For 2003, Ford's F-Series Super Duty pickups will feature an all-new optional diesel engine and automatic transmission package designed to deliver "class-leading power." The trucks will also offer more comfort, convenience and trim options.
The big news is under the hood, Truck Group marketing director Doug Scott told FleetOwner. He said the new 32-valve 6.0-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbodiesel is more powerful, provides approximately 8% better fuel economy and satisfies more stringent emissions standards than the 7.3-liter Power Stroke it replaces.
The engine puts out 325 hp at 3300 rpm and 560 ft-lbs of torque at 2000 rpm. It uses cooled EGR to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions by 20%. In addition, noted Scott, the engine is less noisy and transmits less vibration.
While Navistar International manufactures the Power Shift, Ford builds the new TorqShift transmission. The five-speed automatic features a tow-haul mode, activated by touching a button or tapping the brake, which electronically helps improve control when towing.
The transmission includes improved gear ratios, higher-capacity pumps, robust components and simplified shift controls. According to Scott, these features contribute to fuel economy improvements, reliability, smooth shifts and quieter operation.
A key feature of the TorqShift is thedriver-activated tow-haul mode. Once selected, the shift strategy of the automatic changes, allowing for more control on a loaded vehicle.
Going uphill, tow-haul mode holds a gear longer before upshifting to help maintain consistent movement without strain, explained Tamara Henderson, supervisor program manager. Going downhill, a tap on the brake pedal signals tow-haul, resulting in downshifts as appropriate to slow the vehicle.
Henderson noted that the engine and transmission were developed together, rather than through the more common practice of adapting one to fit the other.
The Power Stroke and Torqshift package will be offered on F-250 through F-550 pickups and chassis cabs. The Power Stroke will also be available with a six-speed manual transmission. Super Duty models will also be available with several Triton gas engines.
