Since approximately 75% of all Ford F-Series Super Duties sold are diesel-powered, the new diesel emissions standards for 2007 meant the heavy-duty pickup was in for major changes. However, the new truck– designated a 2008 model– is a full redesign that not only includes a completely new diesel, but also a new interior, new sheet metal, and new drivetrain and utility features for commercial truck users.
So even though the Super Duty line saw a significant “refreshening” in 2005, the new diesel requirements provided an opportunity Ford couldn’t pass up to rethink its key offering in the so-called heavy-duty pickup market. The result is a lineup that includes three cab configurations, 12 wheelbases, two gasoline engines in addition to the new diesel, manual and automatic transmission options, and even a new Class 4 F-450 Super Duty pickup.
Currently Ford claims 40% of the commercial full-size pickup market and over 60% of the cab-chassis market, according to Joe Castelli, director of Ford commercial truck marketing. Getting a new diesel that met customer expectations as well as 2007 EPA requirements is key to maintaining that position, he said.
As it has in the past, International provides the new 6.4L PowerStroke V8, which features dual sequential turbochargers for good low-end torque, a common rail fuel injection system with piezoelectric injectors for precise fuel control, cooled EGR to bring NOx emissions within Federal limits, and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet particulate requirements. Power is up to 350 hp for the new engine from 325 hp for the 6.0L diesel it replaces, while peak torque has climbed to 650 lbs.-ft. from 570 lbs.-ft.
The published price increase for the cleaner diesel design is $1,595 over the 6.0L engine, Castelli said.
Gasoline offerings for the 2008 Super Duty are the 5.4L Triton V8 and 6.8L Triton V10. Transmission choices are a new 6-speed manual or redesigned Torqshift 5-speed automatic. GVW ratings start at 8,800 lbs. and go up to 14,500 lbs. for the new F-450 Super Duty, which has a payload capacity of over 6,000 lbs. and can tow up to 24,500 lbs. with a fifth wheel.
Functional changes for the new interior include four upfitter switches with heavy-duty relays for accessories and an integrated trailer brake controller, as well as a center console that can hold both file folders and a laptop. Outside, notable new features include a step that extends out of the tailgate for easier access to the bed and a stowable bed extender that folds into the sides of the bed.
For more details, read Ford debuts ’08 Super Duties
