The mighty Ford F-Series Super Duty is significantly updated for 2011, with a meaner grille, more potent powertrains, and stronger work credentials. (Read our latest Ford Super Duty pickup review.)Behind that imposing grille is a choice of two new engines, a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine and 6.2-liter SOHC V-8 gasoline engine. The diesel is Ford-designed, engineered, and built. Both engines are teamed with an all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection. This transmission marks the first application of Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) in a Super Duty-class vehicle. When so equipped, 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. The power is available any time the engine is running. Ford has not released output figures yet, but the automaker is pounding its chest and citing improved towing capacity and fuel economy. This pronouncement is key, as Dodge has taken off the kid gloves with its own claims. Previously, Dodge sandbagged the published Ram capabilities, as the company used a more challenging tow test than its competitors for its ratings.The Super Duty trucks also promise an improved ride, enhanced Work Solutions, and interior refinements for the new model year. (Learn more about Ford
Works Solutions.)
Read about the 2009 F-Series Super Duty Harley-Davidson.
Also see our 2008
Ford Super Duty review. Research Ford in the new car
buyer's guide.