DALLAS — Ford went to the heart of truck country to take the wraps off its overhauled line of 2008 Super Duty trucks, including a new F-450, the biggest consumer pickup ever offered by the Dearborn automaker. The F-450, along with the redesigned F-250 and F-350, will go on sale early next year. Prices have not yet been announced.
All F-450s will be powered by Ford's new 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 that makes 350 horsepower at 3000 rpm and 650 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual with overdrive or a five-speed automatic. Both two- and four-wheel-drive models will be available. The F-450 will come with dual rear wheels and in a four-door crew cab configuration.
Ford explained that it needed a bigger Super Duty truck — essentially one more along the lines of a commercial vehicle — to keep up with the towing demands of truck owners. The automaker said that more than 90 percent of Super Duty owners tow and that their towing needs are growing. The F-450 gives truckers a 5000-pound increase in towing power over the F-350, the automaker said.
"Customers tell us they want to tow, and the F-450 delivers," said Pete Reyes, Super Duty chief engineer. "The trailer builders will be writing us thank-you letters because they can sell trailers with granite countertops and fireplaces."
The F-450 rides on a unique chassis that incorporates a new rear leaf-spring suspension.
Exterior changes include a larger, more prominent grille, sharply sculpted fender flares and fender-mounted air vents. There are 10 wheel options across the lineup. Other new features include an optional tailgate step and a two-piece, stowable bed extender. The trucks also feature what Ford says is the industry's first power-folding and -telescoping side mirrors.
Along with XLT, Lariat and King Ranch models, the 2008 Super Duty lineup now includes an FX4 model available as a 4x4 SuperCab and Crew Cab. The FX4 model comes in five colors and includes skidplates, Rancho branded dampers and a special body-color billet-style grille.
The trucks were unveiled at the State Fair of Texas on Thursday.
What this means to you: Yee-haw! The F-450 can carry an extra horse or a fireplace. But Ford is mum about its fuel-economy numbers thus far.
All F-450s will be powered by Ford's new 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 that makes 350 horsepower at 3000 rpm and 650 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual with overdrive or a five-speed automatic. Both two- and four-wheel-drive models will be available. The F-450 will come with dual rear wheels and in a four-door crew cab configuration.
Ford explained that it needed a bigger Super Duty truck — essentially one more along the lines of a commercial vehicle — to keep up with the towing demands of truck owners. The automaker said that more than 90 percent of Super Duty owners tow and that their towing needs are growing. The F-450 gives truckers a 5000-pound increase in towing power over the F-350, the automaker said.
"Customers tell us they want to tow, and the F-450 delivers," said Pete Reyes, Super Duty chief engineer. "The trailer builders will be writing us thank-you letters because they can sell trailers with granite countertops and fireplaces."
The F-450 rides on a unique chassis that incorporates a new rear leaf-spring suspension.
Exterior changes include a larger, more prominent grille, sharply sculpted fender flares and fender-mounted air vents. There are 10 wheel options across the lineup. Other new features include an optional tailgate step and a two-piece, stowable bed extender. The trucks also feature what Ford says is the industry's first power-folding and -telescoping side mirrors.
Along with XLT, Lariat and King Ranch models, the 2008 Super Duty lineup now includes an FX4 model available as a 4x4 SuperCab and Crew Cab. The FX4 model comes in five colors and includes skidplates, Rancho branded dampers and a special body-color billet-style grille.
The trucks were unveiled at the State Fair of Texas on Thursday.
What this means to you: Yee-haw! The F-450 can carry an extra horse or a fireplace. But Ford is mum about its fuel-economy numbers thus far.
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