DAF is offering a new range of trucks aligned with the objectives of the new European mass and dimension regulations.
The new generation of DAF XF, XG and XG+ trucks offer a completely new and energy efficient vehicle platform, fully prepared for future energy carriers like batteries and hydrogen, and future powertrains including e-motors, plug-in hybrids, fuel cells and hydrogen combustion engines. The vehicle’s diesel engines are ready for the latest generations of bio fuels (including gas-to-liquid and HVO) as well as for renewable e-fuels to further decarbonize road transport.
To improve energy efficiency, the DAF XF, XG and XG+ models are equipped with new powertrains, featuring new engine, transmission and rear axle technologies.
The trucks are powered by the Paccar 10.8L MX-11 and 12.9L MX-13 engines which provide torque increases of 50 to 100 Nm in direct drive top gear. The top-rated 390kW/530 hp version provides 2,550 Nm in every lower gear and 2,700 Nm in top gear. The new generation HE400 turbocharger improves air management, further strengthening DAF’s down-speeding performances with maximum torque available at 900 rpm, even for the 390kW/530 hp MX-13 engine. The engine brake delivers up to 20% more torque at lower revs.
Combustion of the MX-11 and MX-13 engines has been optimized through the use of new injectors, a new cylinder head and block to allow higher cylinder pressures and a new design of pistons and liners. A new generation of efficient turbo chargers is utilized for air management and new air compressors, oil pumps and alternators ensure parasitic losses are minimised. The exhaust-after-treatment system is redesigned to achieve the shortest route from engine outlet to EAS-inlet to minimise exhaust temperature loss.
The trucks are equipped with a Traxon automated gearbox as standard, featuring new technologies like automatic drive-off gear selection, enhanced predictive features and (optional) urge-to-move. For maximum driveline efficiency, rear axles with reduced oil levels and new pinion bearings are employed. A new generation of brake callipers results in less frictional losses and a lower weight.
Low vehicle weights (kerb weight of the new generation XF 4×2 tractor in its most representative specification is only 6,912 kilograms) and enhanced driver assistance systems (Predictive Cruise Control 3 with extended EcoRoll functionalities and Preview Downhill Speed Control) bring the total efficiency gain up to 10%, representing the largest fuel efficiency improvement in the history of the company. In addition, new engine and after treatment technologies as well as sophisticated thermal management result in up to 3% additional fuel efficiency gain from the 10% overall improvement.
A full range of active safety features are available on the XF, XG and XG+. These include the brake assist, lane departure warning system and emergency brake lights. The latest version of advanced emergency braking system (AEBS-3) can provide up to full autonomous emergency braking to assist with collision avoidance of both stationary and moving vehicles from a speed of up to 80 km/h. The city turn assist system detects other road users or objects at the co-driver side.
Other optional systems include the new DAF electronic park brake, engaging the brakes automatically when the engine is switched off. The low speed trailer brake activates the trailer brakes independently for safe trailer coupling and decoupling. The park brake assist engages all brakes along with the park brake to ensure that the truck does not move during loading or unloading with a crane, or whilst operating a tipping body.
The development processes of the new generation DAF trucks are based on the principles of design for Six Sigma as well as Automotive Spice for which the latter audits were performed at level 2 and 3. Over 150 field test vehicles were put into daily operation with customers throughout Europe. DAF will have gained an equivalent of some 20 million long distance kilometers before the new generation XF, XG and XG+ enter production.
The advanced DAF Connect fleet management system supports over the air software updates. Service intervals have increased to 200,000 kilometers or once a year.
DAF will start series production of 4×2 and 6×2 tractor and rigid offerings of the new generation XF, XG and XG+ trucks in the last quarter of 2021.