Ford has boosted the horsepower and increased torque across its range of F-Series Super Duty pickups for 2015.
Vehicles from the F-250 to F-450 will receive Ford’s second-generation 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel with 440 hp., up from 400, and 860 lbs.-ft. of torque, up from 800 lbs.-ft. With the added power, the 2015 F-450 now has maximum towing capacity of 31,200 lbs. and a gross combined weight rating of 40,000 lbs.
Tow ratings for the F-350 have also increased, up to 26,500 lbs. with a gross combined weight rating of 35,000 lbs.
“Our chassis people work in unison with our powertrain people to develop more than a great truck, it’s a machine engineered for work,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager. “We’re the only manufacturer that develops and builds our own powertrains in this class and when you combine that with a chassis that’s purpose-built for best-in-class power and torque, you can feel the result in the way it drives, especially when towing big loads.”
The 6.7L Power Stroke engine features compacted graphite iron engine block and reverse-flow layout for a segment-exclusive design that places the exhaust inside the engine’s V-shape, with while the air intake positioned on the outside resulting in a variety of advancements including shorter airflow from the exhaust system to the larger turbocharger and the positioning of the turbo inside the engine’s valley to help isolate the engine’s hottest temperatures, improve performance and efficiency while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.
“The 6.7L Power Stroke was already a stout engine,” said Robert Fascetti, Ford vice president powertrain engineering. “The improvements we’ve made essentially give Super Duty customers an engine designed for our larger F-650 and F-750 trucks. They may not realize how tough this engine really is.”
New injector tips spray a finer mist of fuel into the cylinders which provides a more complete burn and helps reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Other benefits include lower emissions and less fuel deposit buildup on the intake valves over time.
The F-350 is available with a high-capacity towing package that includes new front springs and a wide track axle.
Improvements to the F-450 allow it to handle the increased tow rating and include commercial- grade 19.5-in. wheels and tires; upgraded rear U-joints and suspension components, including new rear leaf springs; front and rear stabilizer bars; and shocks.
