Ford's F-Series Super Duty lives up to its reputation

There's competition aplenty in virtually every vehicle classification, but nowhere is it more cutthroat than in the heavy-duty truck department. Within the past year, all three domestic brands have issued all-new or heavily revised editions of their top-dog pickups, all featuring bulked-up powertrains, increased load ratings and leading edge comfort and safety features. Despite the battle, Ford says it has been the frontrunner for the past three decades. The sales numbers would certainly back up that claim.

Although the sheetmetal and box sizes remain mostly unchanged, the one area that differentiates new from the so-yesterday SD is a more prominent "power dome" hood along with a bolder grille and front bumper.

Combined with a set of extra-large headlamps, the SD imparts a dominating sense of robust strength that continues to be its hallmark. Says exterior design manager Brad Richards, "The SD is not a bashful vehicle by any means."

Gasoline-engine:

·         A new 6.2-litre V-8 rules the roost with 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.

Diesel:

·         For major muscle and sinew, the SD can be fitted with a brand new Ford-developed 6.7-L V-8 turbo-diesel that generates 390 h.p. and 735 lb-ft. of torque.

·         Selecting the turbo-diesel will give you a payload capacity of 2,840 kilograms and a fifth-wheel towing capacity 12,000 kilograms.

o   In addition, you can now order a factory-installed fifth-wheel hitch that will let you start pulling your yacht or mobile mansion right now.

·         Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Plus there's a newly available "Live Drive" power take off (PTO) unit, consisting of an extra transmission output gear that can control accessories such as a snow plow, tow-truck lift or even a dump-truck-style box.

Options:

·         Trailer-sway

·         Roll stability control

·         Hill Start Assist keeps you from rolling backward while stopped on an incline

·         Hill Decent Control holds the SD at a set speed while traveling down a steep grade.

·         New option prevents the lockup of the trailer's binders when the anti-lock program of the SD's brakes kicks in.

 Byline: Malcolm Gunn at the Calgary Herald