2017 Ford Super Duty

2017 Ford Super Duty Features

6000 series aluminum body - Following the path of Ford's F-150 platform, the 2017 Ford Super Duty features a completely aluminum body. Ford claims the Super Duty's body panels have been engineered to exhibit superior dent resistance over the previous generation's common steel body. Depending on the configuration, the use of aluminum saves the 2017 Super Duty up to 350 lbs. The benefit of such weight savings is highlighted by the Super Duty's increased towing and payload capacities, in addition to granting engineers the ability to leverage the weight reduction of body panels in other aspects of the truck's design.

Fully boxed high strength steel frame - The 2017 Super Duty features a fully boxed frame manufactured from 95% high strength steel; six times the amount of high strength steel found on outgoing Super Duty models. In addition, frames will include up to ten cross members to maximize rigidity and strength.

6.7L Power Stroke diesel, 6 speed TorqShift combo - The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, TorqShift transmission combination returns for the 2017 model year. Diesel owners will enjoy up to 925 lb-ft of torque, up from 860 lb-ft, thanks to minor improvements. Horsepower remains at a class leading 440 horsepower. Integration between the engine and transmission control systems offers highly effective trailer decent control via the TorqShift's sophisticated Tow/Haul setting.

Enhanced driver visibility - 360 degree visibility is available on the 2017 Super Duty and provided by up to 7 strategically placed cameras. This includes a 180 degree grille cam, a pair of mirror mounted side view cameras (focused down the sides of the vehicle), a forward facing camera controlling the sophisticated lane departure warning system, a cargo box mounted camera for single person 5th wheel/gooseneck trailer hookups, a tailgate camera for safely navigating in reverse, and a driver positioned wireless trailer camera. Visibility is further improved via standard LED headlamps, side view lamps, tail lights, and a cargo box light.

2017 Ford Super Duty Specs

Notable is the fact that Ford's Power Stroke diesel comes standard with 925 lb-ft of torque regardless of the application; F-250 through F-450 pickup models receive the same engine and transmission combination. Additionally, Ford's maximum tow capacity is available in the Super Crew, four wheel drive F-450 Super Duty model. It is more common for a single cab, two wheel drive model to carry maximum tow capability, as the lighter drivetrain and configuration typically allows for greater trailer weight.

The F-450's conventional tow capacity has been increased from 19,000 to 21,000 lbs without requiring the use of a weight distribution hitch. Meanwhile, F-250 and single rear wheel F-350 models will see conventional tow capacity bumped to 18,000 lbs. Although Ford's competitors in the 3/4 and 1 ton category have yet to release details on their 2017 models, Ford is currently aligned to claim most, if not all "Best-in-class" titles with regards to performance and capability with the 2017 model year Super Duty. The new Super Duty is expected to hit dealerships late in 2016.

2017 Ford Super Duty Chassis Cab

Chassis Cab F-350, F-450, and F-550 models receive improvements and features similar to that of Super Duty pickups. The 2017 Super Duty chassis cab will feature a 330 horsepower, 750 lb-ft commercial grade version of the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel - up from 300 horsepower and 660 lb-ft for 2016 model year trucks. The F-550 chassis cab will be available with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of up to 40,000 lbs. Unlike pickup models, cab and chassis trucks will feature an open C-channel frame, comprised of 95% high strength steel and including structural improvements to provide greater rigidity and overall strength. The channel frame is said to provide greater versatility and more options with respect to upfitting. Further expanding the adaptability of the new chassis cab is a greater front axle weight rating (FAWR), which has been increased from 7,000 to 7,500 lbs.

Source(s): Ford Motor Company, www.ford.com