DAF Trucks is displaying its 12-tonne LF Future Truck Chassis Concept at this week’s Cenex LCV 2015 show, alongside a current CF Silent FTG CF440 6×2 tractor.
The FTCC prototype is boasts a new chassis design to cut the kerb weight by about half a tonne, using aluminium side and cross members, wheel suspension floor of the body and even the front under-run protection.
It was built in partnership with Leyland Trucks and co-funded by the British Government’s Innovate UK. Sapa Profiles UK also contributed extensively to the design and provided aluminium extrusions, while CSA Group carried out vehicle and rig-based testing.
Another patented innovation is the body floor structure’s integration in the chassis frame design, by fitting the body sub frame into the main chassis side members.
Independent front air suspension paired with rack and pinion steering has been included to “investigate” its impact on ride quality, steering precision and “vehicle packaging”.
DAF’s Silent FTG tractor was launched at this year’s CV Show as part of the company’s Transport Efficiency programme. Available on the CF and XF vehicles, it is powered by the Euro-6 Paccar MX-11 engine. A Silent Mode option reduces noise levels to less than 72 dB(A).
