VDL has announced further incremental upgrades to its Futura 2 range to further improve what it describes as “already class leading” fuel consumption.
All VDL Futura 2 coaches with ZF’s Traxon gearbox now come with predictive powertrain control (PPC). It utilises GPS and topographical knowledge to optimise ratio selection and best utilise momentum on undulating roads. VDL says that economy can increase by up to 14% with PPC.
Additionally, VDL is in the final stages of homologating a rear-view camera option for single-deck Futura 2s (pictured). While mirrors will remain standard, the cameras will deliver up to a 4% fuel saving through reduced drag, says Business Manager Coach Range Pieter Gerdingh.
Mr Gerdingh adds that production coaches with cameras are expected from Q1 2020. The FDD2 double-decker will gain the option later.
VDL mounts the internal screens higher on the A-pillars than in some comparable coaches. That mitigates concerns about them increasing blind spots.
It is not yet decided whether the cameras will be available for retrofit. Integrating them with other on-vehicle systems is complicated, says Mr Gerdingh. A decision is expected in due course.
