Looking back through the Biglorryblog archives I was suddenly struck by how long a year is in road transport and how quiickly things can change in the face of an economic downturn. Back at the IAA Hanover Show in September 2008 BLB's juices were set flowing by the prospect of getting behind the wheel of one of Daf's limited edition 80th Anniversary XF105 tractors, even though at the time we were told it wouldn't be coming to the UK (or at least for a while). Pity, for there's nothing BLB likes better than a celebratory artic--and I vaguely remember seeing one on the M20 some time ago.. But be that as it may what also excited yours truly was the appearance in the XF of the ZF 14-speed synchro (also seen on the Daf stand at RAI) which we had heard so much about....
This was the manual transmission that was due to supersede the venerable 16-speed Ecosplit box in Daf's heavies...only what with the recession and all that I understand it's been put on the back burner along with the twin-turbo 560hp version of the MX 13-litre engine. Why? Because when demand and sales fall, now's not the time to start launching new stuff that no-one is likely to buy. Pity though, as I rather fancied using my left-leg again in an XF or CF and the new ZF box sounded rather interesting. Apparently its got a three position shift pattern (like a 14-speed in a Volvo or Scania)...So will it ever see the light of day in the XF? I guess when the market picks up again we probably shall, though If the AS-Tronic auto continues to grow from strength to strength you've got to wonder.....
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