2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty Exclusive Spy Video and Photos

Although many Americans would like to think that we don't need giant, heavy-duty pickup trucks anymore, they are wrong. Granted, not everyone who owns an average ski boat will need the capability of the upcoming 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty, but there are plenty of other truck buyers who do.

The prototypes in our latest spy video from Death Valley reveal the reconfigured face of the next-generation Ford Super Duty. If you're thinking that it looks pretty much the same as the current model, you would be right.

It's not until you put this prototype side by side with the current model that you see the subtle changes. The grille now dips into the bumper slightly, while the large vertical vents on each side of the grille are gone. The headlights have been reconfigured as well, although they retain the same general shape. Out back, there's not much to see other than the fender flares, which look a little smoother than before.

The powertrains for this truck have become much less mysterious lately. Ford released almost all the details on its new 6.7-liter PowerStroke diesel V8 recently, and just last week we broke the news that it will produce 400 horsepower and 725 pound-feet of torque. We're expecting to see a choice of both manual and automatic six-speed transmissions behind the new diesel.

On the gasoline side, Ford's new 6.2-liter V8 will give the new Super Duty at least 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It was first shown in the F-150 SVT Raptor, where it will be an option starting later this year. The new gas-powered V8 will most likely get a slightly different tune for use in the Super Duty trucks, so even more torque may be available by next year.

Look for an official debut of the 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty in early 2010, with sales beginning next summer.