First Drive
Rarely can a writer use "all-new" to describe a vehicle, but this new Super Duty pickup qualifies, even with some carryover parts and pieces. Why? Because what was important to retain was kept, and what needed to be upgraded has been. How does an all-new, Ford-built Power Stroke 6.7L diesel engine packing 735 lb-ft of torque and 390 hp sound? Gone is the old Navistar International engine and its associated problems. Also, a new 6R140 six-speed transmission and a host of other improvements make this truck the one you want when hauling that 24,400-pound maximum load up or down a grade.
The design team left well enough alone and didn't screw up the classic Ford Super Duty look, refraining from the design-driven want of making door glass smaller and doorsills shoulder-level. The Super Duty is a work truck first, and since form should follow function this iteration should be a big hit on the market.
The heart of the new Super...
The heart of the new Super duty is the world-class, all-new 6.7L diesel engine. An advanced design (the intake is outboard and the exhaust is inboard) is said to make for a quieter engine that runs cooler and has better throttle response. After our brief experience driving it, we have to agree.
With towing in mind, the engine and transmission work together to provide acceleration and braking control, with start assist (which also works on the trailer brakes through the integrated brake controller). For compression braking on downgrades, the 6R140 six-speed transmission couples with the advanced twin-turbine turbo/brake technology to keep you at a steady, safe, and controlled speed on winding roads.
Of course the interiors and amenities have been upgraded as well, with a smart screen to confuse even the best of us while providing all sorts of info if you can decipher it. We really liked the gearshift PRNDL design on the dash, which gave us modes for manual shift, semi-auto, or full-on brain dead. This truck is customizable and selectable for almost any environment, and while a manual tranny is not an option, a floor-mounted shifter for the transfer case is available on some trim levels. Regardless of how you build it, the new Super Duty is destined to go far, and we hope to pit it in a three-way tow test soon.
Tech Specs
2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty Diesel 4x4 Crew Cab DRW
Super Cab, Regular Cab, 2x4, and single rear wheel also available.
Base Price: N/A
Drivetrain
Engine: 6.7L V-8
Horsepower: 390 @ 2,800 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 735 @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed 6R140
TorqShift automatic
Transfer case: Part-time, two-speed
EPA Mileage: Not rated in this weight class
Dimensions/capacities
Curb Weight (lb): 4,302
Wheelbase (in): 172.4
Length (in): 263
Width (in): 96 excluding
Mirrors height (in): 79.9
Headroom (front/rear, in): 40.7/40.8
Legroom (front/rear, in): 41.1/42.1
Approach Angle (deg): 20.3
Departure Angle (deg): 18.5
Ground Clearance (in): 8.0
Max. Cargo Volume (cu-ft): 77.3
Max. Towing Capacity (lb): 16,000 (diesel)
Seating Capacity: 5/6
The new 6R140 TorqShift six-speed...
The new 6R140 TorqShift six-speed auto is all beefed up to handle the increased torque of the diesel engine. And it also has an industry first: a live-drive PTO outlet that allows you to move while the PTO is in operation. We tried it out with a dump-mounted spreader, and it is one slick system!
For our money, this is one...
For our money, this is one of the best options available, a real shifter lever on the floor for the transfer case. Of course, the rear locking diff, hill start assist, Hill Descent Control, and TPMS system are cool too.
The new 6.2L gas engine is...
The new 6.2L gas engine is no slouch. The engine features two plugs per cylinder, SOHC construction, and variable cam timing. With 385 horses and 405 lb-fts of torque, this engine works well in the towing department.
In another industry first,...
In another industry first, Ford integrates a framerail system as an option, allowing a bolt-on location for a gooseneck-ball or fifth-wheel setup. This makes for a much nicer installation...
... than the standard hack-and-whack...
... than the standard hack-and-whack setup some installation shops...
... do. In addition, the electrical...
... do. In addition, the electrical pigtail outlet is in the bed for a super (duty) clean setup.