2017 Ford Super Duty Called Smarter and Tougher

[Gorehamj]

John Goreham
Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com
9/24/2015

We won't argue that the Ford Super Duty for 2016 can be made smarter by Ford. GM seems miles ahead with regard to infotainment, connectivity, and telematics. But when Ford called its new Super Duty its toughest ever, given its aluminum skin, our ears perked up. Sure enough the very first thing Ford mentions in its blurb is the Super Duty's "high-strength steel frame." Ford has also beefed up the springs, axles, and suspension of the Super Duty.

 

When we heard Mark Reyes, the chief engineer on the F-150 last year he emphasized that the reduced weight of the aluminum body and new frame gave back extra benefits. It enables the truck to pull more weight overall for example. Craig Schmatz, Super Duty's chief engineer echoed that sentiment today , saying, “As we remove weight, we’re making Super Duty more productive by giving our customers better towing and payload capability. We’re backing up improved capability with a stronger gasoline and diesel Super Duty engine lineup.” So we are willing to believe Ford's new truck will be more capable.

With regard to the Super Duty being smarter, Ford laid out some convincing arguments. For one thing, the Super Duty makes it easier to see what is going on. Ford has put in an extra effort to make towing visibility and backing up to a trailer easier (image). Ford's new smarter technology breaks down in to four areas:

•SYNC® 3 – Ford’s all-new communications and entertainment system features faster performance, conversational voice recognition and an easier-to-understand graphical interface, along with an intuitive smartphone-like 8-inch touch screen

•Blind Spot Information System with trailer tow is optimized for Super Duty to include the length of the trailer; BLIS® uses radar sensors in the taillamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver

•Lane departure warning provides a warning when a driver strays from a lane through a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic rumble strips

•Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support use sensors to detect slower vehicles moving in the same direction. If another vehicle is too close, red lights flash on the windshield and a warning sound chimes. If the driver does not hit the brakes, the brake system is pre-charged to stop faster when the brake pedal is pressed

 

Another detail all automakers are concentrating on is the tailgate. The Super Duty's will be dampened for smoother closing and have a remote tailgate lock that can be controlled by the key fob. Not only will it lock and un-lock with the fob, it can even be opened.

 

The Super Duty is still a ways off. Ford plans to introduce it in about one year.