OCR Text |
Show The Park Record Wed/Thur/Fri. February 9-11, 2005 ...gors; For haulin arounckiSstoualJiiQito good' rom headlights to tailgate, the latest 1T-Series Super Duty models am rcallv deliver the power, payiond cflpacil) and passenger acconintt)dalioTis. It seems thni l-'ord has poured c\entiling il knows about trucks (and. as the numcro uno pickup builder in the world, il knows a lot) into this latest bo\>, big-brute bad boy. Although similar looking to the %(M model, the Super Duly scries, comprising of three-quarter-ton 1-250 and one-Ion I 350 versions (plus commercial-grade chassis from 1-350 to 1-750 versions not covered here), are now considemblv stronger with beeled-up frames, axfes and brakes thai are able to Iransport even heavier loads. How much heavier depends on how each Super Duly \^ ordered, nut maximum pay load capacity is now nited at 5,800 pounds - a gain of 3 0 0 and lowing capacity has increased by 3001b to 15.000 1b (17,000 using a fifth-wheel setup). Since 90-pcr-cent of current Super Duty owners tow with their trucks and at F least 80 percent lote heavy loads, these numbers are not only impressive, but criti cal to big-rig-type pickup buyers. A more modem front suspension on 4x4 models, one that now features coil springs instead of old-style front leaf springs, adds, according to l o r d , greater steering precision, improved ride and belter overall stability, especially while changing lanes or making any sudden moves. Another benefit of the coil-spring setup is a reduced turning radius. Along with a humongous canying/pulling capacity, the Super Duty also looks the loughhombre part. A bolder front-end treatment inspired by I-ord's Tonka concept truck C-19 seen at various auto shows throughout the land reinforces the image. It's an image that's backed up by a tno of engines that are more pumped up than ever. The starting point is a 5.4-liter V8 that puts down 30(1 horsepower (a gain of 40 from "04) and 365 Ib.-fl. of torque. (iplional is a Ci.K-litcr V10, rated at 362 horsepower and 457 Ib.-fl. of torque, that ivplaces last \ ear's 310-horsepower 6.8liter unit. Moth of these engines benefit from new three-valve pcr-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 Duly buyers (around 200,000 North American customers even year) is lord's 6.0-liicr Power Stroke lurbo-diesel that, for 2005, cranks out 325 horsepower and 570 Ib.-fl. of torque. The latter peak figure is close to. but slightly less than the Dodge and Chevrolet diesel competitors. All engines are connected to six-speed manual transmissions or a choice of two optional five-speed automatics, with one featuring a towhaul mode, part of a Tow Command system that helps to control the truck and its payload on downhill stretches. It will aJso stay 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 Duty from a variety of equipment, body style, box size and trim levels, depending on your particular starting point; X L ; X I T ; or Lariat. Also returning for another season is the orangc-on-black I larlcy-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 size and decided between regular- and extended Supcrcab and four-door CrcwCab versions (plus rear-wheel dualic models), you can then select from a number of content packages, including one specially prepped for snow plowing. At this point the impression is that purchasing a Super Duty requires much contemplation as to its specific task, including what 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 thoroughly modern, work-hard-pi ay-hard machine. SPEC SHEET 2005 F-Series SD •Full-size heavy-duty pickup available in XL, XLT and Lariat models. •5.4-liter 3OHC 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. •Both hauling and towing capacities have been increased and are still among the best in the business, • A stiffer 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. •MPG(clty/hwy):n/a •Base price: $22,400 By MALCOLM GUNN WHEELBASE COMMUNICATIONS *Whih supplies List 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. Room to move best-in class first-, second-and third-row leg room, third-row head room and third-row^ passenger volume Class-exclusive first-, second- and third-row passenger seats that all fold down - for the ultimate in cargo- and passenger-carrying flexibility. Best-in-class third-row accommodationsdesigned to carry two 6foot-1-inch adults in comfort Best-in-class cargo space behind the second and third rows more cargo capacity than many midsize SUVs such as the 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer or Jeep Grand Cherokee The feel of confident control elevated seating positions for the driver and front passenger - higher lhan a traditional car - give great visibility and commanding view of Ihe road for the driver Best-in-class - Freestyle is expected to have best-inclass fuel economy: 20 city and 27 highway (FWD) Platform derived from VolvoProvides a stiff foundation for excellent driving dynamics. It is the same platform used on the Volvo XC90, S.4O and S80 // Theater-style seating secondand third-row theater-style seating gives everyone a clear line of sight The most available interior storage in its class 12 cup/bottle holders and many clever storage options throughout the vehicle Comprehensive restraint and safety structure systemsIncluding: • Personal Safety System with Occupant Classification Sensor • Front structure tripod design • SPACE Architecture" • Patented adaptive steering column • Collapsible driveshaH (AWD only) Smart powertrain-working with an improved Duratec engine which benefits from Electronic Throttle Contrd technology, Freestyle's advanced powertiain system delivers a smart combination of a smooth Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and an efficient 3.OL V-6 engine to improve and optimize both performance and fuel economy. In recent testing, 203-Horsepower Freestyle out-accelerated competitve 250 horsepower models. AWD All-weather confldence-HALDEX" All-Wheel Drive (AWD), available on all Freestyle models, ensures the vehicle is more surefooted under a variety of road conditions Three-row Safety Canopy"-provides protection for outboard passengers in the first, second, and third rows in certain side-impact and rollover crashes The Smart Purchase is One Tou Make in Tour Own Back Tardl 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 |