2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty FIRST LOOK

2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty FIRST LOOK by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

Following in the footsteps of its oxidation –resistant little brother, the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty uses an aluminum alloy body on its steel frame to produce a weight savings of up to 350 pounds. It’s also less prone to dents and dings, according to Ford.  The switch to lightweight aluminum and the further strengthening of the fully boxed frame mean the new Super Duty offers better towing and payload capability.  Ford’s Super Duty lineup ranges in skill levels from the F-250 to the F-450 in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trims.  A stronger gasoline and diesel engine lineup is offered, highlighted by Ford’s second generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel, providing the highest combination of horsepower and torque ever meaning it can tow more than ever.  Other gas options include a 6.8-liter V10 for chassis cab customers and a 6.2-liter V8 capable of running on E85.

An enhanced Torqshift 6-speed automatic handles the duty for the 2 biggest engines while an all-new Torqshift-G 6-speed allows for improved capability with increased fuel economy for the 6.2-liter V8.  And Ford just made maneuvering your trailer a heck of a lot easier.  All-new advanced coaching and camera technology can give even the novice tower the confidence of an experienced driver with visual cues and tips to help backing up a trailer.  Adaptive steering reduces the amount of steering input needed to change direction at low speed while reducing sensitivity to steering input at higher speeds, making towing the heaviest loads easier.  New LED lighting sheds light all around the new Super Duty, whether it’s a regular, super or crew cab – all of which are longer and feature a new interior design.

SYNC3 is onboard to provide Ford’s latest infotainment system while driver assist technologies such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and collision warning shore up the safety offerings. Ford’s all-new Super Duty goes on sale in late 2016 with complete specs and pricing to be announced closer to production which is slated for the Kentucky Truck Plant.