These new HGVs have been optimised for efficiency, with DAF claiming that the changes made have enabled fuel consumption to be cut by up to 7%.
The PACCAR engines which the CF and XF use have been tweaked so that they operate effectively at lower revs, with engineers arguing that this is one of the main ways in which efficiency improvements have been achieved.
The biggest of the bunch, the MX-13, develops 2600Nm of torque when sitting at around 1000rpm, enabling it to provide plenty of pulling power while still sipping less fuel from the tanks in the process.
Introducing the New Models
DAF spokesperson Preston Feight said “the company had already established itself as a market leader with its earlier Euro 6-compliant HGVs, and it would continue to build on this reputation with these latest launches.
He also said that driver comfort remained a priority, with a smooth and consistent experience expected to be offered to occupants of the cab.
The first of the fresh batch of CF and XF tractors and trucks will roll out of DAF’s factories in the middle of 2017, with the firm planning to introduce a wider array of model options and configurations in Q3 and beyond.
The Latest Specifications
Aside from the improved engines, other efficiency enhancements have been made possible through weight-saving measures across the chassis and exhaust system. Meanwhile, the aerodynamics of the cab have been addressed, leading to a 0.5% increase in efficiency in one fell swoop.
Even the interior ventilation set-up has been altered so that it draws less power whether it is warming or cooling the cab, so drivers will be able to adjust the temperature to suit their preferences without burning through fuel quite as quickly as in the past.
Another new addition expected to appear on these trucks is the Traxon transmission, which will be available in either a 12- or 16-speed configuration. DAF has talked about the slickness with which shifting takes place, leading to less noisy changes and a generally more amenable experience for drivers.
Even the ECU has been overhauled, giving drivers more control over how the truck performs depending on the conditions it faces and the manoeuvres that need to be executed.
As with many modern HGVs, the cruise control of the new DAF CF and XF trucks has the ability to predict and react to the road ahead, taking inclines and descents into account so that the speed is controlled efficiently.
Each new generation of trucks from DAF and other major manufacturers seems to shave a significant slice off fuel consumption figures while also reducing harmful emissions. This is good news for fleet operators looking to save money while also being able to appease those who are concerned about the environmental impact of heavy-duty transport.
