Saturday, April 24, 2010

Ford Blue Oval Bash




Blue Oval Bash Flyer

Schedule

Friday, April 30

Gates Open 9:00 AM
Test N Tune Noon-5 PM
Ford vs. The World (All Run) 6:00 PM
Secure Track

9:00 PM

Saturday, May 1

Gates Open 8:00 AM
Car Show Registration 9:00 AM
Time Trials (2) (All Classes) 10:00 AM
Car Show Judging Noon-4 PM
Bracket Eliminations begin after Time Trials
True Street Cruise 2:00 PM
1st Round of Fast Ford 8.50 Index 2:30 PM
Battle of the Ford Jet Cars 3 PM & 6 PM
Car Show Awards 5:00 PM
Secure Track

9:00 PM

Sunday, May 2

Gates Open 8:00 AM
Church Service 9:00 AM
Time Trial (1) 10:00 AM
Bracket Eliminations Noon
1st Round of Ford Modular Motor Class 1:30 PM
Truck/SUV Race 2:00 PM

Check Out This Site For More Information: Bristol Dragway

Check Out These Fiesta Photo's









Source: Autospies

Could This Be The 2012 Super Chief Pickup?

Could this be the 2012 Ford Pickup Truck?

ONLY TWO YEARS --are you ready ?















I doubt the owners will ever let this haul gravel!

Wonder what the price tag will read for this bad boy when it becomes available?

Now I can see why Ford didn't need, or take any
of the bail out money. Looks like
they can compete and build visionary vehicles,
without the government getting involved.

The Super Chief Pickup by FORD.

Hydrogen fueled. (NEW IN 2012)
Even if you are not a truck fan you will love this truck.

Source: Internet

Thursday, April 22, 2010

New Sync AppLink

Ford’s Sync connectivity system keeps adding features; now, the Dearborn automaker says that it will offer AppLink, a downloadable software program that will allow drivers to access and control Android and BlackBerry smartphone applications using voice commands.

The software will work with programs like Pandora internet radio, Stitcher “smart radio” and Orangatame’s OpenBreak, although Ford says that more programs will be available in the future.

“The growth in smartphone mobile apps has been explosive, and Ford has worked hard to respond at the speed of the consumer electronics market,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Organization, in a statement released to the media. “SYNC is the only connectivity system available that can extend that functionality into the car. AppLink will allow drivers to control some of the most popular apps through SYNC’s voice commands and steering wheel buttons, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

Initially, Ford will debut Sync AppLink as a downloadable software upgrade on the 2011 Fiesta, although the company says it will expand availability to all of its other Sync-equipped models next year. At that time, Ford says it will also extend interoperability to Apple’s iPhone as well as other smartphones.

Ford has also recently launched SNYCmyride (syncmyride.com) as a location for developers to modify existing applications and to work directly with Ford on creating new applications for Sync’s various functions.

Source: Motorshout

2010 Ford Taurus SHO, How Do You Know?



Source: Youtube

New video: 2010 Ford Taurus Engine - TV Commercial



Source: Youtube

Monday, April 19, 2010

Scoop! Next Ford Mustang Going Global


2011 Ford Mustang

New Car Coming for 50th Anniversary; Rear-Drive Aussie Falcon Likely Dead

"2014 is weighing pretty heavily on us right now," said one highly-placed Ford Motor Company source at the Detroit Show. The date is significant because it will mark the 50th anniversary of the Mustang, and Ford aims to have an all-new ponycar on the market to celebrate.

But with Ford's global rear-drive platform program apparently dead, Dearborn product planners are trying to figure out exactly how they're going to build it, especially as CEO Alan Mulally re-iterated at Detroit his view that automakers could no longer afford to build vehicles unique to one country.

Under the global rear-drive platform plan, the 2014 Mustang was to have shared its basic architecture with the next generation Australian Ford Falcon, and possibly a new flagship sedan for Lincoln. The Mustang would have been on the short wheelbase version of the platform, the Falcon on the mid-wheelbase, and the Lincoln on the long wheelbase. But that strategy has changed, for three key reasons:

1) A large rear drive sedan for the U.S. would require a lightweight platform architecture to help it meet forthcoming fuel economy and emissions standards.
2) Sales of the Australian Falcon slumped last year to just over 30,000 units, the lowest level in the nameplate's 49 year history in Australia.
3) Although it avoided bankruptcy, Ford burned through a lot of cash last year, and may not have the resource to devote to developing what would be a complex but relatively niche architecture.



The next Australian rear-drive... Ford Falcon is likely dead.

By the time a new rear-drive Lincoln could appear, the Town Car will have been out of production for three to four years, and with high gas prices in Australia, no-one expects major growth in Falcon sales. These factors taken together seem to have conspired to torpedo the global rear-drive platform. "The [next generation rear-drive] Falcon is dead," said one Ford insider bluntly, in apparent confirmation.

For all that, our source insists the 2014 Mustang will be rear drive. And yes, he adds, it will (finally) have an independent rear suspension. Put those two facts in the context of the global rear drive platform's demise and Mullaly's comments, and there's only one logical conclusion: The next-gen Mustang will be a global car built on its own rear-drive platform.


2011 Ford Mustang GT Rear View

Should the next Mustang maintain... a similar formula to the 2011 model?

Ford planners are reportedly looking at three possible directions for the 2014 Mustang. The first -- and perhaps the easiest -- is an evolution of the current car, with styling cues that would appeal to the traditionalist, and a continued focus on the 5.0-liter V-8 as the halo engine. The second is more of an M3-style car, probably with turbocharged V-6 power for markets like Europe. The third - and probably the least likely, says our source - is to transform the Mustang into an ultra-high tech, ultra-high performance coupe along the lines of Nissan's giant-killing GT-R.

Whatever the overall direction, the next generation Mustang will almost certainly be a smaller and lighter car than the current coupe to enable it to meet tougher gas mileage targets. As a side benefit, it would be more suited to the European and Asian markets, too.


The 2011 Ford Mustang GT at... the 2010 Detroit auto show.

The styling is a hot topic of discussion. The 2005 and 2010 Mustangs, clearly inspired by their mid-60s ancestors, have been hugely successful, but insiders doubt whether Ford can go down the retro road a third time and get away with it.

So, what sort of car should a 21st Century Mustang be: an all-American ponycar; an M3-style sophisto-coupe; or a Godzilla killer? And what should it look like?

Source: Motortrend">Motortrend

2011 Ford Future Cars


2011 Ford Focus

A Look at What's Coming for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury in the Near Future

When Ford CEO Alan Mulally took out massive loans in 2007 with the entire company serving as collateral, it looked like a desperation move by an automaker on the ropes. Come 2009, Mulally started looking like a genius.

Thanks to those loans, Ford didn't have to ask the government for loans or file bankruptcy, and thus didn't earn the public scorn that its cross-town rivals did. On top of that PR victory, Ford was a big beneficiary of the "Cash for Clunkers" program (Ford vehicles, particularly 90s Explorers, were some of the most common C4C trade-ins as well). And, thanks to some well-timed products like the 2009 F-150 and 2010 Fusion, its sales dropped slower than the market as a whole and the Blue Oval finished 2009 with a bigger share of the market.

Looking forward (and past the looming release of the Fiesta), Ford has enough product in the pipeline to build on its victories in 2009.


2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan

2012 Ford Focus

Let's Get Small: Ford figures B- and C-cars are the Next Big Thing, while Crossovers Replace (Most) Trucks

Early reviews covered both angles when Ford unveiled the 2012 One Ford Focus a year ahead of sales. "They didn't know when to lift the pen," an analyst said. "The Cruze is toast" a journalist countered. Yes, well, both ring true. The '12 Focus sedan is a jewellike car, and it has a lot of side-surfacing going on.


2012 Ford Focus

When the North American Focus reconverges with the European Focus, you'll have a choice of funky four-door hatchback or the rich-looking four-door sedan, both of which were just shown at the 2010 Detroit show. With the top-of-the-range Titanium trim level, it surely will sticker well into the middle of the Fusion price range. Ford is loading up the small end of its lineup quickly, with two Fiesta and two Focus body styles. The early reveal will almost certainly depress sales of the mediocre 2010 Focus.

Ford also has previewed its "mouse" for Sync, a simple four-direction toggle-button. It's part of newly expanded infotainment packaging called MyFord and MyLincoln, which entails a high-resolution eight-inch screen in the center stack, WiFi and MiFi (when in park), improved voice command, Sony-branded sound systems, and two USB and three RCA jacks, with an SD card slot. Reboot and drive.


2012 Focus sedan:

Launches with a 2.0-liter twin-independent variable cam timing gas direct-injection four, rated more than 150 horsepower. A 1.6-liter turbo EcoBoost is expected after Job One-worth the wait. Transmissions choices will be a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated manual, with gearshift-manual controls. Trim levels are S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Ford expects this car will eventually replace the Fusion as its bread-and-butter car. On sale first-quarter 2011.


2012 Focus hatchback:

Sure to be popular among a small cadre of enthusiasts. Its huge taillamps look as if they came from the Volvo C30, which shares its platform with the current European Focus. Both models are significantly lower in height, wider, and about the same length as the current U.S. Focus. They're about 110 pounds lighter than the Cruze, despite their ability to meet all global crash standards. The new car uses more high-strength steel than any other Ford, at 55 percent. The battery electric version will probably be the hatchback.


2011 Explorer:

New, unibody model based on the D3 front-drive (Ford Taurus) platform. Foreshadowed by the 2008 Explorer America concept, it will be available with all-wheel drive and replaces the Freestyle/Taurus X. Engines will include the 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost version, making about 265 horsepower. Ford may add a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four later to aide Corporate Average Fuel Economy. On sale late '10.

OTHERS ON THE HORIZON

2011 Super Duty: Features a version of the 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 in the F-150SVT Raptor, and the new Scorpion Diesel, a 6.7-liter V-8 with aluminum heads. On sale fall '10.

2011 F-150 EcoBoost: Likely a variation of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 found in the Flex, Lincoln MKS, etc., biased for more torque. It should be able to beat the F-150's 4.6-liter V-8 for power. On sale late '10.

2012 Ford Escape: Based on the next-generation European Kuga, itself a derivative of the Focus platform. Lincoln may get its own version, and a plug-in hybrid will be added for '13. On sale late '11.

2012 Mercury compact sedan: Based on the new Focus. A coupe version has been rumored. On sale mid to late '11.

2012 Ford C-Max: Mazda5 competitor based on the Focus. On sale mid- to late '11.

2013 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ: Converges with the European Mondeo's platform and gets an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4. On sale mid to late '12.

2014 Mustang: Next scheduled major change for the rear-drive musclecar.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_1003_2011_ford_future_cars/explorer_f150_escape_mustang.html#ixzz0lYU87k75


Read more: Motortrend

Hot Version of New Ford Focus "A Natural"


A hot Focus is "a natural," Jost Capito, Ford's global head of sports-vehicle operations has confirmed to Motor Trend. The headline version of the car will be a two-door coupe, although other body styles are likely, too. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will develop at least 250 horsepower initially, elbowing it ahead of the VW GTI.

With the recent launch at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit of the sedan and hatchback versions (a wagon is reportedly coming to the Geneva show in March) we know a lot about the new Focus, and the ingredients to make the hot version.

Capito formerly ran Ford's European RS division and was chief engineer for the remarkable Focus RS, a marvelous 305-horsepower, 164-mph five-cylinder crazymobile. His job now is to roll RS and SVT together and make hot versions of Ford's global cars.

Ford hasn't decided on the performance Focus' branding, Capito says. "SVT has a huge following in the States, but we got the RS brand well-established in Europe and it was well aligned with the World Rally Championship program."

With the merging of SVT and RS just underway, we expect the hot 2.0-liter EcoBoost Focus to take more than the usual year after the standard car's early 2011 introduction. What's more, there's no indication the coupe bodystyle will come much earlier.

Ford has said it will build 10 body styles off the new Focus platform. It hasn't officially confirmed the coupe among them, although it has ruled out a European-style two-box, two-door hatchback. In other words, the coupe will be a rakish, fastback-hatch.



Such a coupe will form an ideal basis for the hot version. Add specific front and rear facias, rocker extensions, fat tailpipes, spoilers and big wheels -- and the Ford performance community should be delighted.

Under the hood, the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is designed from the outset for 250 horsepower, and mates to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission as well as a six-speed manual.

So much for the "basic" hot Focus. Ford's RS division has previously done things more special than that. In Europe, the outgoing Focus had two performance-themed versions: the ST, with 225 horsepower, and the RS, with 305. If the new car gets the 250 horsepower engine, it will represent performance progress over the ST, and indeed from the Golf GTI. But would it be a true inheritor of an RS badge? Probably not.

In Europe, the really hot hot-hatches now need even more power. Recent offerings from Renault, Alfa Romeo and VW with its Golf R variant all surpass the 250-horse threshold. Capito's team has proven it has the engineering talent to play at the highest level and could no doubt build a competitive, high-performance Focus. But details of a true RS successor remain scarce, and getting the budget signed off in present economic circumstances seems unlikely.

Read more: Motortrend

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Ford Adding SuperCrew To SVT Raptor Lineup


2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Ford's desert-clobbering SVT Raptor is already off to a relatively good start, and things are only poised to get better now that the automaker has shoehorned its new 6.2-liter V8 under the truck's hood. Adding to that, the folks at InsideLine report that a four-door SuperCrew version of the Raptor is also in the cards, possibly slated to debut later this year.

IL states that mules of what appear to be a SuperCrew Raptor have been spotted near Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. When prompted for a response, a spokesperson for the automaker simply said, "We do not comment on future product." (We've heard that one a thousand times before.) Still, we don't dispute IL's predictions, and having four-door functionality only boosts the Raptor's attractiveness to potential consumers.

Source: Autoblog

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Ruff Ride: Ford Edge named Pet Safe Vehicle of the Year


2011 Ford Edge

When is a dog a 2,700 pound projectile? When little Muffy is riding shotgun, big old fuzzy head stuck out the window, tongue lolling in the breeze and all of a sudden master crashes the darn thing into some unforseen obstacle. In the interest of keeping pets safe, Bark Buckle UP, a pet travel safety organization, has some recommendations. Among endorsement of the Doggie Seat Belt and exhortations to take steps toward pet safety in the car, are some vehicular mentions. While pet safety is a laudable goal, this announcement leaves us feeling a little dirty, like it's mostly a thinly-veiled ploy to sell stuff.

In any case, Bark Buckle UP gave its Top Dog awards away at the New York Auto Show, and the Ford Edge has trotted away with the Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice Top Dog award. "The Ford Edge is perfect for those traveling with pets," says Ford Edge marketing manager Brett Burin upon the Edge's crowning. Bark Buckle UP agrees, citing the vehicle's combination of space, ease of ingress and egress for Fifi and Fido, rear ventilation and adaptability to pet gear as reasons for the win. Ford vehicles took four of the award's 'choice' slots for 2010, with the Transit Connect, Flex, and Lincoln MKT also making the list. The other alternative is to avoid either having a dog altogether (they're smelly, and they lick their butts) or don't chauffeur your pooch around if you have opened your home to canis domesticus. If you're a dog lover, though, you might want to check out the official press release after the jump.

Source: Autoblog

First Drive: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty brings the biggest tools


2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty

It's a guy thing. Tim Allen understands. If you've got a job to do, you need the right tool. As guy logic goes, the bigger and more powerful the tool, the better.

If what you do requires a tool shaped like a truck, then you're currently experiencing a nirvana-like period in history. In just the last few months, Chrysler and General Motors introduced their new heavy-duty trucks. We drove the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty in October and liked it. We also saw the Chevrolet and GMC HDs at the Chicago Auto Show last month. Although we've yet to get behind the wheel, the powertrain and chassis improvements appear promising.

Not to be left out, Ford's rolling introduction of its latest F-Series Super Duty just culminated with an Arizona-based press-only driving event (we first reported on the new truck in September). Want to know everything about Ford's big, new tool? For starters, the blue oval on the grille measures 13 inches. Believe it or not, there's more.

Those of you with functional long-term memories will recall that Ford introduced an all-new Super Duty for 2008. While the 2011 edition is billed as all-new, not everything about the newest F-Series Super Duty is the product of an empty CAD/CAM screen. Following its own recent pattern for product introductions, Ford did what we'd consider a super-duper freshening on its heavy-duty truck.

Major changes include all-new and stronger powertrains, new front-end sheetmetal, and mildly freshened interiors. While certainly not all-new, the changes are certainly all good.







Two new engines, diesel first

Autoblog already reported on Ford's new in-house designed-and-built 6.7-liter diesel. The previous Power Stroke diesel was a cooperative effort between Ford and Navistar. While generally well regarded, the engine was not without its problems, including the fact that it didn't particularly like biodiesel fuel.

The larger 6.7-liter engine is a clean-sheet, all-Ford design that produces 390 horsepower and 735 pound-feet of torque. The deep-skirted V8 block is made of compacted graphite iron, which Ford claims is about two times stronger than traditional cast iron, all the better to reliably handle that elephantine torque. Four-valve aluminum heads help shave 160 pounds off the engine's total weight, but don't look for cams in those heads. A single camshaft in the block actuates all 32 valves with just as many pushrods.

Bosch piezo injectors send fuel directly into the combustion chambers with up to 29,000 psi of force. The quick-acting injectors are capable of delivering up to five stratified charges (layered squirts of fuel) per combustion cycle. The high-pressure, direct injection system pays big benefits in terms of increased power and economy with reduced noise. In traditional diesels, the combustion event happened all at once, making plenty of noise. Stratified fuel injection lengthens the combustion event, making it quieter.



While not silent, the new Power Stroke is so quiet that you can stand at the rear of the truck and hold a conversation and not have to raise your voice. In the cab, the engine noise levels are so low that it's hard to discern whether you're driving a gas or diesel truck. The fact that you can't smell any eau d'diesel makes the new engine and emissions package all the more impressive.

One of the most innovative features of the new Power Stroke engine is the path of the airflow through the engine. The air charge enters the heads on the outside of the V, with spent gasses exiting to the center of the valley. Waiting for those rapidly expanding gasses is a Honeywell turbocharger featuring two outboard compressor wheels that form a sandwich around the impeller.

The main benefit of the twin-compressor blower is that it delivers the power and flexibility of a twin-turbo system without separate turbo units. The turbocharger also features variable vane technology to enhance boost response at lower engine rpms. Max boost is 29 psi. While high by gas-engine standards, this is lower than many other diesel engines including the 2010 Cummins and the 2010 version of General Motors' Duramax. The lower boost is beneficial because it helps keep intake charge temperatures from rising to unfavorable levels. An air-to-liquid intercooler chills the incoming air on the Ford.





Unlike the six-cylinder Dodge/Cummins diesel, the Power Stroke uses a urea-injection exhaust after treatment to help meet new diesel emissions standards. Ford engineers told us that their system gave them greater flexibility to tune their engine for leaner running. Ford felt the economy vs. maintenance trade-off (having to refill the five gallons of Diesel Exhaust Fluid at every oil change) was worth it.

Trucks over 8,500-pounds are not subjected to EPA mileage tests, but Ford told us that its new diesel is significantly more efficient than the previous engine. During our time behind the wheel, one 80-mile segment was meant to be an economy run. We were too eager to hit our hotel's buffet tables, and averaged about 20 mpg in our F-250 Super Duty King Ranch 4x4 with the new Power Stroke. The mpg winners, however, averaged 29 mpg over the same distance in an equivalent truck, and they were only minutes later to dinner.

This type of performance can be yours for $7,835 more than the standard engine, the same upcharge as 2009, and well over half of Super Duty buyers opt for the oil burner.





6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine

If you wondered how Ford could afford to offer a big-cube, high-performance engine for the low-volume Raptor off-road monster, ponder no longer. The 6.2-liter was always in the plans for the Super Duty line. According to Ford powertrain engineers, the trustworthy and reliable 5.4-liter Triton engine was at the end of its development life and could not be improved to deliver more power and economy with lower emissions. A totally new engine was required, and that's what the new 6.2-liter is.

Even though the 6.2-liter is larger and more powerful than the 2010 Triton, in equivalent Super Duty models, engineers have seen a 15-percent gain in economy. The new engine puts out 385 hp and 405 lb-ft torque. Key features of the single-overhead cam engine include variable valve timing and dual spark plugs per cylinder. Anticipating the arrival of cheaper E85, the new engine can suck down alcohol, regular gasoline, or any mix thereof.

Given the 6.2-liter's power, it not only replaces the 5.4-liter but the 6.8-liter V-10 in all F-250 and F-350 applications, the volume-leaders of the Super Duty line. Limited production of the V-10 continues for F-450 and F-550 models because certain fleets still like the power/value equation of the last remaining member of Ford's modular engine family.





TorqShift six-speed automatic

Both new engines distribute their torque to an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. It's a heavy-duty box that engineers proudly boasted could handle way more power than either of the current engines are putting down.

Electronic controls support the beefy mechanicals, enabling convenient manual shifting and locking out higher gears (to eliminate gear hunting in hilly terrain). Representatives reminded the press that Ford invented the Tow Haul transmission mode, and this gearbox incorporates software improvements that make the system work better. We towed a 9,000-pound trailer up a multi-mile grade and the system worked as advertised, keeping the engine running in a sweet spot that enhanced our feeling of control.

The transmission also incorporates the easy fitment of power-take-off devices. While PTOs are not unusual for this class of truck, Ford's system enables the PTO to function anytime the engine is running, whether the truck is parked, idling, or in motion. Repo men will love this industry-exclusive feature.



The wrapper

Ford didn't have unlimited financial resources to put toward the Super Duty's refresh. Apparently the designer's share of the pot ran out at the A-pillar.

The front-end received nearly all of the design department's attention because the new Power Stroke wouldn't fit under the old hood. The deep-skirted block, manifolds and circuitous intake plumbing took up more room than the previous engines. Stylists came up with a taller clam-shell hood to make room. A new two-bar grill, light assemblies and fenders finish off the handsome new schnoz.

Looking over the rest of the truck, if it weren't for the new-for-2011 wheels (sized from 17 to 20 inches), one would be hard-pressed to tell a new Super Duty from old. When asked why the F-150's stylish tailgate wasn't simply bolted onto the Super Duty, we learned that the big truck's bed is a different size.

Compared the 2010 Dodge Ram HD, especially those fitted with dual rear wheels, the new Ford looks like an antique with a Monroney label. The Ram's sleek fenders make it look veritably svelte by comparison.









In the cab

Like the exterior, the interior received some attention, but nothing close to a full redesign. The Super Duty's interior looks like it's heavy duty, and carries over the high-quality materials, finishes and general function that impressed us on the previous generation.

Important upgrades include use of the comfortable F-150 seats (with available heating and cooling), a new center console design that can be configured dozens of ways, and a new 4.2-inch LCD screen positioned between the speedo and tach. The screen comes standard on the XLT and King Ranch, and provides much useful info about fuel economy, off-road hardware and towing. A five-button controller similar to that used on the new MyFord Touch system brings the system to life. The Ford Work Solutions package also continues to be an option.

In models with rear seats, flipping up the bottom cushion reveals a new cab-wide, lockable storage area. Accessing the storage, however, revealed how much easier the GM pickup rear-seat cushions flip up. The former requires two hands (one to flip after the other flips a lever), while the latter is a true one-handed operation.









Bragging points

Because guys like to brag about their tools, here are some facts that 2011 Ford Super Duty owners will relish: The F-250 can tow up to 14,000 pounds, half a ton more than the current Dodge and GM HD models. The big F-450 can handle up to a 24,400-pound trailer. This is 4,400 pounds more than the closest GM and nearly three tons more than the Dodge HD.

The comparisons continue in Ford's favor regarding payload. This seems all the more remarkable given that the Super Duty's frame is generally a carryover piece. Engineers felt it was strong enough as it was.



On the road

What do you normally get when you put three tons in motion on heavy-duty tires and attempt to control it with a recirculating-ball steering system? For those who enjoy driving, the resulting experience usually isn't pleasant. While the Super Duty isn't a Shelby GT 500, it's certainly way better than what heavy duty trucks used to be like.

What's so remarkable about the new Super Duty is that it drives as easily as today's best light-duty pickups. Much of the credit goes to new steering component geometry and some new bits Ford worked into the 2011 upgrade. Whereas previous Super Duty models had some slop in the steering on center, the new truck steers more precisely and with better response and feel. Body pitch and roll are also well controlled.

Regardless of powertrain, the cab is passenger car hushed. Even with the diesel chugging up a hill on boost, there's never a need to talk over the engine noise. We drove a Dodge Ram HD diesel back-to-back with a comparable Ford and found the Super Duty to be considerably quieter. Even more important was the lack of resonance and vibration felt in the cab compared to the Dodge. We'll have to see how the new GM Heavy Duty models stack up when they arrive later this year, because the bar is set high.



We spent most of our time driving crew cab models and even unladen, they rode smoothly. With half a ton in the bed, the ride was downright supple. The trucks weren't particularly quick by car standards, but they weren't slow either. These types of vehicles tend to gather speed as opposed to explode off the line. On the diesels, there was never any perceptible turbo lag.

Features like trailer sway control and electronic stability control systems add peace of mind. Curiously, similar features are not yet available on the Dodge, but should come along for 2011. Ford has offered them for years.

Sitting up high in the Super Duty models, the feeling of invincibility figuratively overcomes the pilot. With the diesel on boil, there seems like there's little this truck couldn't drive through or over. More than 80 percent of Super Duty models are equipped with four-wheel drive. The electronically locking rear differential we've already seen on the Raptor is now available. As we experienced on a rough off-road course, the grip it adds is considerable.



Hill Decent Control is another feature we first saw on the Raptor. Think of it as low-speed cruise control for when you're driving down the side of a mountain and there's no road. After you edge the nose down the grade, tap the brakes at the speed you'd like to go and electronic magicians take care of the rest. The feature works up to 20 mph and is a huge confidence booster to novice off-roaders.

Ford is also holding the line on Super Duty pricing. The MSRP of a showroom-equipped 2011 F-250 XLT Crew Cab 4x4 diesel is priced the same as a 2010 model. Expect to see all four trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch) in dealers this spring.

If this were the 1990s and fuel were cheaper than bottled water, some people might be tempted to buy a new Super Duty to be their driveway truck. It's certainly comfortable enough to be driven every day, even if your destination isn't a quarry, factory or construction site. But fuel isn't that cheap anymore.

Source: Autoblog
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...