Ford has a reputation of crafting the strongest, smartest and very capable pickup trucks in the market. At the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Ford showcased an aluminum-intensive F-150 that surprised the entire auto world. However, many people didn’t think the automaker could do the same with the Super Duty F-250 truck. However, the Blue Oval automaker has proven its critics wrong by dressing the 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck in an aluminum-intensive body. In addition, the truck’s boxed frame is crafted with 95% high-strength steel which makes the model 24 times stiffer than the outgoing model according to Ford.
According to the automaker, the combination of the high-strength steel frame and aluminum panels has helped cut 350 pounds off its curb weight. This in turn has improved its performance i.e. added more hauling and towing capability. Read along to find out more:
2017 Ford F-250 Exterior
The model still features the all familiar look with the blocky look that appears somehow futuristic. The grille is modified with a two-bar margin graphic and features perforations in some trim levels. The automaker has however increased use of LED lights.
The Quad-Beam headlights feature LED lighting and stretch forward unlike in the outgoing model. Only the turn signals have been left sweeping back into the fenders. LED lighting is also featured on the side mirror spotlights, cargo box lighting and on the taillights.
The model still features the familiar huge wheel flares which have been smoothened to blend well with the rest of the body. All other features look unchanged from those of the outgoing model. The construction follows hot in the heels of the F-150 truck. Steel is used on the fully boxed frame.
However, Chassis Cabs feature a blend between a fully boxed cab and the conventional C-channel which enables for a wide range of aftermarket body customization. As said earlier, the frame features 95% steel and is 24 times stronger than the current model.
On the other hand, the body features military-grade aluminum which is more resistant to dents.
The vehicle will be offered in 3 body styles i.e. a two-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab (SuperCab) and 4-door Crew Cab. The Crew Cab features full size conventional-opening doors while the SuperCab features rear-hinged doors. The body styles are offered in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trims. The models will either have 6.8 foot or 8-foot long cargo beds.
2017 Ford F-250 Interior
For trucks, especially these kinds of trucks, functionality is everything. That is why Ford has hooked up the F-250 with up to 7 cameras to ensure the driver has an easy time maneuvering attached trailers.
Four of the cameras form its 360-degree view. Another camera is mounted at the rear to monitor the cargo box. Buyers can also opt for trailer-mounted cameras and a trailer tire pressure monitoring system.
The Super Duty trucks will even feature a host of driving aids such as blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with emergency braking and lane departure warning. These features make the F-250 the smartest Super Duty truck Ford has ever made.
The cabin of the 2017 Ford F-250 will also feature Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touch-screen display. The infotainment system is more intuitive and provides a better Smartphone pairing.
In addition to the extended cargo beds, the SuperCab and Crew cab models will have flat floors in the second row to enable large cargo to fit in which improves the functionality of the model. The tailgate is also operated remotely.
Engine Specs and Performance
The lineup of engines is maintained unchanged from the outgoing model. They include a 6.2 L V8 petrol engine which produces 385 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque in the current model. There will also be the turbo-diesel 6.7 L Power Stroke V-8 diesel engine capable of 440 hp and 860 lb-ft of torque.
The petrol engine is paired with a 6-speed TorqShift-G automatic transmission system which channels power to either the real wheels or all wheels. This is the first time Ford has used this gearbox with a petrol engine. The diesel engine will also be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system. However, Chassis cabs will also feature a 6.8 L V-10 petrol engine.
Ford is yet to release data on performance and tow ratings. However, the models will have improved ratings. Expect the petrol V-8 to tow as much as 15,900 pounds and around 14,000 lbs for the diesel engine. However, addition of a gooseneck towing enables the diesel to tow as much as 16,600 pounds.
Price and release date
The base XL Regular Cab has an MSRP of $ 33,730 inclusive of destination charges. Although that is just $150 more than the outgoing model, the range-topping Super Duty Platinum trim starts at $ 63,305, an increase of $ 5,070 from the current model. The XLT Regular Cab is priced at $ 37,395 while the Lariat SuperCab starts at $ 46,300 and $ 55,455 for the King Ranch trim.
The models will heat dealerships in the last quarter of 2016.
Competition
Competition is becoming stiff in this segment. Other automakers have of late revamped their models to become more competitive. The biggest rivals will be the Ram 2500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and the new Nissan Titan.
