When the 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty Pickup goes on sale this fall, it will do so with a host of mind-bogglingly huge power and performance figures, including a scarcely believable, Bugatti-beating 925lb-ft of torque.
The Super Duty is Ford's most serious pickup. It's the go-to vehicle for those that need to tow over 32,000lbs in their wake or be able to load over 7600lbs in the rear without any ill effects or road-holding discomfort.
But don't think for a moment that this ultimate beast of burden is something aimed solely or exclusively at agricultural or heavy industry. Horse trailers are heavy and put strain on engines; yachts, schooners and jet skis need to be transported between dry docks -- and those that love their outdoor activities want to be able to head off on an adventure knowing that their car can cope with whatever the road ahead will throw at it.
"This is the best heavy-duty truck we've ever made," says Doug Scott, Ford truck marketing manager. "We listened to our customers and created the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever."
And tough it is, built from high-strength steel and military grade aluminum and with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel calling the shots. As well as 925lb-ft (1254Nm) on tap it also outputs 440hp to all four wheels as standard, without any clever tuning making it the best in class and not just in terms of power. It can tow and carry more than any other vehicle in the same segment.
But for those purists that prefer gasoline, Ford has also tweaked its 6.2-liter V8 so that it offers 385hp and 430lb-ft of torque.
But strength is just one element. Ease of use and comfort are just as crucial. The new Heavy Duty is the first truck to come with adaptive cruise control, brake support and collision warning systems optimized for when towing a trailer. The blind spot monitoring system is also able to "see around" the trailer for vehicles that may be coming up on the inside.
There is a high level camera that monitors whatever's attached to the tow hook and that's on top of the existing 360° camera system that is designed to help drivers negotiate parking spaces and off ramps when a trailer or caravan is attached. For those that will be using their Heavy Duty for towing alone, there's even the option of a sixth camera that can be mounted at the back of a trailer or caravan, etc for even better visibility when maneuvering.
