A few weeks ago, Fordpresented us its new vintage of Super Duty for 2023. During this launch, which took place in the state of Kentucky, we had the chance to discover all the technological innovations that the manufacturer will offer with its HD van. The only data Ford hadn’t disclosed at the time was the technical specifications. After a few weeks of waiting, the manufacturer has just lifted the veil on all this information expected by many.
More power on the program
In the field of pickup trucks for heavy work, the three American manufacturers are still looking to be at the top of the category. So it’s no wonder to see the capacity or performance numbers grow with each refresh of a model, and the Super Duty is no exception for 2023.
To start, as announced at launch, the F Super Duty series will offer a choice of four engines. The first is an all-new 6.8-liter gasoline V8 engine that will develop 405 horsepower and produce 445 pound-feet of torque. Then the 7.3-liter gasoline-powered V8 is back and getting some improvements to now develop 430 horsepower and produce 485 pound-feet. The other two engine options are 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel V8s. You will have the choice between the regular version that develops 475 horsepower and produces a torque of 1,050 pound-feet or the high-output version that will offer an impressive 500 horsepower and a torque of 1,200 pound-feet. Each engine will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 4WD system will now be standard from the XLT range.
Increased capacity
Ford says its new pickup truck will offer best-in-class body payload with a capacity of up to 8,000 pounds (3,636 kilograms), depending on configuration. Interestingly, the available on-board scales can help the driver measure a payload equivalent to 100 36-kilogram (80-pound) bags of cement. In addition, Ford took inspiration from GM by adding standard body corner and rear bumper running boards. The available tailgate step will still be offered, but will now be 3 inches lower than before. This is proof that Ford has listened to its customers on this point by making its improvements.
On the towing capacity side, Ford has been working to raise the bar. Depending on the pickup truck configuration chosen, you’ll be able to tow up to 18,182 kilos (40,000 pounds) in gooseneck towing and up to 15,909 kilos (35,000 pounds) in traditional towing. Of course, these figures will be different, depending on the cabin/body/differential combination and engine chosen.
It will be interesting to follow the evolution in this constantly changing category, because it is a safe bet that the competition will soon respond to these new data in the near future. We could also believe that the figures published by Ford are in response to GM who unveiled those of thenew Sierra HD 2024all recently. For comparison, the 2024 Sierra offers only 16,329 kilograms (36,000 pounds) in gooseneck towing mode. Its gasoline and turbo diesel engines are also less powerful. The gasoline-powered 6.6-liter will develop only 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the Duramax achieves only 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. Now, it remains to be seen how long Ford will sit at the top, to follow…