JAFdayof judgment
Page 11
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1AF'S REVISED range of middleweight commercials, launched inarnationally at the Amsterdam Show (CM February 13), has had its irst public airing in Britain. A series of test days for journalists and lealers provided an opportunity to try the new 2500, along with 300s, 2100s, and the top-of-the-range 3300, writes STEVE GRAY.
Although the 3300 was loaded o 32.5 tonnes gvw, and was well )elow its design weight, its per'orrnance appeared quite slug]ish, even compared to the 38.onne laden vehicle I tried in the getherlands (CM, January 23). kny comparison of the two vehicles must necessarily be im)erfect, but the performance did lot really seem commensurate vith an output of 2 4 3kW 330bhp).
The 11.6 litre engine — which )AF says is well tried and iroven has been tweaked to )roduce this figure. Torque is ip, too, at 1300 Nm (959 lb ft). Apart from the extra side radging, the exterior of the vehicle is unchanged. Inside it is to the "second generation" standard of trim and equipment which includes a smaller steering wheel.
The synchromesh ZF Ecosplit gearbox, with a double H range change pattern and splitter, is a joy to use. A simple knock of the lever across the gate either way effects the range change, and the splitter switch — on the gear lever — could be used as an overdrive.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 3300 was its brakes. They were progressive and powerful, bringing the vehicle safely to a halt in all conditions.
The 2500 •1 tried, unlike the vehicle I drove in Holland, had a seat which moved back far enough to drive comfortably. But it still had a very marked steering column shake which could possibly be cured if a bracket was fixed to support the column at the dashboard level.
This apart, the vehicle, which was loaded to 32.5 tonnes (32 tons), drove well enough with plenty of power from its completely revised 8.25 litre engine. Improved cylinder head design and changed turbocharging gives this DHS engine an output of 184kW (250 bhp) at 2400 rpm.
Like its bigger brothers, it now has a smaller steering wheel — and "second generation" dash and instruments. Again, the exterior cab shape is unaltered, apart from badging.
The 2800 DKSE was fitted with the Fuller RTO 11 609A nine speed rangechange constant mesh gearbox. The DKSE's engine has a maximum power rating of 276bhp.
The vehicle is geared, with its standard diff ratio, to cruise at 60 mph at an engine speed of 1,600 rpm.