DAF used the CV Show to lift the lid on a new generation of XF and CF trucks. The Dutch manufacturer said engine innovations, new drivelines and aerodynamic optimisations result in up to seven per cent better fuel efficiency – will can be further improved with the new DAF Connect fleet management system.

The new trucks also feature lower weight for an extra 100 kg of payload, and an updated interior and exterior design for better driver comfort.

“Building on the excellent reputation for fuel efficiency, reliability and driver comfort the current Euro 6 product range has earned in Europe, DAF has developed a new generation of CF and XF trucks offering the best possible solutions for both the customer and the driver,” said Preston Feight, DAF Trucks president. “Backed by industry-leading services and a highly professional dealer organisation, the new CF and XF trucks – entering production in summer 2017 – embody an owner’s delight and the driver’s dream.”

Fuel efficiency is largely the result of an updated driveline which reduces engine revs. Maximum torque of the PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines has been increased significantly and is already available from 900 rpm to allow down-speeding of the engine. The top-of-the range PACCAR MX-13 engine produces 530 bhp and 2600 Nm of torque at 1000 rpm.

Rear axle designs have been developed to enable driving at cruising speeds of 85 kmh at only 1000–1040 rpm, depending on driveline choice.

The latest generation of TraXon automated gearboxes are fitted as standard on the new CF and XF series (12-speed is standard, though a 16-speed version is available as an option). Less friction losses, faster upshifts and the extended use of EcoRoll contribute to lower fuel consumption, DAF said, and an increased ratio spread also enables better manoeuvrability, even when faster drivelines are applied.

Powertrain software has been upgraded to introduce enhanced EcoRoll and Cruise Control functionalities – such as Dynamic Cruise, which adapts to different driving circumstances. Predictive Cruise Control (PCC) and EcoRoll have been integrated so PCC can activate EcoRoll sooner, when both technologies have calculated vehicle momentum is sufficient to carry the vehicle in neutral gear over the top of the hill within a set speed bandwidth.

The PACCAR Engine Brake has also been enhanced, so maximum braking power of the PACCAR MX-11 engine has grown from 320 to 340 kW. Braking power has increased 20 per cent between 1000-1500 rpm. Maximum braking power of the MX-13 is 360 kW – and between 1200-1500 rpm, braking power has increased up to 30 per cent.

Vehicle aerodynamics have been improved with a new sun visor design for the CF and XF. In addition, new XF features wheel bay extensions and flow guides behind the grille for optimal aerodynamics around the truck and through to the engine bay. New grille closures reduce drag, along with new gap closures between the headlight and corner deflectors.

For drivers, CF and XF feature new interior trim, new temperature and climate control (HVAC), an upgraded instrument panel and dashboard lay-out, and plug-and-play driver preference switches.

A new top-of-the-range Exclusive Line offers drivers cognac-coloured dashboard, door panels (XF) and leather seats, as well as stylish bright vents (CF). A leather steering wheel is standard on CF and XF versions.

The instrument panel has been redesigned with new characters for a more modern appearance and enhanced clarity. The enhanced Driver Information Panel includes a tachograph countdown, displaying remaining driving and resting times.

Drivers also benefit from the new interior light switch, positioned in the central part of the dashboard, which can dim for ‘night drive’ and ‘relax’ modes. All speed related functions, including cruise control, predictive cruise control and adaptive cruise control are grouped at the right side of the steering wheel.

On the outside, there’s a new identity plate in the XF doorstep, a new DAF nameplate with a redesigned logo with chrome letters, accents in the bumper and sun visor, and decorative strips in the grille and the new grille mesh for the XF.

The new CF and XF will enter production in the summer of 2017 in 4×2 tractor (FT) and rigid (FA) configurations, the 6×2 tractor FTG and FTP with pusher axles, and the 6×2 rigid with single mounted trailing axle (FAR).

Other versions will follow in autumn.