Major changes make a much better platform
It’s amazing how quickly time seems to pass when you’re not paying attention to it. On Sept. 27, 2022, Governor Andy Beshear declared KenTRUCKy Day in the Bluegrass State, and now, twenty-four years after Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks replaced the now-vaunted 1992-to- 1997, the Blue Oval unveiled its fifth generation – aka “Next Generation” – of the heavy-duty platform, at its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville.
Aggressive and “muscular” design
Aggressive new Super Duty exterior styling focuses on function and aesthetics, highlighted by a drop-down beltline, muscular hood, softer front fenders (wheels/tires now flush with fenders), seven different grille choices and updated C-clamp daytime running lights and LED headlights for all trim levels. Designers added functional side air extractor vents in both fenders and on the vans, bed access steps on the rear bumper and on the sides of the bed. (There’s also a lower tailgate step and an in-door reverse sensor and camera system.) In addition to these highlights, new STX, Sport and Black appearance packages for pickup trucks offer trim , wheel, and paint choices that further enhance their appearance.
Ford Pro technology under the skin
Of course, the exterior and interior looks are the first noticeable differences between the all-new 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty and all of its 1999-2022 predecessors. updated platform and cyber-focused features, are the real qualities to be happy about. Key technology gains for the new Super Duty are Ford’s Pro Power Onboard 2.0 kilowatt auxiliary power system, Ford Pro’s Enhancement Integration System that simplifies the addition and use of accessories and of equipment, such as headlights or snowplows, and the most important: Ford Pro (connectivity function to increase the efficiency and availability of commercially used platforms) and the integrated AT&T 5G capability (a industry-first for U.S.-built trucks), which enables faster mapping, Wi-Fi hotspots for up to 10 devices, and Ford Power-Up software updates while driving.
New interior for the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty includes a customizable 12-inch digital instrument panel (encapsulated control unit), an 8.0-inch center display that is now standard on XL models and a larger screen 12 inches on higher versions. There are four USB power ports and a wireless charger, plus slots in the lowered center console that can hold a tablet upright (for easier use when the truck is parked). The Max-Recline front seats fold almost horizontally and raise the bottom of the seat, there’s a flat rear floor and storage, and you get a 640-watt eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system or an optional B&O from 1,080 watts from 18 speakers Unleashed Audio Pack if you want concert-level decibel sound clarity.
Take away the pain (Points)
Ford Truck engineers say “making tough towing easier by eliminating pain points” was a primary development goal for the 2023 F-Series Super Duty. Despite its good looks and luxury on higher trim levels, the truck is considered a workhorse, and Ford’s intent is for the all-new platform to earn best-in-class recognition for horsepower, torque, payload and towing for every type of trailer.
Expected peak horsepower and torque
To help achieve those honours, two exciting new engines – one petrol, one turbodiesel – are now available for all trim levels. Standard is an all-new 6.8-liter V8 engine that is said to have more torque than the outgoing 6.2-liter engine from Super Duty. The original 6.7-liter Power Stroke oil burner and 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V-8 engines remain in the lineup. Ford is confident that the OG gasoline powertrain will have peak horsepower and torque thanks to changes to its air intake system and PCM calibration.
High output turbodiesel
Performance details for the small block, as well as an all-new high-output version of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbodiesel engine, have not been released. However, the 6.8-liter could make things like navigating steep grades and merging on the highway easier. The high-output 6.7-litre Power Stroke features a single turbo, upgraded exhaust manifolds and tuning intended to achieve the best power and torque in the heavy-duty segment. Expect a closer look at the two new engines in the coming days.
Every 2023 Super Duty also comes equipped with Ford’s TorqShift ten-speed automatic transmission, and chassis cabs have a PTO connection (for operating aerial lifts, plows, etc.) as standard equipment.
On-board scales, trailer navigation, cameras everywhere
Looking deeper to eliminate the pain points of towing, the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty has a host of new driver assistance features, as well as safety and security technologies designed to simplify the experience. towing and build confidence. Features include:
- Navigation Trailer which plots routes that can be traveled safely with given dimensions and trailer weight to avoid potential problems with low bridges and tight turns
- On-board scales with Smart Hitch that estimates real-time cargo weight and provides advice on trailer tongue weight distribution right on the center touchscreen, FordPass app or in the taillights
- Ford Co-Pilot 360 Degree Trailer Camera System that provides a bird’s-eye view of the trailer for easy maneuvering in tight spaces and virtually eliminating blind spots
- Blind Spot Information System for towing with fifth wheel and gooseneck which can be attached to a trailer to help identify when vehicles are beside a trailer and indicate this in side mirrors
Enhanced safety and security features
- Tailgate Down Camera and Tailgate Down Backup Sensing System is an industry first that features a new camera and reverse sensors in the upper portion of the tailgate that provide visual and audible alerts when the tailgate is lowered to make reversing to a dock or truck easier than ever. hitching a gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer.
- Trailer Hitch Assist Pro automatically backs the truck and aligns the conventional hitch ball to the trailer receiver.
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering automatically brakes and accelerates at a preset speed and helps keep the truck in its lane.
- Trailer theft alert sends an alert through the FordPass app if someone tries to disconnect the trailer when the truck is locked.
- Vehicle securityavailable with a Ford Pro Telematics subscription, uses sensors to monitor impact and towing events and send alerts even when the vehicle is turned off.
- Fleet Start Inhibition allows Ford Pro customers to program delays for starting vehicles, to improve confidence around fleet operations.
- Forward/backward sensing system assists drivers by showing objects immediately in front of the vehicle and warns when objects are close to the front or rear of the vehicle.
- Front and rear brake assist helps prevent low-speed collisions with objects that may be difficult to see.
- Color head-up display helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road by displaying information directly in the driver’s line of sight that changes with the drive mode.
New off-road trim
For off-road enthusiasts, four-wheel drive is now standard equipment on all-new 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups, starting with XLT and all trim levels above. A new F-250/F-350 XL off-road package is also available on four-wheel-drive and single-rear-wheel platforms. The setup adds 33-inch all-terrain tires, a raised air dam, fording axle vent tubes, skid plates and an electronic-locking rear differential. Tremor models, like the one pictured here, feature single-tuned front linkage and suspension, Dana front axle with limited-slip differential and axle vent tubes, all-terrain tires 35-inch Goodyear on unique 18-inch wheels, Trail Control, selectable ride modes including Rock-Crawl and, new for 2023, Trail Turn Assist. FX4, the everyday off-roader, remains unchanged.
Comments are closed.