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| For 2011, Ford has taken its F-250 (three-quarter-ton), F-350 Super Duty (one-ton), and F-450 pickups and infused them with even more of the things owners hold in high regard-namely powerplants. Super Duty trucks are ideal for towing and hauling, and a host of new features such as Hill Ascent and Hill Descent Control, make the task even easier, while giving drivers added piece of mind. |
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| Model Highlights |
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| Ford has always offered its pickups in an array of configurations to suit every taste, need and budget, and the 2011 Super Duty trucks carry that thinking forward with three cab styles-regular, SuperCab and Crew Cab-and two bed lengths. The Super Duty utilizes a fully boxed front frame section, and Ford claims to use the thickest-gauge steel of any pickup in its frame.
Just two engines power the range for 2011, but they are impressive. An all-new 6.2-liter V8 delivers significantly more power and torque than the 5.4 it replaces, while an all-new 6.7-liter turbocharged Power Stroke diesel-built completely in-house by Ford-easily trumps the 6.4 diesel of years past. Both engines offer increased efficiency as well, and both are mated to an all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission, which features SelectShift capability and several enhanced customer-driven features, such as Progressive Range Select and Tow Haul capability.
The Progressive Range Select allows a driver to easily reduce the range of gears while in drive. When the customer "taps" down into Range Select Mode by pressing the toggle switch on the shift lever, the display shows the gears available for the transmission to shift to, and also continuously updates the current transmission gear. Tow Haul increases control when towing by downshifting automatically based on brake pressure, and in diesel models, the engine automatically increases exhaust back pressure to help slow the truck and trailer.
All versions of the Super Duty trucks can be specified with 4-wheel drive, and all come in XL, XLT and Lariat trims, with major differences found in seating configurations and surfaces, convenience items such as cruise control and power windows and locks, and sound systems.
Technology plays a big part inside the new trucks, not just under the hood. Standard and available goodies include the following: Ford Work Solutions, which features an in-dash computer; Tool Link, which uses remote-frequency ID tags to keep track of valuable tools, an auxiliary audio input jack, voice-activated SYNC to access traffic, directions, entertainment, voice-activated navigation system with touch-screen display, rearview camera and much more. |
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| Model News |
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| Ford's Super Duty F-Series trucks are refined and refreshed for 2011, with an emphasis placed squarely on power. The front end is bigger and bolder in its design, including the grille, which boasts a Blue Oval emblem more than a foot across. The hood has also been reconfigured to make room for two newly available engines-a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 and a "Scorpion" 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged diesel-each of which boasts more power than its predecessors. Both are mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the Super Duty has a new flow-through console, which begins at the instrument panel and stretches to the back seat in models so equipped, and it features an array of customizable storage options.
Added features to aid in towing are Hill Start Assist, which prevents rollback and Hill Ascent and Hill Descent Control, which regulate the brakes and throttle while to provide more control in up-and-down terrarin. And an electronic locking differential provides maximum traction.
Side air bags and air curtains are optional and a new 4.2-inch LCD screen displays information on specific features such as Trailer Brake Control and Tow Haul. |
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| Value Writeup |
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| Array of powerful gas and diesel engines; excellent towing and hauling capability; largest storage capacity in its class; standout convenience features. |
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