Daf and Detroit in power pact?
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EXCLUSIVE • Detroit Diesel has emerged as a likely partner for Daf, with the two companies sharing the cost of new engine development.
Daf may now fit a 336-373kW (450-500hp) version of the 12.7litre Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine to it flagship 95 Series; Detroit Diesel could velopment costs of e in-line six.
option would allow d Daf to suspend development of the new engine until its finances improve: the second would give Detroit a 373kW (500hp) engine, even though it is only 4% larger in swept volume than the 60 Series. This would give Detroit Diesel an important edge in power-conscious markets, principally outside the US.
The deal could lead to the Dutch-designed engine being manufactured and/or marketed by the privately owned American concern.
The electronically controlled, OHC, 12.7-litre Series 60 engine is currently available with a maximum rating of 336kW (450hp). Two versions are offered: "Cruise", where maximum power is produced at 1,800rpm for optialternative!) share the d Daf's 132-lit The first cash-strapp mum fuel economy; and "Power", where maximum power is produced at 2,100rpm for performance. Both versions produce 1,966Nm (1,4501bft) of torque at 1,20Orpm.
Even so, Detroit is at a disadvantage compared with its US competitors Cummins and Caterpillar, whose 14 and 14.6litre diesels have a comfortable 373kW (500hp) potential.
Fuel-system supplier Bosch is thought to have played a key role in the discussions between Daf and Detroit. Last year Bosch acquired 49% of Diesel Technology Corporation, Detroit's research subsidiary, as part of a three-way collaboration which began in 1991 when Mercedes-Benz signed a fuel system agreement with DTC.
The Bosch electronically controlled unit-injector system is fitted to the 13.2-litre Daf prototype but it would be ditched in favour of the proven Detroit DDEC electronic system, fitted to Series 60 engines since 1986.
The Daf engine has the OHC layout that was previously unique to the Detroit 60-Series. It brings useful benefits such as "stiffer" injector linkages, but demands new engineering disciplines. Detroit's experience would be invaluable to Daf with its twinoverhead-camshaft design.
If Daf decides to fit the Detroit engine it wouldn't be the first time that a Series 60 engine has found its way into a 95 Series chassis. Daf supplies Western Star in Australia with 95 Series cab shells, chassis and suspension gear. The truck is badged as a Western Star 1000 and power comes from a Series 60 Detroit Diesel or Cummins Celect engine, driving through an Eaton gearbox to a Rockwell double-drive axle.