The last major change on the Super Duty was for the 2017 model year. Since the automotive world is moving faster than ever it was time for Ford to introduce a new and more up-to-date model.The Super Duty is the truck that powers America; therefore, they must get this one right. Here's what’s fresh for the all-new model.
The New Super Duty Engines
So, what behemoths are powering the Super Duty this time round? Well, firstly all engines are updated. We get a 6.8-liter gas V-8 which is now the base engine and takes the place of the old 6.2-liter. Sadly, power figures are not available yet. The latest 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel will be available in two output versions – the standard and high output. The good thing is that you can order the high output diesel in any Super duty. Power numbers are once again not available, but we would imagine the high output version will have something close to 500 horsepower and the immense diesel torque associated with it.
The six-speed transmission will be discontinued and will be replaced by a 10-speed. Keep in mind that the 10-speed offered on the 6.8-liter mill is not as heavy-duty as the one that can be found in the power stroke diesel options or the larger 7.3-liter V-8 engine.
Updated Suspension Tuning
The Supercab or Supercrew, as Ford calls it, has a 6.25-foot bed with the available choice of an eight-foot bed. The chassis is very similar to the old one, but the axles have been updated to larger units and different suspension tuning is now available. As before, the rear end features a leaf-sprung solid axle, and the front end has a coil-sprung solid axle. The tow hitches have also undergone some changes that lead to improved towing capabilities. Towing numbers are not available yet.
The New Design Makes it Look Even Bigger than Before
Ford wanted to make the new Super Duty look even bigger than before and the way it has done this is by stretching the front grille. It now runs across the whole width of the truck and is integrated into the headlights. We think the front end looks good, in some ways it reminds us of older trucks. It is worth mentioning that the new truck still looks like a Super Duty but thanks to the new front end it can be easily distinguishable from the old model. The hood, fenders, and most of the body in general have also been updated with a subtle but new design. Finally, the bed receives a useful sidestep for easier access. A great feature to have especially on a truck this tall, and wide.
Two Off-Road Packages On Offer
The Tremor is the most exciting package available and is for those folks who would like to take their Super Duty off-roading. It features 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler rubber, a leveling lift in the front which provides a better approach angle, skid plates, steel sidesteps, and a mechanical Torsen front differential. Diesel and gas options and different trim levels will be available with the Tremor A new feature for the Tremor called Turn Assist will also be available. This brakes the rear inside wheel of the vehicle to help it take tight turns when off-roading. A helpful feature for a truck of this size, especially when
There is a new XL Off-Road Package, a clever offering for the work trucks aimed at the mining and oil and gas industry. This is an all-new package available to the work trucks which provides 33-inch tires, standard four-wheel-drive, a raised air dam, skid plates, water fording axle tubes, and an electronic locking differential. All these accessories will make the Super Duty more capable and durable in harsh work conditions. The basic FX4 package is still available.
Refreshed Interior and Tech Upgrades
The dashboard looks like the one in the new F-150, but has a few minor changes. The best part of the interior might be the fully reclining front seats. If you happen to wait for something at your job site, those will come in handy. As you would expect, the Super Duty can be spaced with a wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, and many other luxury features that can take the truck well into the $90,000 range. A six-seater configuration combined with a work surface behind the front middle seat is also available and will probably be the most popular choice for workers.
There's also something known as the on-board scales, which is a system that enables owners to monitor the payload capacity of their truck by using light indicators in the taillights, the onboard screen, or an application. This is very helpful as this is first and foremost a work truck. The Tailgate features a clever backup camera. The tailgate has some upgraded features like a lower step and a very cool and clever integrated camera and parking sensor to provide visibility and parking proximity when reversing with the tailgate open. That’s a perfect example of a company knowing what their customers will be using the vehicle for.
At a first glance, this might not look like an all-new truck; however, from the above features, it is obvious that a lot has changed. It is safe to say that the future of the Ford Super Duty looks bright.