Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT Supercab
The first thing you'll notice about the new 6.0L Power Stroke is how much quieter the engine is. The second thing you'll notice is how the power comes on above 1,500 rpm like a freight train. With less weight to haul around than the Excursion, 325 hp, 560 ft-lb of torque, and an auto tranny, we could outrun the new Cummins engine with ease. When we popped the hood to look at the new International/Navistar powerplant we concluded that the 4-Wheel & Off-Road staff could have done a cleaner job of swapping this engine into the F-250. Maybe it's a sign of the new Super Duty that is in the works? We don't know. For now we'll focus on the current platform and tell you that the new Torque Shift five-speed automatic transmission got mixed reviews from the judges. Some thought it didn't downshift when it should, others fell in love with the way it would rifle through the gear as you blasted away from a traffic light. The new "Tow/Haul" mode does work to downshift the truck and slow hill decent, but we don't think it is as effective as the Allison 1000. Perhaps the most unique feature of this transmission is that you can select a Second gear, and even Third gear starts from a standstill. We suppose that if you were driving in slippery conditions it might be hard to control wheelspin with that much torque on tap.
We were so busy enjoying the new power of the 6.0L that we almost overlooked the Super Duty's wallowing suspension and three-lane-wide turning radius. But no such luck! The Ford was judged to ride almost as well as the new Dodge trucks, but it won't carve corners or weave down back alleys like the two Rams did. The Ford still suffered off-road with its stiff rear springs, goofy clamp-on rear shock mounts, and more freaking running boards! We didn't tear off the front sway bar or steering dampener this year as we've done with other Super Dutys, but they are still vulnerable to trail obstacles.
General
Manufacturer: Ford
Model: F-250 Super Duty XLT Supercab
Base Price: $30,735
Price as Tested: $40,745
Options as Tested: Power Stroke 6.0L diesel, TorqueShift 5-speed automatic, LT265/75R16 tires, 3.73:1 gears with limited-slip differential, advanced security group, XLT sport package (chrome tublular side steps, sliding rear window, color-keyed rear bumper, camper package, deluxe aluminum wheels, trailer hitch receiver, 6-way power seat)
Engine
Type: Turbocharged, intercooled, 32-valve V-8 diesel
Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 6.0/363
Bore & Stroke (inches): 3.74x4.13
Compression Ratio: 18.0:1
Induction Type: Hydraulic rail, direct injection
Fuel Required (octane)/Capacity (gallons): Diesel/38
SAE Peak Horsepower: 325 @ 3,300 rpm
SAE Peak Torque (lb-ft): 560 @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission
Type: 5-speed automatic overdrive
Model: TorqueShift
Ratios: First: 3.09:1; Second: 2.20:1; Third: 1.54:1; Fourth: 1.00:1; Fifth: 0.71:1; Reverse: 2.88:1
Transfer Case
Type: 2-speed part-time, manual shift
Model: NVG 271
Low-Range Ratio: 2.72:1
Axles
Front Type: Dana 60
Rear Type: Visteon 10 ½-inch with limited slip
Hubs: Manual
Ratio: 3.73:1
Suspension
Front: Live axle with leaf springs
Rear: Live axle with leaf springs
Steering
Type: Power-recirculating ball
Turns Lock-to-Lock/Ratio: 4/17:1
Turning Radius (feet): 57.12
Wheels
Size (inches): 16x7
Material: Forged-aluminum
Tires
Size: LT265/75R16
Brand: Firestone Steeltex
Brake System
Front: 13.03-inch discs with ABS
Rear: 12.83-inch discs with ABS
Weight (pounds)
Curb Weight: 6,010
Advertised GVWR: 8,800
Mileage
EPA Estimate (city/hwy. mpg): N/A
As Tested (mpg): 9.49
Acceleration
Standing ¼-mile (seconds @ mph): 17.52 @ 82.53
Braking
60-0 mph (feet): 160.92
Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 158.375
Overall Length: 246.5
Overall Width: 99.5
Overall Height: 78
Front/Rear Track: 69.5/68.25
Front/Rear Overhang: 35.875/52
Minimum Front Ground Clearance: 8.125
Likes
*Hot-rod diesel engine
*5-speed transmission
*Monochromatic look
Dislikes
*Unnecessary running boards
*Empty dashboard
*School bus turning radius
Bottom Line
Champion of the diesel horsepower war.