DAF Trucks is introducing a large number of innovations to its New LF series.
The changes include a new 3.8 litre PACCAR engine and the possibility to select faster drivelines for maximum fuel efficiency. At the same time, the design of the exterior and the interior is aligned with the New CF and XF bringing ‘Pure Excellence’ to the entire DAF range of vehicles.
One of the major innovations introduced into the New LF is the new 3.8-litre PACCAR PX-4 engine at 7.5-tonnes and available in two power ratings: 115 kW/156 hp and 127 kW/172 hp with maximum torque of 500 and 600 Nm respectively between 1,200 and 2,000 rpm.
DAF is introducing this new engine specifically for its LF City for light, urban distribution applications, for which an engine with a displacement of just under 4.0 litres is optimal.
At higher ratings, the 4.5-litre PACCAR PX-5 (135 kW/184 hp to 157 kW/213 hp) and the 6.7-litre PACCAR PX-7 (172 kW/234 hp to 239 kW/325 hp) engines are available. These engines were enhanced at the end of 2016 with new software and optimised heat and air management.
As a result, the maximum torque of both engines is 5% to 12% higher than previously available, and occurs at 100 - 200 lower rpms. The maximum torque of the PX-5 and PX-7 engines is now 850 Nm (at 1,200–1,500 rpm) and 1,200 Nm (at 1,100–1,700 rpm) respectively. Power from the PACCAR PX-7 engine has been increased by 8 kW/11 hp.
Taking advantage of the new faster rear axle ratios of up to 3.31:1, engine speeds are reduced by 150 to 200 rpms at cruising speed. Combined with the engine innovations, this driveline optimisation delivers fuel savings of up to 6%, while driver comfort is further improved by lower engine noise.
DAF offers a selection of manual and automated 5, 6, 9 and 12-speed transmissions in the New LF series.
In addition, fully automatic gearboxes are now available while the Allison automatic transmission is available for the most powerful versions of the PX-7 to offer performance specifically tailored for vocational applications.
The fact that DAF’s New LF can be configured for any individual use is also attested by the wide range of wheelbases with lengths of up to 6.90 metres. This allows body lengths of more than 9 metres for maximum load capacity.
Moreover, the long wheelbase enables fuel tank volumes of up to 1,240 litres; unique to the New LF, allowing it an even longer operating range.
In alignment with DAF Transport Efficiency, DAF is also introducing innovations to enhance the New LF’s bodybuilder-friendliness. These include the new ‘Body Attachment Modules’, which facilitate the attachment of bodywork or equipment. In addition, specific preparations now exist for the attachment of a box body with tail-lift, a tanker with sub-frame or a tipper.
DAF now offers even more wheelbase and rear overhang choices on the LF. The combination of, for example, a longer wheelbase and a shorter overhang makes it simple to mount a refuse collection body.
The exterior design of the New LF shares many of the features that give the New CF and XF a completely new look.
Another addition for the New LF is the optional lower window in the passenger door to optimises passenger side visibility in urban environments.
The driver information panel (DIP) has also been redesigned in the New LF. Changes to graphics make messages clearer while the dials feature a contemporary font style that gives the instruments a fresh look.
DAF is also offering DAF Connect on the New LF. The fleet management system gives the transport operator real-time insight into the performance of vehicles and drivers.
Information on vehicle location, fuel consumption, mileage, vehicle utilisation and engine idling is presented clearly in an online dashboard, which can be customised to suit individual operator requirements.
Detailed fuel reports can be generated allowing DAF Connect to facilitate comparisons of current and recent data of vehicles and drivers. The ‘Live Fleet’ feature provides the fleet manager a programmable array of useful information about the location of the vehicles, routes and driving time which help to optimise fleet planning and utilisation.
The New LF (from 8 tonnes GVW and with rear air suspension) comes standard with Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
AEBS and FCW prevent collisions in an emergency situation by automatically applying the brakes if necessary.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) automatically adjusts the speed of the truck to match the speed of the vehicle it is following and, as a result, a safe distance is maintained between the two vehicles. This enables cruise control to be used as much as possible, which provides a fuel economy benefit. Lane Departure Warning (LDWS) works with a camera mounted on the windscreen and if the truck unintentionally strays from its lane, the driver is given an audible warning.
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