World’s best trucks
Launched overseas in 2017, DAF’s new(ish) XF and CF truck ranges come to South Africa with quite some pedigree. The trucks have won accolade after accolade. The most significant was undoubtedly International Truck of the Year for 2018. The prestigious award was announced at a prize-giving held during the Solutrans Commercial Vehicle Show in Lyon, France.
According to International Truck of the Year Chairman Gianenrico Griffini, the local launch of these trucks is good news for transport operators. “With the introduction of the XF/CF series in the European Union, DAF delivered a heavy-duty truck range that sets a high standard in terms of driveline energy-efficiency and overall performance. These features can benefit transport companies worldwide, as South African operators will see first-hand,” he points out.
But exactly what makes these new trucks so special? And why were they named the very best trucks in the world? We don’t know exactly what models will come to South Africa in mid-March (this is still a closely guarded secret) and so we cannot reveal all their specific features. However, after experiencing the vehicles first-hand in Europe, we can certainly give an overview of the new trucks – and why their arrival is great news for South African transport operators.
Fuel savings
One of the features that operators will adore is the 7% fuel saving that is potentially up for grabs (we all know that drivers make a massive difference – hence our point about the potential savings). Drivers aside though, this fuel efficiency comes courtesy of the fully integrated and innovative driveline that achieves optimum interaction between the engine, after-treatment system, transmission and rear axles.
Speaking of engines, the trucks were launched with the Paccar MX-11 and MX-13 engines in Europe – their torque was increased significantly and is already available from 900 r/min to allow down speeding of the engine. The top-of-the range Paccar MX-13 engine produces 390 kW/530 hp and 2 600 Nm of torque at 1 000 r/min – but we don’t know if it’s coming to South Africa yet. Watch this space!
Efficient gearboxes
The latest generation of TraXon automated gearboxes are standard on the new CF and XF series with the 12-speed being standard and a 16-speed optional. Fewer friction losses, even faster upshifts and the extended use of EcoRoll contribute to the low fuel consumption. Driver comfort is enhanced thanks to its quiet and smooth operation and precise clutch control. The increased ratio spread allows excellent manoeuvrability, even when faster drivelines are applied.
New electric and electronic architecture
The new CF and XF feature a completely new electric and electronic architecture. It introduces a new vehicle control unit for dedicated driveline integration, featuring enhanced EcoRoll and Cruise Control functionalities, such as Dynamic Cruise. Dynamic Cruise adapts the character of the cruise control to the different driving circumstances. Thanks to the further integration of Predictive Cruise Control (PCC) and EcoRoll, PCC can now activate EcoRoll sooner, when both technologies have calculated that vehicle momentum is sufficient to carry the vehicle in neutral gear over the top of the hill within a set speed bandwidth. This can save a lot of fuel!
The brakes are terrific too. The performance of the Paccar engine brake has been enhanced. The maximum braking power of the Paccar MX-11 engine has grown from 320 to 340 kW. The braking power has increased by 20% between 1,000 to 1,500 r/min. Maximum braking power of the MX-13 is no less than 360 kW and – in the important 1,200 to 1,500 r/min range – braking power has increased by up to 30%.
Drivers will love it
The new DAF CF and XF deliver the highest level of quality and driver comfort. There are new warm and tasteful colours on the dashboard, seats, curtains, mattresses, side and back walls, which make the interior look decidedly upmarket. The instrument panel has been redesigned with new characters for a more modern and attractive appearance and enhanced clarity.
Drivers will also benefit from the new interior light switch, positioned in the central part of the dashboard, while DAF’s great sliding table and unmatched storage space remain untouched. The new interior light switch is great; drivers can dim it for “night drive” and “relax” modes. All speed-related functions – including cruise control, predictive cruise control and adaptive cruise control –are logically grouped at the right side of the steering wheel.
Why the XF and CF won the crown
Griffini reveals that these – and many other – impressive features resulted in the DAF XF and CF wearing the 2018 International Truck of the Year crown.
“The Truck of the Year jury members appreciated the new XF/CF’s energy efficiency features, which include improved combustion, a reduction in internal engine friction losses, engine down-speeding, intelligent auxiliaries, driveline component integration, different gear-shifting strategies, enhanced predictive features running on a new electronic architecture as well as weight reductions in selected components such as the compact after-treatment system.
“In particular, during an extended test drive in Belgium and the Netherlands, the jury members praised the advanced characteristics of the latest XF/CF drivelines, which allow for longer fuel-saving ‘Eco-roll’ periods,” he reveals.
Well, now it’s time for South African transport operators to experience these features (assuming that they do all come to South Africa). And, even though the trucks have yet to be launched, DAF is already inundated with orders. “We are selling them quicker than we ever imagined... even before the launch!” an insider at the company reveals.
Best you grab one quick before they’re all gone.
