October launch in UK for DAF chassis
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'AF BUS has introduced a new Dar-engined coach chassis, the ,B 2300, to replace its mid-enine SB 2000. It will be available 3 British operator after the NEC %tor Show in October.
The chassis, which features Jii air suspension as standard, ; powered by DAF's new turboharged and charge-cooled DHS 25 engine. The engine has an utput of 184kW (250bhp) at ,4000rpm and produces 915Nm 374.8 Ibft) at 1,600rpm.
Among the detail changes lade to make the engine more uitable for coaches are three xtra grooves on the vee-belt ,ulley for driving auxiliaries, an xtended dipstick and a stop/ tart switch in the engine cornartment.
The fan is hydraulically driven nd thermostatically controlled, : is claimed, to save power and ioise. A factory fitted sound-inulation package is also to be vailable.
The chassis consists of a welded construction. All components are ahead of the front axle or behind the rear axle. This allows the side-members to be removed and replaced by a boxframe for integral coaches without the bodybuilder needing to relocate any components.
Operating cables and wiring are of maximum length to allow flexibility of body construction. Axle alignment problems can also be avoided as the sidemembers need not be removed until the body structure is complete. A three-axle version of the chassis forms the basis of the DAF Jonckheere double-deck coach announced in CM last week.
DAF's mid-engined MB200 coach chassis is also to be updated. From the Show, it will be fitted with an 11.6-litre DKFL engine rated to produce 191kW (260bhp) at 2,000rpm. Maximum torque is to be 1,1 0 ONm (811Ibft.) In Europe, a less powerful 155kW (211bhp) turbocharged engine and a naturally aspirated unit are also available although only the most powerful unit is expected to be sold in Britain.
Other new features include a redesigned facia, pedals and gear lever to improve driver comfort, a VISAR gear-changing advice display and a modified clutch housing.
The engine is also located slightly further forward to allow fitting a retarder in the driveline.