2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450) revealed [Live image update]
09/24/2009, 1:13 PM
By Nick Aziz
At the State Fair of Texas, Ford officially unveiled its F-Series Super Duty pickup truck range, which has been extensively redesigned for the 2011 mode year. The truck’s exterior is notably bolder, and numerous mechanical improvements have the aim of keeping the F-Series the best selling line of trucks in America.
The Super Duty will be offered with a choice of two powerful V8 motors — one gasoline unit and one diesel mill. Final horsepower figures have not been disclosed, though Ford says the motors are both more powerful and more efficient than their predecessors.
The recently-announced 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine features a compacted graphite iron engine block, optimized for increased durability and reduced weight Aluminum cylinder heads also reduce engine weight. A unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture — an industry-first for a modern diesel — reduces overall exhaust volume, which leads to better throttle response. Heat transfer, noise, and vibration are also mitigated by a reduced exhaust system surface area.
The diesel’s turbocharger features a dual-sided compressor wheel that works in a single housing. The design allows the single unit to deliver the advantages of a twin-turbocharger system in a smaller, more efficient package. The high-pressure fuel system injects fuel at more than 29,000 psi, resulting in increased power and efficiency.
The diesel unit is compatible with B20 fuel, which is made of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel.
On the gasoline side, the new 6.2-liter V8 uses big-bore architecture to produce more horsepower and what Ford calls ‘class-leading’ fuel economy. As with the diesel motor, Ford has not yet disclosed horsepower or efficiency numbers for the gasoline V8.
Ford says the V8’s large bore (102 mm) allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine breathing, and the short stroke (95 mm) allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower. Other highlights include an SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts, dual-equal variable cam timing, two spark plugs per cylinder, and dual knock sensors.
The motor also features better engine crankcase “breathing” and efficiency. Ford says it used computer models to optimize airflow inside the case. Piston-cooling jets squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. The cooling jets also allow for a higher compression ratio for better engine efficiency and faster engine oil warm-up on cold starts, also improving fuel economy.
Either motor comes mated to the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission, which was designed to manage the high low-end torque produced by the new diesel engine. The unit also has a manual gear selection mode and increased internal efficiency, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
The new TorqShift transmission also represents the first application of Ford’s new Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) in a Super Duty-class vehicle. On 2011 Super Duty diesels with the PTO prep option, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers or dump trucks.
Other improvements include the introduction of: Hill Start Assist, which applies brakes to prevent rollback; Hill Descent Control, which regulates brakes and throttle while descending; an Electronic Locking Differential, which provides maximum traction by forcing the rear wheels to turn at the same speed; a tire pressure monitoring system; optional side air bags and air curtains; and a new 4.2-inch LCD screen that includes information on specific features such as Trailer Brake Control and Tow Haul.
Ford says the new models have increased towing capacity, but like the engine specs, those numbers have not yet been released.
09/24, 1:19 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
Nice truck. I would still take a Sierra.
09/24, 1:20 PM
posted by:
vicdub85
I’m liking the new grill design. It looks bullet proof.
09/24, 1:26 PM
posted by:
MHW
The front end proportions are almost cartoonish in size, plus I’m not digging the new grill at all. That said I’m sure it will be a very capable truck. Hopefully the new 6.7 diesel works out better for them than the engines they replaced.
09/24, 1:50 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
Wow, that is BOLD, I like it! Who remembers the Tonka Truck Concept/Ford interceptor grille?
I want to see the F150s with this kind of DNA.
09/24, 1:51 PM
posted by:
JSi
about the grill, i think they are going for that “bold” single piece grill from acura, i’m with caddy-v i would take the sierra as well… i think that the truck is ok, but just ok, they keep changing the front but the back looks very old…
09/24, 1:57 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Is LLN always this slow in reporting news and photos? I’m seeing most of their info on other blogs much earleir than on LLN. Someone sleeping at the keyboard?
09/24, 1:58 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
What’s the back of a pickup supposed to look like? There’s only so much you can do.
09/24, 2:03 PM
posted by:
Kid Icarus
This beast eats Sierras
09/24, 2:17 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
Kid Icarus-
Stop Kid ding around.
09/24, 2:17 PM
posted by:
nickkop
looks like the full-size tonka that I’ve always wanted !! BAD ASS!!
i like all the full-size turbodiesel heavy duty pickups, but prefer Fords, then Dodge’s, and Chevy/GMC are nice too, just not as bad ass as ford and dodge IMO.
09/24, 2:19 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
Lol Joihnny
Lol Icarus
09/24, 2:19 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Am I wrong here, but isn’t everything on this truck on the outside (besides the front end) pretty much the same as it was in 2000? Seriously, in all reality it’s yet another facelift to the uneducated eye.
09/24, 2:23 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
If I could get away with another truck, it would so be this, once that diesel gets goin …
09/24, 2:24 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
That it is a HUGE grille. The next generation F-series trucks will have to feature a solid wall to keep up with this trend. Anyone remember whether it was Ford or Chevy that previously offered an auxiliary shaft off the transmission to power equipment….and then got rid of it due to cost? Doesn’t really matter but interesting to see the option popping back up again.
09/24, 2:30 PM
posted by:
The Realist
Your CommentOh. My. God.
There is not a word in ANY language used today to describe how hideous this Super Doodie really is.
Many said that the last gen Super Doodie couldn’t get any uglier, but, somehow, Ford found a way.
This Super Doodie takes ugly to a whole new level. It’s beyond Lincoln Flex ugly, it’s beyond Fusion ugly, it’s beyond Ford Flex ugly, it’s beyond Fiesta ugly, it’s even beyond Aztek ugly.
This makes Acura’s new grille look fantastic.
And the interior is the same old crap we saw in the last gen Super Doodie.
09/24, 2:37 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
Jake, in a sense u are right. Thru the years they have crisped up the sheetmetal in a few places and made a few improvements, but essentially its the same outside. The interior has been greatly improved, and the underlying parts and components are redesigned. I’m sure its a great cost savings for Ford to make these minor visual changes over the yrs instead of a complete overhaul, having to retool the factories. As a consumer I still think it looks good, I don’t get that feeling of a dated old machine. But, of course, that is just lil old ME
09/24, 3:01 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
the grill looks like a giant power plug for a macbook, or some other giant industrial electrical socket…
09/24, 3:18 PM
posted by:
NavinRJohnson
eff1Fifty – I agree with you. I thought that Tonka concept was cool and I like the looks of this.
09/24, 3:51 PM
posted by:
SoTXFord
It looks good, but aesthetically, its more of the same Still the underpinnings are radically different and really define this as a whole new truck.
09/24, 4:01 PM
posted by:
A4
The fact that Ford differentiates their heavy duty line from their light duty F-150 rather than GM’s and Dodge’s approach is a major selling point, for me at least. With a Silverado/Sierra/Ram you feel like your just getting a big 1500, but with the Ford you feel like you’re in a different class.
09/24, 4:02 PM
posted by:
aesir
Sooooo, I was going to make a joke about bulletproof, which way back in the day was a cartoon character in show that I no longer watch and I can’t remember the name of. However, I when to bing (I like the bing POD ok) images to look for the character. Anyway I didn’t find the character, but wow… you get some interesting results from this: I like the banana one and the woman in the shower creeps me out… http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=bulletproof+cartoon&form=QBIR&qs=n#
I’m really not sure how you get a woman licking a banana or woman in the shower from bulletproof, but search engines never lie so….
In other news, the grill reminds me of an electric shaver so I really think Ford’s theme with razor blades is working out for them. Secretly the design staff must have a fetish for clean shaven… something…. >.>
09/24, 4:04 PM
posted by:
greg
This Super Duty (not dootie Realist, you wouldn’t say that to the face of some of the men that use these trucks, you’re the real woosy…)… Its called Continuous Improvement and for real men who use these trucks its all about function, they don’t care about the sides or backend of the truck, its all about what it can do… capability!
If your not in the market for this truck, stick your comments up your as!@#$ and go take a powder…
09/24, 4:16 PM
posted by:
muttonchops
I actually REALLY like the looks of the New Ram HD, and I’m a Ford guy. I’m sure this will be a little more capable but man there’s just something about that Ram.
09/24, 4:18 PM
posted by:
aesir
If capability was the only thing truck drivers looked for no one would buy the Cadillac Escalade EXT or Lincoln Mark T. No one would trick out their trucks. They would simply use them for utility; however, every truck on the market does more than what most people need them to do in terms of truck capabilities.
09/24, 4:21 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
At what point do these begin being replaced by something made by Freightliner, Mack, or Kenworth? Seriously… these things are just too big. They barely fit in travel lanes and don’t fit in parking spaces. A CDL should be required to operate one. That alone would stop people who really don’t need them from getting them.
09/24, 4:23 PM
posted by:
vicdub85
Denver.. I said the exact same thing before and it got deleted.
09/24, 4:24 PM
posted by:
Perez
This truck looks badass.
The powertrain is impressive also.
This truck make the sierra and silverado look like poop.
09/24, 4:27 PM
posted by:
shaver
I wish they would make it bigger. Its just too small for my needs.
09/24, 4:37 PM
posted by:
fordlover999
thats a beautiful looking truck
09/24, 5:16 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
From the front, this is what I see:
B [===] B
–____–
09/24, 5:18 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
B [===] B
–_____–
09/24, 5:31 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
shaver, let me guess: what wives say when their husbands aren’t around.
09/24, 5:55 PM
posted by:
American_Cars_Crap
junk! Probably better than the f150 but based on personal experience with a 2008 F150 which needed a new transmission before it reached 20k, I will assume this “super” dooty truck will also be crap.
09/24, 7:28 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Me want! This thing is going to be a beast with a 6.7L turbodiesel.
09/24, 7:35 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
A4 you make an excellent point and that is the truth the Ford SuperDuty is a different class vehicle over the average F-150. Still the F-150 is the best selling PU truck in the World for good reason its an ICON!. Its not an addon as you would find with the Cheby Splinterado!.
09/24, 9:01 PM
posted by:
alsvw
great looking truck.
now who the hell would buy a toyota over this ford. not me..
09/24, 9:34 PM
posted by:
jdasch1
America_crap- your bias is in your name….I talked to a Ford service manager today and he said he hasn’t replaced a F150 tranny in 10 months now, and they are a huge repair facillity. Your Claim of a bad tranny is ” questionable” as well as your statements . Go back to the sales floor now at the Toyota store you sell for…go now…
09/24, 9:52 PM
posted by:
American_Cars_Crap
Toyota makes good cars, but I love my new Subaru Sti. I only spent another 3 grand in performance upgrades and its pushing 450hp. With upgrades the thing only cost me under 40k and can do 0-60 in 3.7 seconds based on my GPS speedo gauge. The best thing it won’t breakdown on me like Ford and GM cars will.
09/25, 4:21 AM
posted by:
A4
Actually Bankruptcy, i do believe the Silverado sells more 1500 series trucks than Ford… the F-Series is the “best selling truck” but that includes everything up to F-650 as far as I know, at least everything up to the F-450.
09/25, 4:25 AM
posted by:
A4
And your a jackass, American_Cars_Crap, my father has a 2001 Sport Trac with almost 200,000 miles and it still has the original transmission. Sorry you got one dud, that your probably either blowing way out of proportion, or just making it up altogether. I can’t wait until you blow the engine on your Subaru. Also, Toyota predominantly makes crap, and their quality ratings are equal to American automakers. You’re a dickhead.
09/25, 3:51 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
Yeah Bankruptcy, A4 is right. I love Ford but their claim to the F-Series being the best selling truck is BS, very sneakily worded BS that most people don’t see through… But BS none the less.
American_Cars_Crap… Stop being an American bashing fanboy…
09/25, 11:30 PM
posted by:
Toyotafan2009
Talk about the definition of ugly
09/28, 4:57 PM
posted by:
5.4tritonv8
Way too go FORD. Kicking ass just like all of your new vehicles.. All of you Toyota lovers can just sit there and say that is ugly. Let’s keep on going FORD # 1.
09/29, 12:52 AM
posted by:
mathew
Nice post. In their life span ford has built many pickup truck. In terms of performance its good. Ford are very reasonable.Ford are increasing their size of the truck. Fords headlights are also very diffrent. In terms of feature 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 diesel engine. Two options in petrol one is a 6.8 liter V10 and other is a 6.2 liter V8.The F-series now provide new interior, comfortable seating with heaters. For more details refer http://www.macktruck.org/2011-ford-f-series-super-duty.html
09/30, 2:58 PM
posted by:
l.sanchez
How are Fords sales claims crap?? F150 by itself has been the best selling vehicle for almost 30 years now. Gm also counts both Chevy and GMC truck sales as one rather then seperate brands. So who’s cheatin??
10/01, 12:50 AM
posted by:
jmc8387
I like it a lot! I have been a Toyota fan for 20+ years (as well as Ford) But Toyota has gone stale in the last 5 years or so. Their styling is horrible and their materials have become very low quality and cheap looking. I can say this as I have owned several Toyotas, and currently have a Toyota, Lexus and a Lincoln. For a truck, there is no new one available that I wold look at other than what is offered from Ford.
10/02, 8:03 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
jdasch1 your right hey American Cars Crap your full of it with your 3.7 Sec in an STi maybe 4.6 sec and that’s about it. But if you want to tune your STi; then I’ll have to take you down town Ford Motor Company Style in my Don Prudhomme Mustang And Beat your Ass Royally at 0-60 in 2.4 Seconds
10/03, 9:23 PM
posted by:
fordlover999
the ford F150 is the best selling truck.
10/12, 7:52 PM
posted by:
NC
All I know is that Ford is better than chevy. They keep on talking about Ford pretty much just changing the front end on the new 250 but isn’t it chevy’s favorite thing to do on their cars??? How many years did they go with their silverado ugly interior and exterior just changing the front end of it?? GMC just changes the grill on it and calls it sierra but it is a silverado. the 1500 and 2500 look just alike but one of them higher and of course the engine but we’re not talking about engine we’re talking about looks. All I know chevy is gonna keep that same look on their new silverado for another 10 years like they always do..They went from about 1990 to 2000 “same look” 2000 to 2008 “same look” will go from 2008 to 2016 “same look” NO WONDER why F-SERIES ARE THE BEST SELLING TRUCKS EVER WHETHER CHEVY LIKES IT OR NOT.. PROVEN!!
10/16, 11:52 AM
posted by:
Strokerallnight
I totally agree with “NC”. Ford has had the best selling line of trucks for many years. The power of the vehicle can be compared to a chevy but the prices are NO WHERE close. Ford is a well built that costs less. I am glad to see that ford is making there own diesel engine again. The 6.7 powerstroke will do wonders.