June 9 - Paccar's European subsidiary, DAF, has introduced significant upgrades to its XF and CF heavy truck ranges.

Reporting by Peter Shakespeare. Subscribe today to see the May/June 2017 edition of HLPFI for the full report.

The world premiere of enhancements to Paccar's MX engines, inclusion of new ZF derived automated transmissions, repackaged emissions control hardware, cab improvements and vehicle management systems for the Euro 6 DAF XF and CF took place at the UK's Commercial Vehicle Show.

The re-engineered Paccar engines now produce more power and torque at lower revs, while realising up to 7 percent fuel efficiency gains. The air management of the MX engines has been improved by fitting new, more efficient turbochargers. There is a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and valve actuation design.

DAF says a key principle when developing the new drivelines was to reduce engine revs for improved fuel efficiency. Power and torque outputs have been increased significantly. Maximum torque is available from 900 revolutions per minute (rpm) to allow down speeding. The range topping MX-13 engine now produces 530 hp and 2,600 Newton metres (Nm) of torque at 1,000 rpm DAF's AS-Tronic automated transmission has been replaced with ZF's 12-speed, TraXon automated manual gearboxes as standard on the new CF and XF series. An optional 16-speed version can be specified.

DAF says it has less friction losses, faster upshifts and the extended use of EcoRoll aids fuel consumption. An increased ratio spread allows better low speed manoeuvrability. The Paccar engine brake offers 30 percent more retardation. Maximum braking power of the MX-13 is now 360 kW from 1,200 to 1,500 rpm.


The new CF and XF will enter production this summer in 4 x 2 and 6 x 2 tractor and rigid configurations. Other versions will follow in the autumn.