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2017 Ford Super Duty Trucks Go Aluminum But Keep Big V-8, V-10 Engines
Last year, Ford rocked the conservative, evolutionary pace of change in the U.S. pickup-truck arena with the introduction of a radically new, aluminum-bodied F-150 family.
And now it’s following suit in the heavy-duty segment, with fully redesigned 2017 Ford F-Series Super-Duty trucks that build on some of those same developments—but of course with added attention to the even higher layload and towing capacity (and durability) that commercial users demand.
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In what may be the biggest differentiator between the light-duty (F-150) pickups and the Super Duty models, which will again include F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 models, and ‘dually’ versions of some, the Super-Duty trucks stay with big-displacement V-8 and V-10 engines. The automaker hasn’t yet revealed power and torque specs—bound to change versus the current trucks—but has said that the lineup will include the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbo-diesel, as well as naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 and 6.8-liter V-10 gasoline engines.
It’s likely a smart move, and a nod to market realities. Ford has dramatically downsized (and turbocharged) some of the engine lineup in its light-duty F-150 pickups, and while the automaker has gone to great lengths to show that its EcoBoost V-6 engines are up to the task of serious, long-distance towing tasks. owners will readily admit that much of those engines’ fuel economy advantage disappears when there’s something hooked up to the hitch or loading up the bed.
Like F-150, aluminum body, steel frame
Just as with the F-150, Ford describes the aluminum body as being made of “millitary grade” aluminum, while Super Duty trucks—including a Chassis Cab model—will ride on an all-new frame made of high-strength steel. Altogether, the new fundamentals save up to 350 pounds versus the current 2016 trucks.
F-250 versions of the Super Duty, with the 6.2-liter V-8, will include a new TorqShift-G transmission, an all-new six-speed automatic that’s designed especially for truck needs. There’s also a new steering system that varies the amount of steering assist depending on vehicle loading.
