The F-series includes the F-150, the best-selling vehicle in the United States for 23 years, as well as the huge F-250 that was available in South Africa a few years back. Well, we say huge, but in the States the F-250 is average at best, and is the smallest of the heavy-duty class that we’re talking about now...
The Super Duty range includes the F-250, F-350 and F-450, all available with two all-new engine options. The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 has the lowest NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) in the class with a notably quieter, more refined sound than ever. But far more important than that is that power and torque: 290 kW at 2800r/min and 997 Nm at 1600 r/min. During the Super Duty’s development, engineers put more than 10,3 million equivalent test miles (16,5 million kilometres) on the new diesel engine, including extreme road and weather conditions.
The petrol (or “gasoline”) engine has been increased in size from a 5,4-litre V8 to a 6,2-litre V8, and now produces 550 Nm at 4500 r/min and 280 kW at 5500 r/min, despite being 15% more efficient.
A new six-speed automatic transmission has been made for the F-series, and it is built tough enough to cope with the high torque of the diesel engine (although it is mated to both engine options). It features different modes, such as Tow Haul mode and a manual mode.
The engines are the heart of the new Super Duty range, but there are also a few other changes. A new bonnet, a new grille (with a 30cm-wide “Ford” badge in its centre), and more interior storage are some.
Also important is that the Super Duties retain their best-in-class towing abilities, while Ford’s lauded Trailer Sway Control (TSC) system joins the Super Duty lineup.
No, the Super Duty range won’t be coming to South Africa, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream...