America’s best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-Series truck, has just been enhanced with the introduction of the 2015MY (yes, it sounds silly since we’re still in 2013, but that’s the way the business works here…) F-Series Super Duty lineup. The updated vehicle line includes a second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine, increased towing capabilities and a refreshed King Ranch model.
Launched in 2011, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel unit has now been fitted with a larger GT37 turbocharger that replaces the previous GT32 model. The new turbo enables more airflow to the engine, which now produces 400 horsepower (+10hp) and 800 lb-ft (1,083 Nm) of torque (+65 lb-ft/48 Nm). Along with engine modifications, the six-speed transmission now uses a new torque converter to cope with increased power and torque.
The turbine size has been increased to 72.5 millimeters from 64 millimeters, so exhaust gases have a larger surface area to spin the turbo, providing extra power. Furthermore, the wastegate and the wastegate controls are eliminated, since the turbo operates at lower peak pressures than the GT32. The new turbo also improves engine exhaust braking, which is manually controlled by a push-button switch on the dashboard.
For the F-450, other upgrades include a strengthened frame and suspension, new commercial-grade 19.5-inch wheels and tires and core work components shared with F-Series Super Duty chassis cab models. The latter are aimed at improving towing capacity.
The 2015 F-Series Super Duty line is also available with the King Ranch edition inspired by the 825,000-acre farm in Texas. The model features exterior updates including a new, darker Caribou paint for the wheel lip moldings, bumpers and lower body, plus black bed rail caps, bumper caps and running boards.
Wheel caps feature the Running W (the brand used on cattle raised at the ranch), which can also be found on the inside, cut out and stitched on the seat backs and center console. ‘Mesa’ leather is used on the seats, center console lid, armrests and steering wheel.
By Dan Mihalascu
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