DAF has launched a 660hp version of its flagship XG+ for the Australian market.
Premiered at the Brisbane Truck Show, the truck features a 15-litre Cummins X15D engine, which has been christened PACCAR MX-15 in Australia. With 3,260Nm of torque, and its acclaimed extended cab, this opens up the lucrative roadtrain market to DAF.
The engine is Euro-6 compliant, with Australia set to adopt the stringent emissions standard in November 2023.
While additional power would no doubt be welcome by some of DAF’s European customers, especially those operating in heavy haulage or running 25.25m 80-tonne outfits in Scandinavia, Europe’s strict VECTO rules will ensure that the MX-15 will not be offered outside of Australia.
Confirming this decision, DAF Trucks UK marketing manager Phil Moon, told us: “The market requirement for power ratings above 530hp here are relatively small, with fuel and carbon efficiency being one of the key drivers in specification choice for operators over here. With the latest MX-11 and MX-13 engines offering even better driveability and performance, together with better economy, the driveline offerings available across the DAF range in Europe are ideally suited to operations here.”
DAF still offers the previous generation CF and XF in Australia, both of which are assembled locally. The new generation trucks, including the 660hp XG+ are expected to hit Australian roads early next year.
Despite the increase in horsepower, the new 660hp XG+ is still a long way off the most powerful trucks on sale. Chinese truck maker Shacman launched the world’s most powerful tractor unit in January, a title previously held by the 770hp rated Scania V8. The Shacman X6000 800 is powered by a Weichai 16.6-litre Euro-6 engine, producing 3750Nm of torque.
