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REVIEW
DAF CF gets 510hp: Quickspin
The popular DAF CF85 has had a power and torque boost to make it even more versatileThe people at PACCAR sprang a little surprise on us at the recent drive day for the Kenworth T610. At the end of the row of Kenworths, there was a DAF CF85 emblazoned with ‘510hp’ in big black letters on the front and sides of the cab.
This was curious as the CF85 had previously topped out at 462hp (340kW) and 2300Nm of torque. But we soon found out that the wick on the 12.9-litre PACCAR engine has been turned up to now offer a variant that puts out 510hp (1500 to 1900rpm) and a hefty 2500Nm of torque between 1000 and 1410rpm.
The CF85 has a GCM of 24.600kg and a GVM of 70,000kg. The front axle is rated to 7500kg and the rear axles are Meritor MT23-165 with a maximum design load of 20,900kg and lockable inter-axle and cross-axle differentials.
Inside, the DAF is comfortable and neat with a cockpit-style wrap-around dash that puts all the control within easy reach of the driver. The fit and finish inside is superb, with a faux walnut fascia and luxurious upholstery that’s reminiscent of a luxury car rather than a truck.
Our test truck was a sleeper which seemed pretty roomy for this class of truck. There is room to mount a fridge under the bed and the three large overhead compartments offer enough space to mount a microwave.
The driving position is very comfortable with the air-suspended seat and multi-adjustable steering wheel which also has buttons for the cruise control, phone and scrolling for what DAF calls the driver information panel (DIP) which sits inside the main instrument cluster.
Vision from the driver’s seat is great with the expansive windscreen and excellent mirrors.
DAF offers a range of transmissions including manual, automated manual and fully automatic. Our test rig was fitted with the optional ZF AS-Tronic 16-speed automated gearbox but you can also opt for an Eaton 18-speed automated box. The standard automated transmission is the ZF AS-Tronic 12-speed item.
ON THE ROAD
DAF says that it prides itself on driver comfort and this truck is no exception. The ride is smooth and quiet. The cab is well insulated from the engine and the Airglide 400 eight-bag rear suspension does a great job of insulating the driver from the road.
Another thing to note on the road is the steering which is a light and direct making the CF a terrific handling truck. And it’s also manoeuvrable. Whether it was because I had just jumped out of a Kenworth T610 or not, I don’t know, but I found the CF85 really easy whip around tight corners or to park. Its handling belies the fact that you’re in a 6X4 with 40 tonne on the back.
The ZF transmission bears mention for its smooth changes both up and down and the fuss-free way it found the right gear every time staying neatly in the 1000 to 1500rpm bracket for maximum torque.
The air-cond and ventilation also got the thumbs up on this 38-degree Queensland day. There’s plenty of ventilation throughout the truck including in the doors so the cool air is easily circulated around quickly cooling the cab to a comfortable level.
In terms of safety, the DAF is right up there. Brakes are disc on the front drums on the rear with EBS (Electronic Braking System incorporating ABS), exhaust brake (retardation power 320kW at 2100 rpm), ASR (Anti Slip Control) and Hill Start Aid (with AS-Tronic only).
Add to that the optional safety package that includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with forward collision warning, lane departure warning and vehicle stability control and you’ve got state-of-the-art safety.
After our brief drive of the DAF CF85 510hp, it’s easy to see why this has been one of the company’s more popular trucks. And now with the power boost to 510hp and torque of 2500Nm, it’s certain to attract even more sales.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: PACCAR MX375 12.9-litre six-cylinder turbocharged intercooled
Power: 510hp (375kW) at 1500 to 1900rpm
Torque: 2500Nm at 1000 to 1410rpm
Transmission: ZF AS-Tronic 16-speed automated manual
Configuration: 6x4
Front Suspension: Parabolic springs with shocks
Rear Suspension: Airglide 400 8-bag air suspension with shock absorbers and stabiliser bars
Fuel tanks: 1 x 430 + 1 x 340 litre aluminium
AdBlue: 45 litres
Brakes: Disc/drum with EBS (Electronic Braking System incorporating ABS)
Cabs: Day/sleeper
Web: www.daf.com.au
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Written byGeoff Middleton
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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