Paccar subsidiary DAF has announced the release of its long awaited 15 litre prime mover range, to be known as the DAF XG and XG+.
The new DAF has been much anticipated and brings a big banger engine into the Euro sourced Paccar range.
The new engine has been designated as a Paccar PX-15, but it is actually a Cummins sourced 15 litre adding to the DAF/Paccar developed MX engines which topped out at 13 litres and limited the penetration of the Dutch brand in the Australian line haul market.
The 15 litre will deliver 660 horsepower in the XG and XG+ models, which are the result of what Paccar says has been an Australian-led project.
The Cummins sourced Paccar PX-15 is a Euro 6-compliant new generation engine platform which the company says comes with a sculpted, ladder frame style block that is said to significantly enhance the performance levels of the 15-litre engine.
The company claims the PX-15 architecture allows it to operate at higher cylinder pressures, resulting in performance of 660hp at 1800rpm and 3200Nm of torque between 900-1400rpm.
Paccar claims that the 15 litre’s performance results in reduced fuel consumption, optimised efficiency, enhanced durability, and improved driveability.
The Australian XG and XG+ are mated to a ZF TraXon 16-speed automated gearbox which the company says enables it to harness the high torque output from the 15 litre engine.
The company says that locally developed calibrations for ‘high productivity combinations’ ensure that the perfect gear is always available, making both trucks easy to drive.
The company said that it has worked with global Paccar engineering teams and supplier partners to create what it describes as the most productive linehaul truck possible.
DAF claims that the new trucks mean no more sacrificing productivity for creature comforts, and no more trade-offs between performance, safety, or technology.
It claims that these Australian-built new generation DAFs represent what it describes as ‘everything gained and nothing lost’.
The company claims that owners and fleets will appreciate it once they get hands-on with the new trucks and experience them for themselves, going on to say that ‘the Future Starts Now!’
It said that its engineering team has combined what it describes as superior safety, luxury, and aerodynamics of an all-new cab with a next generation engine that delivers the power and torque Australian applications demand.
Paccar Australia is describing the new trucks as being ‘two new flagships, one new engine, and zero compromise’.
Paccar Australia’s director of product planning, Ross Cureton, said that throughout the development of the XG, the team was eager to extend the capability of the truck to suit the high productivity applications that make Australian transport unique.
“Through Paccar’s global powertrain partnerships, we identified the perfect combination to deliver a step forward in performance, fuel economy and durability, while preserving the outstanding comfort, safety and refinement of this next generation DAF,” Cureton said.
Paccar Australia’s chief engineer, Brad May has made no secret that the development of this truck has been one of his major goals in recent years and said that it was critical for this project to be led by an Australian team with decades of experience engineering products in this market.
“It’s about so much more than just the cab and engine, it’s also the frame layout, fuel and AdBlue tanks, air filtration, suspension and axles to name a few,” said May.
“Putting all this together without diluting our design for the needs of other world markets is the secret to making the XG greater than the sum of its parts, and that’s something PACCAR Australia has been doing for more than 50 years,” May added.
Michael Long, Paccar Australia’s director of sales and marketing, said that a huge benefit of the extensive local XG validation program is that customers have had time to truly benchmark these trucks against their fleet.
“We’re beyond 5 million kilometres on local roads now and drivers appreciate the comfort and technology in the new cab, but they value the powertrain performance even more,” said Long.
“Customers are reporting a significant fuel economy improvement whilst pushing these trucks into their most productive applications,” he added.
DAF said it has taken a pioneering step with its latest generation cab design, claiming to be the first manufacturer to leverage updated European regulations on cab dimensions.
The company says the new generation cab features a redesigned front grille for improved cooling and aerodynamics, 220-litre toolboxes on both sides, and easy access with three evenly spaced steps.
It added that both the XG and XG+ showcase elongated, aerodynamic cabs that it says enhance driver visibility and also significantly improve comfort and space.
The company says the new DAF XG and XG+ have been ‘reimagined from the ground up’ saying that its elongated cab design provides two main benefits, exceptional aerodynamic efficiency and an incredibly spacious interior.
DAF proffers that the tapered cab narrows vertically at the front and widens gradually towards the back, which it claims enhances aerodynamic performance and efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. The company claims that this efficiency has been further enhanced by features such as closed wheel arch covers, redesigned side mirrors and an extensively curved windscreen, which is unusual for a cab over truck cab.
Paccar says the interior of the DAF XG and XG+ brings a luxurious vehicle aesthetic, to the truck cab with what it describes as high-quality materials and finishes throughout.
The company says that it believes that drivers will enjoy the high-end feel and convenience of the modern steering wheel, which can operate the various functions of the 12-inch central screen, displaying an array of personalised information.
There is also a 10-inch display to the left of the steering wheel that provides access to what it calls ‘the DAF Infotainment System’, which interfaces with both Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, with the on screen phone based navigation, audio and other convenient options.
Paccar says the latest gen DAF XG and XG+ are very quiet on the inside of the new cab.
The company says they feature exceptional soundproofing and isolation, along with enhanced front suspension and damper design, which it claims minimises vibration in the driveline, seats, and steering.
The company claims these features set new standards for reduced interior noise levels, helping drivers remain alert for longer.
Paccar says the new generation cabs provide room to stand upright and plenty of space behind the wheel and throughout the cab. The rear cab area is claimed to be a haven for rest, relaxation, and sleep, boasting a generously proportioned lower bunk that Paccar claims sets ‘new standards in comfort and quality’.
The new truck’s extended length and flat floor also contribute to greater comfort and freedom of movement for the driver according to DAF.
The company says that the XG and XG+ models both boast interior standing heights of more than 2 metres, which it adds, provides ample space to stand upright.
Paccar says that due to both the extended cab length and roof height, the XG and XG+ deliver a new found sense of space and comfort.
A spacious retractable table has been integrated into the dashboard and is said to be perfect for working or enjoying a meal. The cab also boasts a generous storage tray for documents while there are multiple USB ports and 12V sockets for added convenience.
Paccar claims that there are plenty of convenient storage solutions incorporated into the new DAF models, with an easily accessible storage area in the roof console, on top of the dashboard, and in the door pockets.
Inside the sleeping area, the XG+ boasts dual underbed refrigerator drawers, while the XG features one refrigerator drawer and one storage drawer. Both the XG and XG+ also offer space for a microwave and TV, along with additional provisions for phone storage and charging. It says that the rear wall panel is a multi-functional control centre for driver convenience enabling them to manage the lighting, temperature, windows, and roof hatch from the comfort of relaxing in bed.
The company says that both new models come equipped with an 800mm by 2220mm fully rectangular lower bunk, while the XG+ features a push-button electric adjustable bed as well as an added top bunk and air suspended passenger seat for two-up driving.
DAF says that it hasn’t overlooked safety with the new gen DAFs with both models boasting an extensive range of active and passive safety features.
It claims it’s the most safety ever provided by DAF, and certainly a lot more than any Kenworth from the Paccar stable.
The company says it will contribute to improved safety for drivers and other road users, with both models equipped with a 270 degrees corner view camera that it says reduces blind spots on the passenger side and the front of the vehicle, enhancing roadside safety.
It also says the European designed truck also features a robust cab structure that it claims provides 360 degrees of impact protection.
DAF says the truck’s larger windscreen and lower dashboard beltline significantly enhances the driver’s direct vision, while the new models come with DAF’s full suite of safety systems as standard, including vehicle stability control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and an advanced emergency braking system.
The company says its patented Programmed Cab Displacement (ProCaDis) design includes a cab/chassis shear-off mechanism, which it claims mitigates trailer rear-end collisions.
Paccar says the new XG and XG+ are available to order now, with production commencing at the company’s Bayswater Plant in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne commencing from January next year.
DAF also says its dealer network across Australia has XG & XG+ demonstrators available for customers to experience for themselves.
