Ford recently announced significant upgrades to its Super Duty pickup, as well as a long overdue refresh of its full-size Expedition SUV.
Starting with the Super Duty, Ford’s second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel gets a 40-horsepower boost to 440 horsepower, along with a torque hike from 800 to 860 lb-ft across all models from the F-250 to the F-450. As you might expect, tow ratings have also gone up: the F-450 offers a maximum fifth-wheel rating of 31,200 pounds (a gain of 6,500 pounds), while the F-350 goes up to 26,700 pounds from 23,200 pounds. Both the F-350 and F-450 benefit from chassis/suspension upgrades as well.
The Expedition is more powerful and efficient, thanks to a standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, now the only engine available. It produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the wheels by a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a manual shifting feature. A best-in-class tow rating of 9,200 pounds is augmented by a continuously controlled damping suspension with three modes: comfort, normal and sport. A new electronic steering system offers improved maneuverability and better feel. We drove the new Expedition at a recent press introduction and can attest that the improvements make the big SUV a lot more fun to drive.
Elsewhere, the Expedition has been freshened up with a new front end and interiors with design themes specific to each model, up to and including the new, upscale Platinum trim level. — Chris Hemer
