Ford is doubling down on its commitment to aluminum with the 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty, which adopts a military-grade, all-aluminum body like its light-duty little brother, the F-150. The grille is a hybridization of previous Ford-truck styling efforts, utilizing the two-bar main graphic, now dotted with perforations in some versions. Yep, twenty four times stiffer than the last frame. (38 mm) taller with through-frame crossmembers. We believe it to be highly likely that the company will reach that number, along with around 450 hp, but it’s all conjecture until Ford decides to make an official announcement. The beds use stronger crossmembers, as well as a new one-piece sill reinforcement.
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Out back, a remote tailgate lock and release function is integrated into the key fob, and dampers gently drop the tailgate into the full open position. “Weight Carrying” hitches are standard. Chassis cabs offer a choice of 6.7-liter V-8 Power Stroke diesel, 6.2-liter gasoline V-8, or 6.8-liter gasoline V-10. We are assuming that Ford will wait and see what General Motors reveals with their new diesel numbers. We’ve heard over and over again that Ford has its sights set on being the first manufacturer to reach 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
The 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine comes equipped with the new TorqShift-G transmission for the F-250 pickup – allowing for improved capability. Let’s dig into all the new stuff. Numerous switches have been moved above the driver aircraft-style. Other items shared with the F-150 are an 8-inch productivity screen, improved trailer brake controller location, multi-contour seats with optional massaging function, and inflatable rear safety belts.
It’s available with up to seven cameras, including a new attachable trailer camera to improve visibility when backing. That’s right, one of the camera set-ups available will hard-wire a back-up camera onto the back of your trailer.
Towing is core to the Super Duty mission. Customers will also benefit from a segment-first, in-cab trailer tire pressure monitoring system. Nissan will have a hefty hurdle to overcome selling the heavier-duty diesel model out of the gate; however, after a few months, the production plant should have more cab configurations and powertrains for us to test.
“It is the toughest, most capable Super Duty we’ve ever done”, said Raj Nair, head of global product development. Despite this, Ford was able to make it more aerodynamic. Transaction prices have soared since the aluminum F-150 went on sale in December.
Together, high-strength steel and high-strength aluminum alloy help reduce weight by up to 350 pounds while Ford is reinvesting additional weight savings everywhere it counts, to give customers more towing and hauling capability than ever before. The short bed of the Super Duty also retains the front stake pockets, something that is curiously lost on the F-150 – a shortcoming for those who use bedrail-mounted racks for work or action sports.
Powertrain You won’t find any EcoBoost engines lurking under the Super Duty’s aluminum hood, as Ford has made a decision to stick with the familiar for its powertrain offerings.
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Though a more formal unveiling event is coming later this morning at the State Fair of Texas, Ford was kind enough to pass along all the details on these new trucks and a bunch of photos in advance.
