DAF has launched its new generation of trucks, with a redesigned XF and introduction of the XG and XG+ models, boasting 10% fuel saving on its predecessor, as well as new levels of connectivity, safety and comfort.
The new XF has been given a full new cab design, which takes advantage of new European masses and dimensions regulations designed to aid the reduction of CO2 emissions. This includes a 160mm elongation to provide better aerodynamics, energy efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. It has a 75mm lower cab datum compared to the XF Super Space Cab and Space Cab.
Direct vision has also been improved with a large windscreen, ultra-low belt line and streamlined A-pillar covers.
Meanwhile, standing height in the new XF is between 1,900 and 2,075mm, depending on the position within the cab.
DAF has also launched the XG and XG+, creating a new top-class market segment, which takes advantage of the new masses and dimensions regulations. Next to the 160mm elongated front, both flagship models feature 330mm extra length at the rear of the cab for greater space to work, live and sleep. The cab datum of the XG and XG+ is 125mm higher than the new XF.
The XG cab interior offers a standing height from 1,980 to 2,105mm and – thanks to the elongation at the rear – enormous interior space compared to previous models.
The new XG+ has a further increased roof height to offer a standing height of up to 2,220mm. In terms of spaciousness, it has a volume of 12.5m3 – 14% more volume than the current DAF XF Super Space Cab.
Design
DAF has redesigned its exterior cab – for which lightweight high strength steel was used – replacing a design that has served for some 25 years. All cabs have the same distinctive tapered cab shape with seamlessly fitting body panels and sleekly mounted windscreen and doors for outstanding aerodynamic efficiency.
Meanwhile, the air intake is integrated in the front, while the integrated steel bumper has a composite skin and consists of three elements to combine lowest vulnerability with low repair costs in case of damage.
There are also full LED headlights, with Daytime Running Lights and integrated cornering lights, as well as LED Skylights, which are standard on the XG and XG+.
The new DAFs were designed with a focus on Six Sigma quality and the vehicles underwent more than 20 million kilometres of functional, durability, reliability and customer testing to ensure the new trucks meet DAF’s exacting quality standards.
Aerodynamics
Much of the 10% fuel saving that the new DAFs have, according to the company, come from aerodynamic improvements.
As mentioned, it has a curved windscreen, elliptically shaped corner panels, the streamlined A-pillar covers, along with a bottom plate with integrated air deflector and wheel bay deflectors, which all add to the aerodynamics, as do the optional cameras instead of external mirrors.
To enhance engine compartment and under cab airflows, there are closures around the charge air cooler and the radiator, flow guides and recirculation barriers and closed wheel bay covers. All this has resulted in 19% better aerodynamics and up to 6.3 out of the 10% fuel efficiency improvement.
Powertrains
The new XF, XG and XG+ are equipped with the 10.8 litre PACCAR MX-11 and 12.9 litre PACCAR MX-13 engines, which have new injectors, a new cylinder head and block – allowing higher cylinder pressures – and a new design of pistons and liners. The exhaust-after-treatment system is redesigned to achieve the shortest route from engine outlet to EAS-inlet for absolute minimum exhaust temperature loss for highest efficiency.
However, the top horsepower for the new trucks is still 530, as it was with the previous XF. That said, the MX-11 and MX-13 engines have torque increases of 50 to 100Nm in direct drive top gear. The 530hp version now offers 2,550Nm in every lower gear and 2,700Nm in top gear. The new generation HE400 turbocharger improves air management, strengthening down-speeding performances with maximum torque now available at 900rpm, even at 530hp. In addition, the engine brake delivers up to 20% more torque at lower revs.
The result is lower CO2 emissions, a once-a-year service interval and lower weight of 10–15 kilograms, contributing to the overall productivity of the truck.
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.
The DAF XF, XG and XG+ are equipped with a TraXon automated gearbox as standard, which featuring new technologies like automatic drive-off gear selection. 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.
DAF has also confirmed that there will not be a manual version of the new trucks.
Technological introductions
With the new trucks, DAF has introduced over-the-air-updates for the engine and after-treatment systems, the vehicle ECU, the Central Security Gateway and DAF Connect.
In addition, following the lead of companies like Mercedes-Benz, DAF has introduced as an option the DAF Digital Vision System, which replaces the main and wide-angle mirrors. Even under extreme weather conditions, the heated cameras provide a clear view. The cameras are also electrically retractable, which is an industry first, according to DAF.
Another option is DAF Corner View, which replaces the kerb and front view mirrors and exceed the field of vision of these conventional mirrors.
Safety
The new DAFs include a variety of active and passive safety features. One of the most significant is DAF’s patented Programmed Cab Displacement System (ProCaDis), allowing a 400mm controlled cab displacement on the chassis during an accident, to absorb the energy and prevent the cab from detaching. As a result, ProCaDis maintains the cab structure and maximises the survival space for vehicle occupants.
Active safety devices include:
- Brake Assist
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Emergency Brake Lights.
- The latest Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS-3) can provide up to full autonomous emergency braking to assist with collision avoidance of stationary and moving vehicles from a speed of up to 80 km/h.
- City Turn Assist system detects other road users or objects at the co-driver side.
- Electronic Park Brake, engaging the brakes automatically when the engine is switched off (optional).
- Low Speed Trailer Brake activates the trailer brakes independently for safe trailer coupling and decoupling (option).
- 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 (option).
In the cab
All cabs can be accessed via three steps for ease of entry. As mentioned, the cabs offer more space than the previous generation XF.
Inside the cab, the dashboard features a central 12” display for all vehicle-related information and an optional 10” touch screen for the DAF Navigation and Infotainment System. All key information is visible at a glance.
The most important buttons are intuitively positioned on the dashboard and on the steering wheel. The design is in line with the DAF philosophy of ‘Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road’, to avoid taking the eyes of the road and contributing to comfort and safety.
While DAF has long been well-regarded for the quality of its bunk, this too has been upgraded, with a length of 2,220mm and width of 800mm in all versions. As an option, a mechanical or even fully electrically adjustable DAF Relax Bed is available for optimal head, back and leg support.
The new Rear Wall Control Panel enables convenient operation of a range of functionalities from the bed: lighting, climate, sound system, windows and roof hatch. The panel even offers a surveillance mode, which activates the DAF digital vision systems with the DAF Digital Mirror System and DAF Corner Eye, and a panic button that actives the horn and hazard lights.
Under the bunk, there is plenty of storage options including either one or two drawers or one or two refrigerators in which 1.5 litre bottles can stand upright. Outside storage lockers at the left and right sides, are accessible through large openings.
With the extra space in the cabs, the new DAFs offer additional storage space compared to previous models, including in the roof consoles and on top of the dashboard, in the door pockets and under the bunk. The dashboard has two holders for cups, mugs and small bottles. In addition, the XG and XG+ have a practical drawer in the lower part of the dashboard in which documents or a laptop can be easily stored.
DAF will start series production of 4×2 and 6×2 tractor and rigid offerings of its new XF, XG and XG+ in the last quarter of 2021. Prices will be confirmed closer to the time.
There will be more on the new generation DAFs in the July issue of Commercial Vehicle Engineer. To read the June issue, click here
