2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Pickup Trucks
by Jim Prueter -11/2010

Big, cushy and with all new powertrains, Ford again raises the bar for heavy duty trucks

Ford’s F-Series has been the best-selling line of trucks in the U.S. for 33 straight years.  For 2011, Ford has reworked their heavy-duty F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks for the third time in four years. Updates are especially evident under the hood. According to Frank Davis, Ford Motor executive vice president, it is the most significant (engine and transmission) change in the F-series 62-year history. 

Executives at Ford know there’s a lot at stake in their quest to remain number one and retain a full 50 percent market share in the heavy-duty truck segment.

Last year, Chrysler Corporation brought a hugely revised Ram HD pickup to the market with great success. This year General Motors brought a new Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD to the party. Buyers have three new trucks to choose between now, each violently battling for market share in one of the most highly profitable segments of the automotive universe.

The biggest difference between these brands of trucks relates to the drivetrains.

Ford boasts all-new powertrains including its new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which delivers a best-in-class torque of 735 pound- feet (at 1,600 rpm) and best-in-class 390 horsepower (at 2,800 rpm). This is respectively 85 pound-feet and 40 horsepower more than the outgoing product.

It’s enough to tow 12 tons of heavy-duty construction equipment or the largest fifth-wheel camper trailer with ease.

There’s also an all-new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine.  Again, the new offering is best-in-class, offering 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque – 85 more horsepower and 40 pound-feet of torque more than the current 5.4-liter V-8 gas engine.

All engines are mated to an all-new heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission, the only available transmission.

At first glance, the changes seem so subtle there is little to call attention to the freshened look.  But Ford has given the 2011 Super Duty models a larger domed hood and a massive (13-inches from end to end) blue oval “Ford” emblem affixed to the center of the outrageously large chrome grille.

Our Super Duty tester was the top-of-the-line King Ranch 4x4 Crew Cab edition with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 and a long list of options, topping out at more than $64,000.  The new diesel engine, which adds almost another $9,000 to the price, cranks out 390-horsepower and an incredible 735 pound-feet of torque, enough to move a house off its foundation. It is nearly twice as powerful as the 6.2-liter 385 horsepower V-8 gasoline powered engine that produces 405 pound-feet of torque.  Your choice of engines is pretty much determined by how you will use the truck. 

Make no mistake, this is no ordinary pickup truck; at almost 7 feet tall, it affords a commanding view.  The King Ranch trim package makes for a simply plush and luxurious cabin that would impress the most jaded luxury car buyer. It includes upgraded Chaparral leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, rear view backup camera, and remote start system.

Outside, the King Ranch option adds two-tone paint, chrome tubular cab steps, special badging and body side moldings.

The Super Duty 350 is really much more truck than most people, including this journalist, will ever need.  Still it was seductively addictive, surprisingly easy to drive even considering its bulk and had me looking for reasons to stay behind the wheel.  The more time I spent driving it, the deeper my passion became.

While we didn’t put the truck to work hauling a horse trailer or moving any houses, we were pleased to find the ride, empty of cargo, was surprisingly smooth, void of the expected busy jiggling common with trucks.  Even with its 172-inch wheel base and 22-feet of length, the turning diameter was tight, making parking a pleasant experience.

Overall, noise isolation, build quality, and general refinement are all better than anticipated. Even the expected clatter from the diesel engine is barely audible.

We averaged 17 miles per gallon, which was mostly city and some expressway driving.  The tank holds 35 gallons for a potential 600-mile range.  Still, a refill made a $100 bill disappear in a matter of minutes.

Super Duty’s are available in four trim levels:  base XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch.  The Lariat is available on Super Cab and crew cab models; the King Ranch comes only as a crew cab.