2011 Ford Super Duty: A most unusual launch!
Imagine my surprise when I found out I’d be attending the launch of the brand new Ford Super Duty, not at an auto show, but at an agricultural trade show! Now, that’s different, if not to say unusual. Indeed, Ford chose to launch its 2011 fleet of Super Duty trucks in Regina, at the 2009 edition of Agribition, which has been the largest agricultural trade show in Canada for 39 years. Why did they choose to go this route? Basically it was to position themselves in the heart of the light truck market.
Now, it has to be said that a lot of folks still buy full-size trucks for the pleasure of it, and not necessarily because they really need them. In the heavy duty segment, however, buyers are rarely in it for the pleasure and genuinely need a more capable vehicle. In fact, a lot of people use them for hauling.
You really have to visit a region like Saskatchewan (where the 2009 Agribition was held) to understand the extent to which the needs of people there differ from the needs of Montreal city dwellers. What you see most round those parts are trucks for cattle transport and other farm-related things. To put it into perspective, Ford sold about 44,800 F-150 models last year and 22,000 Super Duty trucks – not paltry numbers to say the least.
Dodge’s recent introduction of their Heavy Duty truck was followed by Ford presentation of their new line. The presentation, however, was just that; it did not include the opportunity to test drive the vehicles. In addition, the details available were still quite limited.
Naturally, the new Ford F-250 and F-350 are sporting a new style. The front end received the most changes, including an all-new grille. A large Ford logo sits smack in the middle of it, and it’s impossible to miss as it is the largest logo ever to appear on a vehicle. As for the rest, the style is rather Cartesian, with classic lines lending the truck a fairly robust look.
Two new engines
Other than a few additional gadgets, the most notable new features are the two new engines. The 5.4-litre V8 and the 6.8-litre V10 have been struck off the list, making room for an all-new 6.2-litre V8. Details about this engine’s horsepower and torque have yet to be released, but the motor benefits from Ford’s experience in sport vehicles. Plus, it should help Ford compete against Dodge’s 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and GM’s 6.2-litre V8. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but this motor might even make its way into the F-150. We’ll have to wait and see!
Fans of diesel engines will be pleased with Ford’s second new engine, a 6.7-litre PowerStroke V8 turbocharged diesel. Following the old 6.4-litre PowerStroke, this new engine should definitely develop more power and torque. Built in Mexico, this engine offers new technology for better performance and reduced fuel consumption. All get a 29,000 psi common injection ramp and a twin turbo. Ford decided to make the switch from two turbos and go for just one instead. Thanks to its design, this new one is just as effective, despite being more compact.
To go with these two new engines, Ford is offering a new automatic transmission, this time with six speeds (which should also help improve fuel economy). In terms of innovations, Ford, like Dodge, will offer their diesel engine with an engine brake. The system is similar to what you’d find on a ten-wheeler, but it’s a lot less noisy. It serves as a brake on decelerations, allowing the vehicle to slow down without having to use the regular brakes. This improves the stability when towing and will also help the brakes to last longer. Unlike the system on the Dodge Ram, which has to be activated with a control, the system on the Ford Super Duty automatically turns on when in Tow Haul mode.
For 2011, the Super Duty line comes in the following versions: XL, XLT, Lariat and FX4 – the latter being for off-roading. Of course, the Harley-Davidson edition is expected to follow.
The 2011 Super Duty trucks should hit the market in spring 2010. Meanwhile, expect to read up on our road tests earlier on in the year.