For the 2011 model year Ford will now offer its highly-acclaimed F-150 SVT Raptor pickup as a SuperCrew model. With a wheelbase that's 12-inches longer than the standard truck's there's now a fully functional rear seat area should you want to take your buddies along for some Baja joyriding.
Also big news for 2011 is confirmation from Ford that the old Triton 5.4-liter V8 is out, in favor of the 6.2-liter engine as standard equipment. What this means is a total of 411 horsepower and 434 ft-lbs of torque, an increase of 101-hp and 69 ft-lbs over the old engine. The max tow rating for the new engine is an impressive 8,000 lbs.
Other upgrades include a new Ingot Silver Metallic paint choice and matte-black graphics. Plus, now standard for 2011 is a 4.2-inch LCD "productivity screen."
And of course, the Raptor keeps all its goodies like FOX Racing Shox and BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA/KO tires.
Already boasting class-leading payload and towing, Ford has now increased the 2011 F-Series Super Duty's engine output to ensure it has class-leading numbers in all areas. Originally launched with 390-hp and 735 ft-lbs of torque, Ford is upgrading the truck to deliver 400-hp and 800 ft-lbs of torque. Better yet, owners who already purchased one of the lower-output 2011 models will be able to get a free upgrade from their Ford dealer.
"These numbers are impressive, yes, but that is not why they matter," Samardzich said. "These numbers matter because our customers say they do. The higher torque means that fleet operators, such as Florida Power & Light, can plow through deep swamps and get to downed power lines faster and more confidently. It means that oil and gas crews in the Northwest can tow up an 8,000-foot grade maintaining a steady speed and using less fuel."
In addition, F-350 dual rear-wheel (DRW) models will get upgrades that include an increased max payload from 6,520 to 7,070 and a max fifth-wheel tow rating set at 22,600 lbs, up from 21,600 lb.
Ford's 2011 F-150 will do away with its current lineup of V8 engines in the F-150 in favor of new and more efficient powerplants, which will include a base V6, the Mustang GT's 5.0-liter V8 and the company's impressive EcoBoost V6.
The base 4.6-liter V8 will be tossed in favor of the company's new 3.7-liter V6 engine, the same engine offered as standard equipment in the new 2011 Mustang. This will mark the first time Ford has offered a V6 in the F-150 since 2008. The current 4.6-liter makes 248 hp and 294 ft-lbs of torque and gets 19-mpg highway, while in the Mustang the 3.7-liter V6 makes 305-hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque, while delivering 31-mpg on the highway.
Ford's optional Triton 5.4-liter V8 will then be replaced by the smaller displacement 5.0-liter from the Mustang GT. The 5.4-liter makes 320-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque, with a 20-mpg highway rating, while the 5.0-liter V8 in the new Mustang GT creates 412-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque, while getting 26-mpg highway.
Ford's new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine will also debut in the F-150 for 2011 and all engine options will come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The biggest challenge for Ford will be in the marketing department, convincing traditional truck buyers that a smaller displacement or V6 engine can do the job of the larger V8 powerplants. We wouldn't worry, as Ford has proven itself very capable over the past few years in marketing its products.
Despite GM having exited the medium duty market, Ford isn't resting on its laurels. It's F-650 and F-750 chassis cabs, which are primarily used for towing and commercial grade hauling work are receiving a few updates. One of the most significant is the adoption of the 6.8-liter V-10 found in the lighter Super Duty trucks (F-250-F-550) for the 2012 model year. According to Len Deluca, Director of Ford's Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing, the addition of the V-10 will be "welcome news to many business and municipalities," while providing a wider range of powertrain options and solutions than Ram, Navistar, Isuzu and Hino (to name a few) currently offer in the Class 6 and 7 truck market.
For use in the medium duty Ford trucks, the V10 will be rated at 362 horsepower at 4750 rpm and 457 ft-lbs of torque at 3250. This enables gross vehicle weight ratings on these trucks to range from 20,000 up to a substantial 30,000 lbs, making them highly suitable for a range of different uses, from flatbed recovery vehicles to Fire Department use and short haul delivery runs. Teamed with the V10 is a version of Ford's six-speed automatic TorqShift transmission, which features a powdered metal carrier in the planetary gearset for extra strength and increased torque capacity (some 735 ft-lbs), plus dual overdrive gears to aid fuel economy and a Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO) than can power such features as snow plows, salt spreaders and dump bodies directly off the crankshaft while the engine is running, no matter what speed the vehicle is traveling.
Alongside the V10/six-speed combo, Ford announced that it will be also offering an alternative fuels prep package for the 2012 Medium Duty trucks, following on from the smaller Super Duty rigs. This version of the V10 will incorporate hardened valves and seats for better wear resistance from gaseous fuels like Compressed Natural and Liquified Petroleum Gas. Ford has announced that the 2012 Class 6 and 7 chassis cabs will go on sale during the fourth quarter of 2011.
In the recent past, Ford has teamed up with country music star Toby Keith for special truck promotions and is now doing it again. The 2011 Super Duty has been generating quite a bit of buzz since it's introduction and now, Ford, in conjunction with Toby will be giving one of the trucks away as part of their American Ride Sweepstakes.
The contest is open to residents of the lower 48th and the District of Columbia who are at least 21 years of age at the time of the competition. Besides the truck, the winner will also receive as part of the prize; a full weekend on the road with Toby including transportation to and from the airport, exclusive use of their very own tour bus, plus all meals and exclusive back stage access.
The prize is in conjunction with Keith's latest American Ride tour, supported by fellow country star Trace Adkins, that began in Holmdel, New Jersey on June 19th. The tour will take in concerts in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. and other cities across the US.
"We're proud to have partnered with Toby Keith and to have the opportunity to award one lucky winner the chance of a lifetime," declared Ford spokesman Kevin Schebil.
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