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We’ve seen more of Ford’s new Super Duty trucks before their actual unveiling than any pickup in recent memory. First there was the prototype that exploded in Death Valley during testing last August. Then there was that leaked photo of an F-250 in all its chromed out glory in March, and just a month ago, Ford wrapped one in some promotional camouflage and paraded it around a bit.
That last one made us wonder if all these incidents weren’t entirely coincidental, but that’s for another time. Right now, we’ve got our first unadulterated look at the actual, 2017 Super Duty pickups that you’ll eventually be able to buy. You just have to wait one more year!
Though a more formal unveiling event is coming later this morning at the State Fair of Texas, Ford was kind enough to pass along all the details on these new trucks and a bunch of photos in advance. There’ll be five models in the new lineup: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. Let’s dig into all the new stuff.
Redesigned aluminum body and steel frame
As was the case with the unveiling of the 2015 F-150 early last year, the main update to these redesigned Super Duty trucks, beyond a new look, is the aluminum body. Speaking of that new look, it definitely brings the Super Duty models more in line with the F-150, and it confirms that the leak from March was completely legit.
A high-strength steel frame is at the core of the truck, but Ford’s military-grade aluminum alloy makes the 2017 models the lightest yet.
The aluminum body shaves off as much as 350 pounds over previous models, to be exact. And just like they did with the F-150, Ford engineers translated those weight savings into more power. Ford says the new Super Duty pickups boast more towing and hauling capacity than all previous models. We’d share those improved specs with you now, but Ford hasn’t yet made them available.
Throw a glance at the gallery above and you’ll notice that the cabs on these new trucks are longer, too. Ford updated the interior design with the inclusion of a dual compartment glove box and overhead console-mounted auxiliary switches. Plus, in the SuperCab and Crew Cab configurations, the second-row floors are now completely flat, making loading items back there much easier.
The bed features Ford’s BoxLink system of brackets and cleats that secure cargo and a remote lock and release for the tailgate is included on the key fob.
And while the body has undergone the most change, the Super Duty steel frame has a new open-C-channel design being the cab that makes aftermarket body upfit and other modifications easier.
In addition, Ford says the new models feature a heavier-duty driveline and stronger four-wheel-drive components, axels and towing hardware.
Power
As part of taking advantage of the trucks’ lighter weight, Ford engineers beefed up the lineup of gasoline and diesel engines available for the new Super Duty models.
Ford’s second-gem 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8.The second-generation, 6.7-liter Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel is available for both Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs and provides what Ford says is the highest combination of horsepower and torque ever. Ford hasn’t shared specific numbers for these new trucks, but in the 2015 Super Duty models, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke produced 440 horsepower and 860 lb.-ft. of torque.
A 6.2-liter gas V8 is available as well and is paired with Ford’s new TorqShift-G transmission on the F-250.
Chassis cabs can choose from the Power Stroke V8, a 6.8-liter gas V10 or the 6.2-liter gas V8.
Tech
Aluminum isn’t the only feature Ford wants its new trucks to be known for. Starting with the 2015 F-150 and accelerating heavily with the 2016 F-150 Limited, the automaker has made technology that increases driver comfort and safety a primary focus on its latest pickups.
Interior of the 2017 Super Duty King Ranch.The new Super Duty models are no exception and Ford says there are 16 new tech features on these pickups that are segment-firsts.
Most notable among those is all the cameras mounted to these trucks. Depending on the configuration, your new Super Duty could have as many as seven cameras on it. The 360-degree camera system which gives a bird’s-eye view of the truck, uses four cameras. Another camera in the stop lamp, gives the driver a view into the cargo box, making hooking up gooseneck trailers easier. Another camera provides the view for trucks’ trailer reverse guidance and the final lens can be mounted to the rear of a trailer for added visibility when backing up.
Then there’s adaptive steering, a feature that reduces the amount of steering input needed to change direction at low speed, while reducing sensitivity to steering input at higher speeds. Ford says the feature comes in hand when hauling heavy loads or navigating confined jobsites and parking lots.
The new trucks also feature Ford’s latest SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen in the console. SYNC 3 will eventually support Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto interfaces.
You can check out the remaining litany of tech features in the graphic from Ford below.
