Well, Ford went for it, and the result is the 2017 Super Duty seen here. Oh, and with a lot of added coolness straight from the factory. Essentially, this is the F-Series pick-up truck for those who need to tow massive objects. The aluminum body and steel frame combine to reduce the Super Duty’s weight by up to 350 pounds.
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So, what does this new iteration brings to the table?
Though Ford is not yet sharing full numbers on the new Super Duty, it does say that the 2017 Super Duty has a fully boxed frame with high-strength steel that’s 24 times stiffer than the previous truck’s frame.
We’ve seen more of Ford’s new Super Duty trucks before their actual unveiling than any pickup in recent memory. And I mean packed.
The 2017 model includes a new stronger steel frame, aluminum body, improved axles/springs and suspension, class-exclusive features and technologies, and multiple gasoline and diesel engine and transmission combinations.
Some of the tech features include a camera-based towing feature with driver coaching, adaptive cruise control, LED lighting, camera monitoring with seven cameras, in-cab trailer tire pressure monitoring, and adaptive steering.
The 6.2-liter V8 and the 6.8-liter V10 gas engines remain unchanged.
The all-new Super Duty will be available for sale at the end of calendar 2016.
Ford also highlighted the 16 segment-first new features that help towing easier and more efficient than ever. Ford says it has heavier-duty four-wheel-drive components, driveline, axles and towing hardware than the current Super Duty. Where the F-150 saves 700 pounds through the use of aluminum, the Super Duty saves about half that much.
According to Ford spokesperson Mike Levine, Kentucky Truck plant in Louisville will not have to be down during the conversion process, but there will be a normal summer shutdown next year.
Ford hasn’t released many details about improvements or power outputs of these engines, but we do know that the SOHC 6.2L V-8 will benefit from larger intake valves and dual-equal variable cam timing.
Dennis Slevin, vehicle-engineering manager, said, “This is the first all-new cab for the truck that was first introduced 17 years ago and the first truck in the segment to have an all-aluminum cab”. The higher-amperage upfitter switches have been moved to the overhead console and now total six, two of which are powered at all times.
For powertrains, the 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 diesel engine is available for both pickup and chassis cab models.
It will also be available with a remote-release tailgate so the driver won’t have to get out and walk around to the back to open the tailgate.
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There are five models in the Super Duty lineup – XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum.
