellent handling. A new fifth wheel mounting plate and smart positioning of the battery boxes result in additional weight savings. The new steering gear is mounted on a multifunctional casting, eliminating the need for a separate steering box mounting bracket. The standard 90-litre AdBlue tank (140-litre tank optional) is positioned under the cab and the batteries can be positioned to the rear inside the chassis. Combining the DeNOx system and the soot filter into a single unit makes it possible to provide fuel tank capacities of up to 1,500 liters for a maximum operating range. Additional enhancements include new rear mudguards and a redesigned closing cross-member for the chassis.
