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LAUNCH PAD
DAF doesn’t do daft! The Americanowned Dutch based truck brand built its highly regarded reputation on steady and gradual developments of its drivetrains and cabs. Rather it’s approach could be described as strategic. A case in point is the evolution of the original 95/XF heavy duty model. When launched back in 1997, it was both statement making and futuristic. Above all, it has stood the test of time.
So, how do you completely replace an iconic cab while including multiple elements necessary to meet today’s and tomorrow’s technical innovations and
legal requirements? Best start with a clean sheet of paper, as verified by Bart van Lotingen, Design Director at DAF Trucks N.V. Bart, who has enjoyed a long career at the Eindhoven headquartered company, is particularly pleased with the creation of not only a replacement of the XF but the addition of two other models, namely the XG & XG+ to extend and top the range.
When asked about coming up with the XG name, Bart admitted: “It doesn’t have any real significance, just that G follows F in the alphabet!” There goes my theory that it meant ‘grande’! Nonetheless, what Bart and his design team have come up with is indeed very impressive and interesting. As Ron Borsboom, Executive Director Product Development at DAF Trucks acclaimed: “We are very proud of our new series of trucks, not only because they deliver industry leading efficiency, safety and driver comfort but also these fantastic new vehicles pave the way to the future of road transport.”
Designing, developing and eventually manufacturing a new truck takes time, patience and much consultation. In this case, the new XF & XG ranges involved much discussion with the powers-thatbe in the European Commission. Changes to cab dimensions were being regulated for as far back as 2015, with the ‘aim of improving energy efficiency’, particularly with regards to the aerodynamic performance of cabs, as well as road safety, vehicles or vehicle combinations, ‘which fulfil the requirements laid down and which comply with Directive 2007/46/EC, and may exceed the maximum length laid down: Article 9a; New M&D Regulartion 2015/719’. space for the driver. While the frontal area has been elongated, scope for extending the back wall of the new cab was provided for. There was no overall opportunity to lengthen the tractor-unit and trailer combination load space which remains at 12 metres. The regulation implemented in September 2020 is similar for rigid truck and trailer combination.
In adapting to these new regulations for masses and dimensions, the overall length extension allows for ‘a significant reduction of air-drag’, while taking ‘a significant step in safety, not least for vulnerable road users, and also offering a significant step in driver comfort’.
In addition, future direct vision standards had to be met.
Ron explained that there were three main pillars or strategic drivers behind the development of the ‘New Generation DAF XF, XG & XG+ - Efficiency, Safety and Driver Comfort (now and for the future). Additionally, the new models are ‘ready for further adaption’, in that they are suitable for the installation of alternative powertrains, i.e., HVO and Biodiesel, Battery Electric, Hybrid drives and
Hydrogen/Fuel Cell. “So, in other words, the truck reinvented,” stated Ron.
Never before has there been so much emphasis on aerodynamics in truck design. Thanks to the design requirements from the EC, the cab’s vertical brick shape has become somewhat smoother. Through streamlining, tapering, curving and deflecting, the wind drag has been reduced substantially, aided by the sealing of any gaps between body parts. Together with modified airflow and recirculation in and around the cab (for cooling purposes), the overall effect is a 19% aerodynamic gain, resulting in a 6.3% reduction in fuel consumption. (This includes the optional fitting of digital mirrors or cameras to replace the standard exterior mirrors).
DAF Trucks has an exemplary pedigree when it comes to drivetrains, continuously innovating and tweaking its diesel engines for ultimate performance. Well, the New Generation DAFs feature
further technological developments, with more torque (at lower revs) and enhanced engine brake performance. Further engine and after-treatment systems modifications have been engineered to include weight reductions and longer service intervals. On the transmission side, DAF in collaboration with XF, has added a new feature to the TraXon automated gearbox with smoother drive-off selection and improved predictive cruise control. Add a changed rear axle and cooling system together with new air management, and an overall 3% fuel efficiency gain has been achieved.
Notable too is the 175kg weight reduction between the new XF and its predecessor. For instance, the XF SpaceCab comes in at 7,087kg, compared to the new version at 6,912kg. Even with the SuperSpace Cab at 7,095kg, the New Generation XF is at 7,053kg. Kilo for kilo, the New Generation DAFs consume 10.2% less fuel than the current edition (that will continue to be made and sold alongside the New Gen models. To summarise, the total fuel efficiency gains come from: Aerodynamics 4.9%, Engine and Aftertreatment 2.6%, Additional aerodynamics (Digi-mirrors) 1.4%, Smart controls 0.4%, Driveline & Brakes 0.4%, Weight 0.3%, Cooling & Air-intake 0.2%. To meet the new Direct Vision requirements (already in place in London), the new XF & XGs feature increased glazed areas and the lowest possible window line (over the grille). As an option, a kerbside window can be fitted (with a cinema type passenger seat to accommodate same). When it comes to night vision, full LED lights ensure superior visibility straight ahead and when cornering/ manoeuvring.
The robust cab structure ensure driver safety, further aided by a host of active systems such as brake assist, lane detection, AEBS, City Turn Assist, Electronic Parking Brake and Low speed trailer brake, to mention a few.
Then there’s the new class leading ergonomics to ensure that the driver keeps ‘Hands on the Wheel – Eyes on the Road’ through intuitive steering wheel and stalk controls. To differentiate the cab sizes from an interior space viewpoint: the XF has a 17cm engine tunnel, while the XG & XG+ have an extra 5cm inside. A short hop onto the bunk will surprise the driver with its extra dimensions and comfort and with the control pods on the rear panel and ample storage underneath, convenience is no further than an arm’s length away. The large storage areas provided guarantee that the driver’s time away from home is well catered for.
Assessing what the New Gen DAFs are like to drive, not least the new rear and cab suspensions, will feature in the next edition of Fleet Transport.
