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Show The Park Record Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues. March 12-15, 2005 rom headlights lo tailgate, the latest [--Scries Super Duty models am ream deliver the power, payload capacity and passenger accommodations. It seems dial lord lias poured everything it knows about trucks (and, as the numeio uno pickup builder in the world, it knows a lot) into this latest boxy, hig-nniie badboy. Although similar looking lo the '04 model, the Super Duty series, comprising of three-quarter ton I'-250 and one-ton I-350 versions (plus commercial -grade chassis from 1--350 to F-750 versions not covered here), are now considerably stronger with becfed-up frames, axles and brakes thai are able to transport even heavier loads. Mow much heavier depends on how each Super Only is ordered, nut maximum payload capacity is now rated at 5,800 pounds - a gain of 300 - and towing capacity has increased by 300 Ib to 15.000 Ib (17,000 using a fiflh-whccf setup). Since 90-per-cent of current Super Duly owners tow with their trucks and at F least 80 per cent tote heavy loads, these numbers are not only impressive, but crili caJ to big-rig-type pickup bu\ers. A more modem front suspension on 4x4 models, one that now features coil springs instead of old-style front leaf springs, adds, according lo lord, greater steering precision, improved ride and better 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 earning, pulling capacity, the Super Duty also looks the toughhonibrc part. A bolder " front-end treatment inspired by Ford's Tonka concept truck C-15 seen at various auto shows throughout the land reinforces (he 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-Iilcr Y8 that nils down 30(5 horsepower (a gain of 40 rom '04) and 365 Ib.-ft. of torque. ()ptional is a 6.8-litcr V10, rated at 362 horsepower and 457 Ib.-ft. of torque, that replaces last year's 310-horse power 6.8liler unit. Both of these engines benefit from new ihrce-valve per-cylinder heads (the old ones had just two valves) that add more airflow lo make more power. 'Hie engine preferred by two-thirds of all Super Duly buyers (around 200,000 North American customers even1 year) is Ford's 6.0 liter Power Stroke turbo-diese! thai, for 2005, cranks out 325 horsepower and 570 Ib.-ft. of torque. The latter peak figure is close to, but slightly less than the Dodge and Chevrolet diescl competitors. All engines arc connected lo six-speed manual transmissions or a choice of two optional five-speed automatics, with one featuring a towhaul mode, part of a TowCommand system that helps lo control the tnickand its payload on downhill stretches. It will also stay locked in a particular gear while travelling uphill, which prevents the transmission from hunting from sear 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'lrim levels. depending on your particular starting point; X L ; XLF; or Lariat. Also returning for another season is the orange-on-black Haricy-Davidson package that, for 2005, rides on 20-inch wheels and makes awiilable a special llame paint option. Once you've picked \our color, model. drive system, box, si/.e and decided between regular- and extended Supercab and four-door ( Ycu( 'ah versions (plus rear-wheel dualie models), \<ni can Ihcn select from a number of conionl packages, including one special!) prepped for snow plowing. At this point the impression is thai purchasing a Super Duly rcqiiiiv. much contemplation as to its specilic sk. including what it will haul, where it < l haul, how many people it needs lo j k u and so on. I lowcver. once you've done \our homework. \on'II 1KP rewarded with a thorough!) modern. work4iard-|»la\ -hard machine. I, 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 lurbodiesel V8, producing 300, 362 and 325 horsepower, respectively. •Six-speed manual transmission, or two optional five-speed automatics. •The new-tor-'05 Ford Super Duty makes a bolder statement with increased power across the line. •Both hauling and towing capacities have beep increased and are stilt among the best in the business • A slitter 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(city/hwy):n/a •Base price: $22,400 J By MALCOLM GUNN WHEELBASE COMMUNICATIONS CRANDALL Your Local F O R D • M E R C U R Y Neighbors! It's SUV Month at Crandall Ford! 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