F-150, 250, or 350?
Q The half-ton diesel truck is a product many truck buyers are waiting for, but with this option waiting in the wings of all the OE manufacturers, is there concern that half-ton performance in towing and hauling could step on the toes of Super Duty? With the new F-150 being able to tow almost 12,000 pounds, why would I buy a Super Duty?
A Ford: Super Duty customers require significantly higher capabilities to fulfill vocational jobs in construction, landscaping, contracting, and so on. Ninety-seven percent of our customers tow and haul regularly, with some towing loads ranging up to 24,000 pounds-far beyond F-150 max towing capability. These functional needs require torque levels achievable only with a diesel powertrain, which is not available on the F-150.
Ford Racing Parts
Q From the looks of the Ford Racing Performance Parts Catalog, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of off-road parts for Ford vehicles. Anything new and exciting coming from Ford Racing for the off-road truck enthusiast, such as winch bumpers, off-road lighting, or suspension?
A Ford: Take another look at Ford Racing's website (www.fordracing.com). Inspired by the F-150 SVT Raptor R truck that earned a podium finish at the SCORE Baja 1000, there are several new exciting parts, including a new light bar, off-road lights, and skidplates.
4WOR: Excellent!
Daily Dose of F-150
Q How many F-150s can Ford make in an average day?
A Ford: With our flexible manufacturing we can produce as many as needed to meet customer demand! You can check out the assembly line yourself at the Henry Ford Museum, which offers tours of our Dearborn plant, where we build the F-150.
4WOR: Was Henry Ford a politician? Because you easily diverted that question.
Public TestDrives?
Q With the new F-150 SVT Raptor, Ford has entered the off-road enthusiast market with guns blazing. Are any 4x4 events scheduled for 2010 that Ford will attend to show off the performance of the F-150 SVT Raptor to the public?
A Ford: Our 2010 event schedule is not yet finalized. Check our website for updates (www.fordracing.com/schedule). In 2009 we attended numerous 4x4 events, such as Best in the Desert and TORQ.
4WOR: Bring a Raptor to the Moab Easter Safari and show us some sweet jumps!
Power Wagon Hunter?
Q The performance of Dodge's Power Wagon with solid axles, selectable locking differentials, electronic sway bar disconnects, and a winch is hard to beat, but many buyers want all this and a diesel engine. Has Ford considered building a similar truck based off the Super Duty platform with the diesel?
A Ford: The '11 Super Duty will offer an off-road package available in both a gas and diesel powertrains, which includes an electronic locking differential, Hill Descent Control, branded tuned shocks, and skidplates. It will build upon the inherent strengths of a dedicated heavy-duty frame that is different from the under-8,500-pound GVW frame.
4WOR: Nice! A diesel with a selectable locker. Can we get two and a winch?
Diesel Ranger
Q The Ford Ranger is available in other parts of the world with a diesel engine. What must be considered before this option can be offered in the U.S.?
A Ford: Customer needs drive powertrain offerings, and the U.S. Ranger fulfills customer need for an inexpensive commuter vehicle with light hauling/towing capability and achieves best-in-class fuel economy without a diesel engine. For most non-North American markets, the global Ford Ranger fulfills the role of a fullsize pickup in terms of size and payload, and a diesel engine is required due to local market requirements.
4WOR: Wow, we never considered that our little Ranger was some Third World country's Super Duty.
Raptor Right For Me?
Q How would you convince a buyer who doesn't live near wide-open desert areas that the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is right for his type of four-wheeling? What benefits does it offer over other performance 4x4 vehicles in the market?