2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty Uses Aluminum to Shed 350 LBS
The 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty has been introduced as the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty truck lineup ever.
Like the 2015 Ford F-150, the new F-Series Super Duty has turned to an aluminum body to help shed up to 350 pounds on the heavy-duty truck. It marks the first time that the Super Duty body uses military-grade aluminum alloy, which Ford claims is more dent- and ding-resistant than the outgoing steel body and is not subject to red rust corrosion.
The fully boxed frame consists of more than 95-percent high-strength steel, making it up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame, enabling the most towing and hauling capacity ever delivered by Super Duty.
Ford also highlighted the 16 segment-first new features that help towing easier and more efficient than ever. Some of those features include all-new advanced coaching and camera technology, LED lighting and adaptive cruise control. As many as seven cameras help drivers see more angles and monitor conditions around the truck, while a center high-mounted stop lamp camera gives visibility into the cargo box. There is also a 360-degree camera system that uses four digital, high-definition cameras for a bird’s-eye view surrounding the truck.
Other firsts for the F-Series Super Duty include a factory-available trailer camera that can be attached to a trailer for enhanced visibility while backing up. Customers will also benefit from a segment-first, in-cab trailer tire pressure monitoring system.
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Numerous driver-assist technologies will be available on the F-Series Super Duty including SYNC 3, Blind Spot Information System with trailer tow, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support.
Available powertrains include the second-generation Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel, 6.8-liter V10 gasoline or 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines.
The 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty will launch late next year and will be available in five trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum.
“While Super Duty is North America’s best-selling heavy-duty truck, we never take our leadership for granted,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer. “Our team is using relentless innovation in materials, Built Ford Tough engineering to deliver customers our best Super Duty yet.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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24 times stiffer aye ?... My wife would like that.....