OCR Text |
Show Tue/Wed/Thur. December 28-30, 2004 The Park Record C-30 F rom headlights to tailgate, the latest 1-Scries Super Duly models can really deliver the power, payload capacity and passenger accommodations. Il seems thai Ford has poured everything il. knows about trucks (and. as die numero two pickup builder in ihe world, it knows a lol) into this latest boxy, big-bruie badboy. Although similar looking to the *04 model, the Super Duty scries, comprising o( ihrce-qiiarier-ton 1--25O and one-ton !•350 versions (plus commercial-grade chassis from 1-350 10 I--750 versions not covered here), are now considerably stronger with beefed-up frames, axfes and brakes that arc able to transport even heavier loads. How much heavier depends on how each Super Duty is ordered, nut maximum payload capacity is now rated at 5,800 pounds - a gain of 300 - and towing capacity has increased by 300 lb lo 15.000 Ih (17.000 using a fifth-wheel setup). Since 90-per-cem of current Super Duly owners tow with their trucks and at least 80 per cent tote heavy loads, these numbers are not only impressive, bui critical to hig-rig-type pickup buyers. A more modem front suspension on 4x4 models, one that now features coil springs instead of old-siylc front leaf springs, adds, according to l-ord, greater steering precision, improved ride and better overall stability, especially while changing lanes or making any sudden moves. Another benefit o\' the coil-spring setup is a reduced turning radius. Alone with a humongous carrying?pulling capacity, the Super Duty also looks the toughhombre part. A bolder " froni-end treatment inspired by lord's Tonka concept truck seen at various auio shows throughout the land reinforces the image. It's an imaee mat's backed up by a ino of engines Oiat are more pumped up than ever. The starting point is a 5.4-liter V8 that puts down 3(X) horsepower (a gain of 40 from '04) and 365 Ib.-fl. of torque. Optional is a 6.8-liter V10, rated at 362 horsepower and 457 Ib.-ft. of torque, that replaces last year's 310-horsepower 6.8liter unit. Both of these engines benefit from new three-valve per-cylindcr heads (the old ones had just two valves) that add more airflow to make more power. The engine preferred by two-thirds of all Super Duty buyers (around 200.000 North American customers every year) is Ford's 6.0-liter Power Stroke turho-diesel that, for 2005, cranks out 315 horsepower and 570 Ib.-ft. of torque. The latter peak figure is close to, but slightly less than ihe Dodge and Chevrolet dicsel competitors. All engines are connected to six-speed manual transmissions or a choice of two optional live-speed automatics, with one featuring a lowhaul mode, part of a Tow Command system that helps to control die truck and its payload on downhill stretches. It will also slay locked in a particular gear while travelling uphill. which prevents the transmission from hunting from gear to gear as the throttle is applied. As you would expect, you can 'build' your Super Duly from a variety of equipment, body style, box size and trim levels. depending on your particular starting point; XL; XI.T; or Lariat. Also returning lor another season is the orange-on-black Harley-Davidson package that, for 2005. rides on 20-inch wheels and makes available a special flame paint option. Once you've picked your color, model, drive system, box si/.c and decided between regular- and extended Supereah and four-door CrewCab versions (plus rear-wheel dualie models), you can ihen select'from a number of content packages, including one specially prepped for snow plowing? Ai this point the impression is lhat purchasing a Super Duty requires much contemplation as to its specific task, including whai it will haul, where it will haul, how many people it needs to accommodate and so on. However, once you've done your homework, you'll be rewarded with a SPEC SHEET 2005 F-Series SD •Full-size heavy-duty pickup available in XL, XLT and Lariat models. •5,4-liter SOHC V8, 6.8-liter SOHC V10 and 6.0-liter OHV turbodiesel V8, producing 300,362 and 325 horsepower, respectively. •Six-speed manual transmission, or two optional five-speed automatics. • T h e new-for-^05 Ford Super Duty makes a bolder statement with increased power across the line. • B o t h hauling and towing capacities have been increased and are still among the best in the business. •Astiffer chassis, improved suspension, bigger brakes and other enhancements are all aimed at making the Super Duty a more comfortable and comforting truck to drive. •Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags (opt.); anti-lock brakes. • M P G (city/hwy): n/a • B a s e price: $22,400 work- By MALCOLM GUNN WHEELBASE COMMUNICATIONS rrsis*3CfS5 Your Local F O R D • M E R C U R Y Neighbors The Next Generation of Ford has Arrived at Your Summit County Ford Dealer. AWD '05 Five Hundred AWD .*0& '05 Mustang 9r Vi *1, l i Us *m :< Bold New All American Design-Uniquely Mustang! >< AM New Body Structure and Chassis System! ,Y New 300 Hp 4.6L V8 & 210 HP 4.0L V6! •A- The American Muscle Car Legend Lives! Seven Passenger Theater Style Seating! Best in Class Cargo Space! Platform & Suspension Derived from Volvo! Continuously Variable Transmission! ft ft ft ft Best in Class Interior Volume! First Sedan with All Wheel Drive in its Class! Powerful Duratec 3.0L Engine! (0-60 in 7.45 Seconds) Largest Trunk of any Sedan in America! The Smart Purchase is One Tou Make in Tour Own Back Yard! <' Experienced Staff: Stan Peterson 6 Yrs • Jeff Marble 28 Yrs •Bob Olson 27 Yrs 2175 Rasmussen Road, Park City, Utah ( 4 3 5 ) 6 4 7 - F O R D www.crandallfordmerc.com |