Ford Super Duty

Far more than the
sum of its parts

By Dan Jensen

The all-new Ford Super Duty endured more torture testing than any Ford truck before it – including 16 million cumulative kilometres on the most tested power stroke diesel engine ever. A world-class team put it through a groundbreaking battery of computer simulations, lab and real-world tests – running it for thousands of hours on end. In extreme conditions. All to confirm that this truck is far more than the sum of its parts.

All new powertrains

The 2011 F-Series Super Duty boasts all-new powertrains, led by the Ford-designed, Ford engineered and Ford-built 6.7 litre Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which delivers best-in-class torque of 735 ft.-lb. (at 1,600 rpm) and best-in-class 390 horsepower (at 2,800 rpm) – 85 ft.-lb. and 40 horsepower more than the outgoing product. The new diesel does this with best-in-class fuel economy and biodiesel compatibility up to B20.

The all-new 6.2 litre V-8 gasoline engine is also best in class with 385 horsepower and 405 ft.-lb. of torque – 85 more horsepower and 40 ft.-lb. more torque than the current 5.4 V-8 gas engine –  combined with class-leading  fuel economy and E85 compatibility.

Each new engine is mated to the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission, which has been optimized for the increased torque of the new diesel engine and the higher speeds of the new gas engine. The new transmission features SelectShift Automatic capability, with segment-exclusive Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO) available for diesels.

Towing

The 2011 Super Duty builds on its best-in-class towing and payload capability and also offers more towing options from inside the bed. New is the first-ever factory installed and warranted fifth wheel and gooseneck substructure directly attached to the frame.

"Our system is factory-installed and comes with a limited warranty from Ford. The electrical connection is mounted in the side of the bed wall, providing a clean installation," said peter Frantzeskakis, vehicle engineer manager.

Particularly noteworthy are productivity enhancements to the F-450 pickup to benefit the heaviest-duty trailer tow customers. Unneeded weight was shed, helping to improve fuel economy and top speed. Even with these changes, the F-450 Super Duty pickup maintains its class-leading gross combined weight rating of 33,000 pounds.

Ford's lauded Trailer Sway Control (TSC) system joins the Super Duty lineup, giving those customers segment-first capability. TSC is integrated with AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, which now is standard on all single rear wheel configurations.

The AdvanceTrac control module uses additional software to monitor the truck's motion when a trailer is attached. TSC can determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking  or reducing engine torque – to help reduce the trailer sway.

For further peace of mind, the available integrated trailer brake controller, factory-installed  and covered by a Ford limited warranty, offers smoother and safer operation  due to its ability to interface with multiple vehicle systems.

Normal braking is proportional to driver brake pressure for smooth brake stops at all speeds. If the vehicle's Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is engaged, the special trailer brake kicks in to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lockup. In Super Duty trucks with Trailer Brake Control towing trailers with electric brakes, the Ford system can, during a sway event, also apply brakes to the trailer to help stabilize it.

Improved ride

In addition to the increased towing capability and improved fuel mileage enabled by the new powertrains, customers of the 2011 Super Duty also benefit from improved ride, handling and steering. The engineering team optimized the frame and suspension, particularly the leaf springs and spring rate, as well as adjusting the internal valving in all the shock absorbers to enable greater towing and payload capability with further ride refinement.

The steering gear also is new. The 4x2 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty feature modified steering system geometry to take better advantage of the twin I-beam suspension, which combines the performance  of an independent suspension with the durability of a beam axle suspension. Improved response, precision and better on-centre steering and control come from making the steering gear symmetric left to right.

Bold exterior

The new hood of the 2011 Super Duty, with its prominent inverted power dome, complements the new diesel and gasoline engines lurking beneath. "Super Duty" is stamped on the upper grille, with a large Ford oval proudly gracing the front.

Inside, customers will benefit from a new reconfigurable flow-through console that improves the functionality of the truck. Storage space is increased about 60 per cent and at least 70 different configurations are possible. A 12-volt powerpoint is available at the rear of the console and another is located inside the main bin, which is lockable. A 110-volt power inverter is standard with all console configurations.

For many customers, the Super Duty cab also serves as a mobile office. Industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions is part of available technology to help customers stay connected with their businesses  from the job site and track tools. A new available 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen allows customers to take full advantage of the 2011 Super Duty's capabilities; an off-road message centre has been added as well. The five-way button on the steering wheel allows customers to navigate through various menu options – several relating to fuel economy and towing convenience – never before available on a Super Duty truck.