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It feels like a lifetime has passed since Ford unveiled the F-150 Lightning. In fact, it was less than a year ago, but eager buyers waiting to take delivery of the new electric truck won't have to wait much longer. Production officially begins on April 26, and Ford wants everyone to know about it.
Wait a minute, you might be thinking. Didn't production already begin? That was pre-production and yes, it started last year. Pre-production is the process used for dialing in the assembly line, making sure all the components come together from start to finish without dire consequences. Pre-production vehicles generally don't make it into public hands, but Ford apparently has everything ready for primetime. And to celebrate the occasion, the automaker is throwing a party.
Ford will have company executives, employees, UAW leaders, and customers on hand to literally get the electric truck rolling. It will be manufactured at Ford's historic Rouge Complex in Dearborn, in a special part of the factory devoted to the all-electric Lightning. One up and running, Ford is hoping to produce 150,000 Lightnings per year in response to nearly 200,000 reservations received.
Order books opened in January, and around that time Ford also sent a communication to dealerships advising them of possible consequences should "negative" customer interactions occur. Much attention fell to dealer markups on the extremely popular Ford Bronco after it debuted, with some sending the off-roader well past $100,000. It seems Ford is keen to get the Lightning to buyers at or near the company's suggested retail price, and could take Lightning allocations away from dealers who step out of line.
The 2022 F-150 Lightning starts just under $40,000 before destination charges. However, that figure applies to the fleet-focused Lightning Pro with the standard-range battery good for 230 miles. One must step up to the $54,669 Lightning XLT before the 320-mile range battery is available, but it's a pricey option that takes the least expensive long-range F-150 to $75,000.
With series production about to begin, time will tell if those 200,000 reservations ultimately convert to sales.
Speaking during Ford's livestream kickoff event for F-150 Lightning production, CEO Jim Farley let slip a rather tantalizing sentence regarding the near future for electric Blue Oval trucks. In short, you can expect a different F-Series out of Ford's new Tennessee manufacturing facility. Are we talking about a new off-roader? An HD model? Something else? Let's plug in some variables and see where the road leads.
First of all, let's look at exactly what Farley said. Towards the end of the 42-minute presentation, the CEO was talking about Ford's electric ambitions and the Tennessee plant, which is so new it's still being built.
"I wish we could bring you all down there but, we’re already pushing dirt down in BlueOval City in Tennessee for another electric pickup that’s different than this one."Announced in September 2021, Ford's new Tennessee facility (officially called BlueOval City) will be the manufacturing plant for the next-generation electric F-Series trucks, as well as advanced batteries. Ford specifically states F-Series production here, not Ranger, Maverick, or any other electric vehicle. However, it may not be an F-150 either. A Ford spokesperson confirmed to Motor1.com that it will be a next-generation electric truck. Any mention of F-150 or heavy-duty pickups is conspicuously absent in this discussion.
Directionally, the F-150 Lightning is a performance-oriented pickup truck for the street. Ford certainly advertises the new Lightning as capable off-road, but you won't find any FX4 or Tremor packages available in the configurator. Electrified competition, notably from Jeep and Rivian, offer glimpses into the advantages of electric power in an off-road setting. Furthermore, the success of the F-150 Raptor has shown that truck buyers love burly pickups. An expansion of fullsize electric trucks into off-road territory would certainly be on-trend.
When the Chevrolet Silverado EV goes on sale in 2024, it will be a significant departure from the rest of the combustion-powered Silverado lineup, utilizing a completely new architecture. Early designs for the Ram 1500 electric truck suggest it will follow a similar path. Meanwhile, the F-150 Lightning shares quite a bit with its fuel-sipping siblings. When Ford's Tennesse plant goes operational, Chevrolet and Ram should have electric trucks on the street. It would be a perfect time for Ford to launch a completely new fullsize electric truck of its own, incorporating a distinctive design with an entirely new structure from the ground up.
All we know for sure is that Ford's current work with the F-150 Lightning is setting up the future for the F-Series. And that future is moving quickly towards electric power.
Back in 2019, Ford Authority exclusively reported that the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor R will come equipped with a V8 engine, a fact that was confirmed back in January by an internal FoMoCo document. Meanwhile, Ford Authority spies spotted an F-150 Raptor R prototype testing for the first time over a year ago, capturing its throaty exhaust note shortly thereafter. Ford was later caught benchmarking the Ram TRX against the higher-performance pickup. Earlier this week, a leaked photo seemingly confirmed that the Ford F-150 Raptor R will come equipped with the supercharged Ford 5.2L V8 Predator engine also present in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and now, another leaked photo shows that powerplant in all its Raptor-fied glory.
This leaked photo once again comes from the Instagram page dubbed The Raptor Connection, and shows the Predator powerplant sitting all by itself, but in this case, it’s sporting a Raptor logo on the supercharger. We can also see someone purposely peeling back some sort of protective covering to reveal that logo, along with another red and black decal right behind it, on top of the blower.
As if the previously leaked build sheet wasn’t enough confirmation, this photo seems to double down on the fact that the Raptor R will, in fact, come equipped ready to do battle with its chief rival, the Ram TRX, which uses a supercharged 6.2L V8 to offer up 702 horsepower. As Ford Authority previously reported, the Raptor R’s version of the Predator is expected to produce somewhere around 750 horsepower.
Aside from its supercharged V8 powerplant, the F-150 Raptor R will look slightly different than the already aggressively-styled F-150 Raptor, as Ford Authority reported back in April 2021. However, the Raptor R isn’t expected to arrive until later this year, while order books for the muscular pickup are slated to open up this fall, as Ford Authority exclusively reported in February.
After months of anticipation for news about the high-horsepower, Ram TRX-fighting version of the F-150 Raptor, an image surfaced on Instagram on Thursday alleging to be a photo of a Raptor R's engine. And what you see is what you get: it's a dual-overhead-cam V8 with a big, fat supercharger slapped on top of it. Is it from the GT500? It sure as hell looks like it.
Yes, the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 appears to be the unit in question, but it isn't Shelby-branded this time around. Instead, it has "Raptor" scribbled on it, as the friendly photographer shows us by lifting a bunch of tape off the top of the engine. Ford previously confirmed the Raptor R would indeed have a V8, and speculation has been swirling around that it'll be the 760-horsepower Predator, but now we know this almost for certain.
The image was posted to theraptorconnection's Instagram page Thursday and followed a more abstract shot of what might've been the same assembly area a few days ago. Along with this engine picture, we also got a few more photos of what this motor might be called in this application—"Carnivore"—and a peek at the window sticker.
The sticker details many things that, well, make a lot of sense. The Raptor R allegedly has a five-link rear axle, Fox shocks, a set of skid plates, and a compass, so you know where you are, of course. There are also 37-inch tires, forged wheels specifically made for the truck, and a black interior from Recaro. Beyond that, it appears like there are a lot of features found on the regular Raptor that have been carried over for this meaner version of the pickup.
The Raptor R will allegedly arrive soon, with target dates for proper introduction rumored to be around the third or fourth quarter of 2022. Once it's released, we'll know exactly what we're dealing with. We'll also better handle how it will stack up against other high-horsepower, supercharged trucks in this uniquely American segment. The tried-and-true Ram TRX will have two competitors, the Silverado ZR2 and this new machine from the Blue Oval. A three-way head-to-head-to-head is inevitable, and seeing how gas prices are these days, a proper test will mean a four-figure price tag in fuel alone. That's just the price to pay for trucks like this, though. Unless you're more of a Hummer person.
Saw a new Rivian yesterday. Have seen the launch photo color a couple times & spotted a black one yesterday. Both times it was close to the railyard when new cars get trained in & near the GST [Gulf States Toyota] accessory [pre-Dealer install] facility
As reported by the Lightning Owners forum, more Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks are arriving in new owners' driveways, and it's giving us an idea about which accessories come with the fully electric truck. Interestingly, one accessory comes as a surprise, and the forum is saying it's rumored to be included to poke a bit of fun at Tesla.
At any rate, a member of the Lightning Owners forum said that when he took delivery of his F-150 Lightning, he discovered an adapter that will allow him to use the Lightning's Pro Power onboard generator system to charge a Tesla. He said he could essentially help a stranded Tesla owner, if necessary.
Reportedly, the Tesla adapter wasn't previously listed by Ford as a standard accessory, and forum members have been joking that they're happy to know that they may have the ability to help a rival in need.
The discussion starter on the Lightning Owners forum reads:
"I took delivery of my 2022 Lightning and as I’m going through the included items I found an adapter to charge Teslas. Interesting find. If I find any dead Teslas I’ll let my Ford Lightning come to the rescue."
The first reply:
"Interesting. Please post pictures of these adapters. I love the idea of helping out stranded Teslas!"
If you were thinking that perhaps this was a joke, or that somehow the adapter itself may not be specific to only Tesla's vehicles, check out the images below:
Currently, as multiple automakers are producing EVs that are capable of delivering energy to your home or another EV, Tesla's vehicles aren't yet capable of such tasks. Since Tesla also has an energy division and sells Powerwall home batteries, it may not be in a race to allow its vehicles to provide external power, because it could reduce Tesla Powerwall sales.
Ford is also banking on the fact that a Tesla Powerwall is expensive, and it only has a 13.5 kWh capacity. Tesla owners wanting to backup their homes would have to purchase a Powerwall in addition to their expensive EV. Meanwhile, when properly equipped, an F-150 Lightning is capable of powering your home for days thanks to its battery capacity of up to 131 kWh.
This is Tesla's fault. If Tesla had the Cybertruck ready then Ford dealers would have less incentive to add ridiculous markups due to market competition. But we won't see a Cybertruck hit the market until late 2023 or even some time in 2024.
The gig is up, this is your most obvious bait post of all time.
Have all your insane posts just been really good trolls this whole time? That’s what I’m gonna go with. For a while there I thought you were just losing your mind. I was worried about you.
The gig is up, this is your most obvious bait post of all time.
Have all your insane posts just been really good trolls this whole time? That’s what I’m gonna go with. For a while there I thought you were just losing your mind. I was worried about you.
When Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley said at the start of production of the F-150 Lightning that the electric truck would be able to charge stranded Teslas, everyone took that as a dig at the world's largest EV maker.
But how does that work in real life? YouTube influencer Alex Guberman of the E for Electric channel wanted to find out, so when he got to test drive a Ford F-150 Lightning he headed to the nearest Tesla Supercharger station and offered free charging to any interested Tesla owner.
As it turns out, there were quite a few Tesla drivers interested in taking him up on his offer, even if just for the fun of it. The main takeaway from this video is the adapter works and the Ford F-150 Lightning can actually charge a Tesla in need.
As you would expect, the charging speeds are nothing to write home about. They are comparable to Level 1 home charging, but any charging speed is good when your Tesla won't move anymore.
Some of the Tesla owners accepted Alex's offer to sit on the F-150 Lightning frunk's floor for a friendly chat while their Tesla was charging. It turns out no one took offense of Ford's initiative to offer the free Tesla charging adapter on the F-150 Lightning and no one called security on Alex while he was offering free charging to Tesla owners at the Supercharger site.
He says the Tesla drivers he met were super cool and he even managed to bond with some of them, especially after Alex revealed he's a long time Tesla supporter and owner himself. Watch the above video to see how this unusual experiment played out.
After more than a decade spent braving harsh conditions and conquering massive desert dunes over three generations of off-road trucks, Ford unleashes the new F-150® Raptor R™ - the fastest, most powerful, most extreme high-performance off-road desert Raptor yet.
All three generations of F-150 Raptor have been inspired by the extreme desert-racing trophy trucks that compete in the Baja 1000. Designed and engineered by Ford Performance, the 2023 F-150 Raptor R is the closest yet to delivering this type of performance.
"Raptor R is our ultimate Raptor," said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. "When customers experience Raptor R in the desert and beyond, it will make the hairs on the back of their necks stand up - and they'll love every second of it."
The heart of Raptor R
The heart of the Ford F-150 Raptor R is a new 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that delivers 700 horsepower and 640 lb.-ft. of torque to give it incredible desert-running power. Ford Performance enlisted the most powerful engine in its lineup - previously seen in the Mustang Shelby GT500® - optimizing it for Raptor-level off-road performance and Built Ford Tough® durability. The result is the most torque-dense supercharged V8 yet in a production pickup.
Ford Performance recalibrated this V8 engine's supercharger and installed a new pulley to optimize its power for off-road use, increasing torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range. These changes help Raptor R offer more performance at the speeds where customers spend most of their time driving.
To maintain the extreme off-road durability the Raptor brand is known for, Ford Performance upgraded the original engine's exhaust manifolds to a cast stainless steel design, including a unique oil cooler and filter, plus a deeper oil pan enabling it to tackle aggressive grades while keeping the engine oil cool. To help the engine breathe better, air intake volume is increased 66% via a wider air intake inlet and a higher-flow, higher-efficiency conical air filter.
Built Ford Tough to conquer the desert
F-150 Raptor is about more than going fast - it must conquer brutal off-road environments. Its capability and durability comes from more than a decade of Ford expertise in engineering and torture testing high-performance trucks. Ford Performance upgraded the base truck's transmission and driveline to help ensure Raptor R can smoothly handle what this V8 can throw at it.
Raptor R delivers a 10-speed SelectShift® transmission with improved calibration. The truck features a new front axle with a more robust, higher-strength carrier casting and an aluminum-ribbed structural cover to manage the powertrain's added torque, as well as a unique larger-diameter aluminum driveshaft. A new, specially tuned torque converter with heavy-duty turbine damper and four-pinion rear output assembly makes the truck even better equipped to transfer torque and provide a smoother powertrain feel when driving both on- and off-road.
Drivers get even more control over how their Raptor R expresses its additional power, courtesy of a unique dual exhaust system with a true pass-through muffler and active valve system, with modes for Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja. These can be adjusted in the MyMode™ feature, allowing drivers to customize multiple settings - including drive, steering, suspension modes and others - and save one as a single mode easily accessed with the press of the "R" button on the steering wheel.
If the heart of Raptor R is the supercharged V8, the soul remains its incredibly capable suspension. The five-link rear suspension features extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs - all optimized for outstanding stability while traversing desert terrain at high speeds. Advanced FOX Live Valve shocks are tuned to balance ride quality and roll control on- and off-road. These electronically controlled dampers use suspension height sensors and other sensors to monitor terrain conditions independently, hundreds of times a second, while adjusting suspension tuning accordingly. Wheel travel of 13 inches in front and 14.1 inches in back facilitates Raptor R's ability to traverse sand and rocks with outstanding capability.
"We've heard our customers demanding the sound and power of a V8 back in Raptor," said Widmann. "That's not something we were going to rush. This supercharged 5.2-liter V8 is the ideal fusion of high-density power paired with the third generation Raptor's all-new rear suspension and shocks to deliver a one-two punch that goes far beyond the sum of its parts."
Each drive mode is tuned to account for the added power of the supercharged V8, including an optimized Baja mode for maximum performance and control in high-speed off-roading. A 5% increase in the front spring rate helps maintain comfortable ride quality, while Raptor R boasts class-leading 13.1-inch ground clearance and standard class-exclusive 37-inch tires straight from the factory for improved obstacle clearing.
Iconic Raptor styling taken to the next level
The most powerful Raptor yet takes the off-road truck's purpose-built design legacy up a notch, with unique styling that further drives home its supercharged capability. A larger, more aggressively styled power dome on the hood sits nearly 1 inch taller than on the base Raptor, helping extract warm air from underneath. Iconic F O R D grille, bumpers and fender flares painted black underscore its menacing looks.
"Raptor R is visually designed like a desert predator to catch the attention of Raptor customers and off-road enthusiasts," said Tom Liu, Raptor R lead designer. "There are details big and small - from the more aggressive hood air extractor to the Code Orange 'R' badges - that visually communicate next level off-road performance under the Raptor R banner."
Ford Performance-exclusive Code Orange accents include a unique "R" badge on the grille, power dome and tailgate. A special graphics package on the rear fenders feature a unique design that mirrors the harsh, cracked desert earth, reinforcing the type of environment Raptor R is built to conquer.
That aggressive feel carries over to a black interior. Standard Recaro® seats sport a combination of black leather and Alcantara® suede - cleverly placed for added grip when the terrain gets nasty. Genuine carbon fiber adorns the doors, media bin door and upper parts of the instrument panel, featuring a unique tri-axial weave designed to convey Raptor R's combination of performance, toughness and durability.
Like the rest of the Raptor family, Raptor R comes standard with a suite of smart technology to make off-roading easier. Trail Turn Assist allows drivers to shrink their turning radius on tight turns and go even further off-road. Ford Trail Control™ - think cruise control for off-roading - lets drivers select a set speed and steer through challenging conditions while the truck handles throttle and braking. Trail 1-Pedal Drive allows customers to control throttle and braking with just one pedal to make extreme off-roading like rock crawling even easier.
Keeping you connected is a standard 12-inch touch screen with SYNC® 4 technology, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Raptor R also benefits from Ford Power-Up over-the-air software update capability. These wireless updates can offer improvements throughout the vehicle - from the SYNC system to enhanced quality, capability and convenience upgrades that improve the ownership experience over time.
F-150 Raptor R will be available in eight color options, including new Avalanche and Azure Gray Tri-Coat exterior paint offered on the Raptor lineup for the first time.
The all-new 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler was revealed back in March as an entry-level off-roader that slots in the pickup’s lineup a notch above the FX4 Off-Road Package, but also a notch below the F-150 Tremor and F-150 Raptor. However, Ford didn’t revealed Rattler pricing when the new package debuted, though it did promise that the new offering would be “affordable,” at least. Now, sources familiar with the matter have confirmed pricing for the 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler package, which will retail for $1,495
That price makes the Rattler package $400 more expensive than the FX4 Off-Road Package on which it’s based, though it also includes more equipment. The Rattler package is optional on XL-trimmed F-150 pickups and requires four-wheel drive, a 145-inch wheelbase, and either the Class IV Hitch or Trailer Tow Package. It also can’t be paired with the Ford 3.3L V6 engine, the FX4 Off-Road Package, MyKey, the XL Chrome Appearance Package, the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Payload Package, Heavy-Duty Payload Package, Snow Plow Prep Package, STX Appearance Package, or STX Black Appearance Package.
For the retail price of $1,495, 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler customers do get a host of features including a dual exhaust with black tips, 18-inch dark-painted aluminum wheels, LT265/70R18C BSW all-terrain tires, a Rattler box-side decal, privacy glass, fog lamps, and an electronic rear-window defroster on the outside. Inside, the Rattler is equipped with a black interior with bronze-colored accents and stitching, as well as tray style floor liners
Mechanically speaking, the F-150 Rattler features off-road tuned front shock absorbers, monotube rear shocks, and skid plates protecting the fuel tank, transfer case, and front differential. Gearing differs based on the engine one chooses, as Ford 5.0L V8 Coyote and 3.5L V6 EcoBoost customers get 3.31 gears, while the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost is paired with 3.55 gears and the 3.5L V6 PowerBoost hybrid gets 3.73 gears. However, a 3.55 electronic-locking rear-axle is available with the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine, while a 3.73 electronic-locking rear-axle can also be paired with the 5.0L V8 Coyote or 2.7L V6 EcoBoost. Finally, the Rattler package also includes Hill Descent Control and Rock Crawl Mode, too
The Tremor looks good, without needing the $ jump to the Raptor.
Tremor starts at 55k, Raptor at 71k
I'd be more in the market on the Tremor, as I have very little practical use for the Raptor.
A near maxxed Tremor comes out to the starting price of the Raptor
I think the engine and the widebody/other things are worth the extra $16k.
At the end, almost no one has any practical use for the Raptor or even Tremor. Taking a 70k (probably close to 100k with markup) to do some trails only to get everything all scratched up is not very ideal for most ppl. Not to mention it is probably too big anyway.
Buying a used jeep, 4 runner or Tacoma is way more practical.
Buying these these is to satisfy with what you want, not what you need.
I'll be the oddball, in that I'd rather a regular sized F150 over the Raptor for a daily.
But I'd be more inclined to just get a nicely equipped Lariat over both of them.
I think the engine and the widebody/other things are worth the extra $16k.
At the end, almost no one has any practical use for the Raptor or even Tremor. Taking a 70k (probably close to 100k with markup) to do some trails only to get everything all scratched up is not very ideal for most ppl. Not to mention it is probably too big anyway.
Buying a used jeep, 4 runner or Tacoma is way more practical.
Buying these these is to satisfy with what you want, not what you need.
The biggest thing that justifies the extra cash is the resale value of a Raptor is insane, WAY more than a regular F150 and would easily make up for that cost difference in the time you owned the truck.
That said, I've gone off roading a LOT over the years and have NEVER seen a Raptor, TRX, Hummer, whatever out on the trails. The biggest thing I've seen out there is probably an older Land Cruiser, Lexus GX, and a 4Runner. The Raptor (and TRX) are enormous and maneuvering either of those through a trail would suck.
Because of that, people buying a Raptor or TRX are doing so to participate in the pen0r measuring contest, not to actually offroad them. Which is fine, I love the Raptor and would love to own one. I think it's cool AF.
The biggest thing that justifies the extra cash is the resale value of a Raptor is insane, WAY more than a regular F150 and would easily make up for that cost difference in the time you owned the truck.
That said, I've gone off roading a LOT over the years and have NEVER seen a Raptor, TRX, Hummer, whatever out on the trails. The biggest thing I've seen out there is probably an older Land Cruiser, Lexus GX, and a 4Runner. The Raptor (and TRX) are enormous and maneuvering either of those through a trail would suck.
Because of that, people buying a Raptor or TRX are doing so to participate in the pen0r measuring contest, not to actually offroad them. Which is fine, I love the Raptor and would love to own one. I think it's cool AF.
Yah i was behind a TRX last night. That thing was cool AF as well. I dont mind either one. But none of them would fit in my garage. They are HUUUUGE.
Those AT tires were good to look at from behind and then i thought to myself - what a waste of AT tires if all he does is going to work and grocery stores (both of us were going to VONS)
Last edited by oonowindoo; 07-29-2022 at 12:14 PM.
More than 1,500 2022 Ford F-150 Raptors have been recalled for a problem with their lug nut torque that could result in their wheels falling off, posing the risk of a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall Sept. 8, which affects 2022 Raptors with 37-inch tires built from April 19 to Aug. 11, 2022. A document submitted by Ford says the problem was discovered when a technician noticed improper wheel lug torque on a prototype 2023 Raptor. An investigation traced the problem to a new automated lug nut machine on the production line, which was incorrectly set to 125 pound-feet of torque rather than the intended 147.5 lb-ft.
The setting has been corrected on the production line, but it forced Ford to audit trucks it had already built. A subsequent inspection of 477 vehicles determined 236 had "low residual torque," forcing Ford to recall all Raptors built between the lug nut machine's installation and the problem's discovery. Ford says up to 1,519 trucks may be affected, though it says it is unaware of any crashes caused by the issue.
Notification letters will be sent to owners soon, which will instruct owners to visit a local Ford dealer to have the problem corrected. This will involve having the lug nuts tightened for free. Alternatively, Raptor owners with their own torque wrenches can save themselves a trip by simply tightening their own lugs to spec.
Regardless of how it's done, it's simply crucial that it be done as soon as possible—and definitely before doing any further off-roading. Wouldn't want to part with your 37-inch tires while landing from a jump in the dunes, or halfway up a mountain for that matter.
Ford, America's truck leader, introduced the all-new 2023 F-Series Super Duty lineup of pickup trucks and chassis cabs. Redesigned inside and out, every Super Duty is built with unprecedented levels of work capability, ingenious new technology and a suite of cloud-based services for new levels of productivity.
"From F-250 pickup to the F-600 utility truck, Super Duty is the badge America's hardest-working men and women have come to trust to get the toughest jobs done," said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. "Super Duty customers are builders - the backbone of our communities and our economy. We poured every ounce of know-how and ingenuity we have into developing the truck of their dreams - smarter, more powerful, full of clever features and technology."
Ford Super Duty is not only the tool of choice for builders; it plays a significant economic role. Super Duty also is the preferred choice for essential industries with more than 50 percent market share in utility, mining, construction, and emergency response vehicles, according to S&P Global Mobility.
F-Series Super Duty popularity also makes it a significant economic contributor to Ford Motor Company, generating more revenue than many Fortune 500 companies, including Southwest Airlines, Marriott International or Nordstrom reported for 2021.
"Super Duty is a name that is trusted to get the job done, and our customers have helped to make it the most popular commercial truck in America, bar none," said Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro. "With state-of-the-art technology, including a 5G modem connected to a powerful ecosystem of productivity-boosting software and services, the all-new Super Duty can seamlessly shift from workhorse to office of the future."
A workhorse built to get things done
Super Duty is defined by its power and capability. The new Super Duty offers the broadest range of engines in the class:
New standard 6.8-liter V8 gas engine, targeting more low-end torque to make starting on steep grades and merging onto highways easier
7.3-liter V8 that is targeting the best gas horsepower and torque in the class thanks to improved air intake and tuning
A 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel that can go longer intervals between oil changes to stay on the job longer
New high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel with a unique turbo, upgraded exhaust manifolds and unique tuning targeting the best horsepower and torque in the class
Every Super Duty features a Ford-designed and built 10-speed TorqShift® automatic transmission, and every chassis cab model comes standard with a power take off connection to run added equipment, like boom lifts and plows. Four-wheel drive is now standard on XLT models and above.
The new Ford Pro Upfit Integration System (UIS) is a game changer for customers who rely on body equipment and upfits to accomplish a job, such as utility cranes or plows. This digital solution provides aftermarket equipment makers with improved access to Super Duty's electrical system and signals to seamlessly integrate and operate their hardware into the truck's digital displays. Cloud-based software connects to the UIS so equipment makers can add digital buttons that allow drivers to control their equipment from inside the truck. The system also allows for high levels of customization and safety interlocks, like preventing the transmission from shifting into drive with a raised boom lift.
Pro Power Onboard is now available for Super Duty, featuring more exportable power than any heavy-duty pickup or chassis cab. The 2.0-kilowatts of output can power a jobsite or tailgate party. Power outlets are accessible inside the truck and cargo box, or they can be mounted on chassis cabs with a special outlet installation kit.
Not just best-in-class capabilities, but best all-around experience
Approximately 96% of heavy-duty pickup owners use their trucks to tow, and with targeted best-in-class payload and towing for every trailer type, Super Duty ensures customers can haul with confidence.
New available driver assist technologies designed to simplify the towing experience and build confidence include:
Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch that estimates cargo weight in real time and provides guidance on trailer tongue weight distribution directly on the center touchscreen, FordPass™ app or within the taillamps
360-Degree Trailer Camera System that provides a bird's-eye view of the trailer to make maneuvering in tight spaces easier and with virtually no blind spots
Blind Spot Information System for Fifth Wheel & Gooseneck that can be attached to a trailer to help identify when vehicles are next to a trailer and indicate this in the side view mirrors
Industry-First Available Tailgate Down Camera and Tailgate Down Reverse Sensing System includes a new camera and reverse sensors in the top of the tailgate that provide visual and audible alerts when the tailgate is down to make backing up to a dock or hitching a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer easier than ever before
Pro Trailer Hitch Assist automatically backs the truck up and aligns the conventional hitch ball to the trailer receiver
Trailer Navigation plots routes that can be safely navigated with given trailer dimensions and weight to avoid potential issues with low bridges and tight turns
"Our goal was to leave drivers with zero blind spots, even when towing the longest trailers," said Andrew Kernahan, Ford Super Duty chief engineer. "Camera views provide every angle, from simulating a drone to making sure customers can see behind the truck even when the tailgate is down. Hitching and towing has never been easier."
There's also new safety and security available technology that goes beyond camera angles:
Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering automatically brakes and accelerates to a preset speed and helps keep the truck in its lane
Trailer Theft Alert will send an alert via the FordPass app should anyone attempt to disconnect the trailer when the truck is locked
Vehicle Security, available with a Ford Pro Telematics subscription, uses sensors to monitor impact and towing events and sends alerts even when the vehicle is off
Fleet Start Inhibit allows Ford Pro customers to schedule timeframes for when the vehicle can be started to improve confidence around fleet operations
Forward/Reverse Sensing System helps drivers by showing objects immediately in front of the vehicle and warns when objects are near the front or rear of the vehicle
Front and Rear Brake Assist helps prevent low-speed collisions to help automatically protect against hitting objects that may otherwise be hard to see
Full-color head-up display helps keep eyes on the road by showing information right in the driver's line of sight that changes with driving mode
Powering businesses into the digital age
The 2023 Ford Super Duty is the first pickup in the United States with embedded 5G capability. AT&T's high-performance 5G network can deliver faster navigation, mapping and music downloads with higher quality than 4G. Super Duty's 5G modem from Qualcomm Technologies can also provide a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices to help keep workers and families connected on the go, and support Ford Power-Up software updates while driving to keep making the truck better over time.
The all-new Super Duty takes connectivity to the max with Ford Pro, the dedicated business focused on maximizing uptime, accelerating productivity, and lowering costs for commercial customers with a suite of connected vehicles, software, services, and financing.
Super Duty small to large business owners will benefit from software tools such as Ford Pro Fleet Management Software and Ford Pro Telematics, which identify maintenance needs, vehicle locations, driver behaviors, wasted idle time and more. Super Duty customers also receive access to Ford's 650+ Commercial Vehicle Centers, network of 300+ upfitters, and expanding fleet of 700+ Mobile Service Vans, as well as Ford Pro FinSimple, which makes vehicle leasing and purchasing easy and efficient.
All-new tough and modern design inside and out
An all-new exterior includes seven new grilles engineered to maximize cooling performance while under heavy loads. Signature "C-clamp" lighting creates a wide, planted look up front while LED headlamps are now available on all trim levels. Long side vents are functional, reducing under-hood air pressure for improved aerodynamics.
Customers looking to make a statement have new STX, Sport, and Black Appearance Packages that offer trim, wheel, and paint combinations for a bit more style. The new XL Off-Road Package available on F-250 or F-350 models with 4x4 single rear wheels adds rugged 33-inch tires, a raised air dam, water-fording axle vent tubes, skid plates and an electronic locking rear differential.
The Tremor Off-Road Package includes a front-end lift and uniquely tuned suspension, a Dana front axle with limited-slip differential and axle vent tubes, 35-inch Goodyear tires, unique 18-inch wheels, Trail Control, selectable drive modes including a rock-crawl mode and new for this year, Trail Turn Assist.
The in-cabin experience is further enhanced with:
8-inch center display that comes standard on the XL model; and a 12-inch display standard with higher trim levels
Customizable 12-inch digital instrument cluster
Four USB power ports and available wireless charging pad
Center console slot that holds a tablet upright to make using it easier when parked
Max Recline Seats that fold almost horizontal and lift the seat bottom up for a nearly flat surface to maximize comfort during downtime
640-watt, eight-speaker B&O Sound SystemTM or an optional 1,080-watt, 18-speaker B&O Unleashed Sound System by Bang & OlufsenTM for a fully-immersive audio experience
Alexa Built-in hands-free experience with complimentary connectivity to Alexa for up to three years
The 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty is proudly assembled at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, Ohio. The all-new Ford F-Series Super Duty goes on sale in early 2023 with some features and trim series available starting in spring 2023.
Holy shit that's a big price hike. The worst part is that people who called in orders before will still get fucked because all of this has to go through dealerships so there isn't a prayer of honoring prior pricing.
We'll see what happens to the demand for these things but I'm guessing that it'll still stay high.
Full-size truck specs are getting way out of hand. Seriously. As evidence, take the 2023 Ford Super Duty lineup, which is available with up to 1,200 lb-ft of torque from the PowerStroke diesel engine, and when the right option boxes are ticked, you’ll be able to tow 40,000 lbs with a fifth-wheel. That’s ridiculous, particularly considering that the Blue Oval will sell one of these things to any geek off the street with no special license or qualifications required.
Just how impressive is that 40,000 lb number? Well, the Ram 3500 HD can tow a maximum of 37,050 lbs and the best that the Silverado 3500 can offer is 36,000 lbs. Will 99 percent of the truck-buying public ever come close to towing that much on a public highway? I sure as hell hope not.
Of course, while the headline figures are impressive enough, there are also a bunch of other updates that should improve the quality of life of the maniacs who buy these things. For example, the new Super Duty will get over-the-air software updates and comes with built-in 5G wi-fi. The days of full-size trucks being powerful penalty boxes are long gone, and the 23 F-250, 350 and 450 are evidence of that.
Besides the flagship high-output 6.7-liter diesel, you have a few engine options starting with the base 6.8-liter gasoline-powered V8. That makes a very respectable 405 hp and 445 lb-ft. Move up to the 7.3-liter Godzilla V8, and those numbers go to 430 hp and 485 lb-ft, which are class-leading for now. Then there’s the base diesel engine with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft, followed by the HO diesel, which gives you 500 hp and that 1,200 lb-ft figure.
Ford is pretty proud of the 8,000 lb available maximum payload, too, and will even sell you a truck with a built-in bed scale so you can show off how many big dumb rocks you can haul to all your Ram and Chevy driving friends without driving to a highway weigh station. Ford’s also offering bedside and rear corner bumper steps to make it easier to get up into the bed, which is a good thing, especially if you get your Super Duty with the very capable but totally unnecessary Tremor off-road package.
Ford plans to start making customer deliveries of the 2023 Super Duty beginning early next year, with order books open as of publication. If you want one, be prepared to fork over at least $45,765 (including Ford’s whopping $1,795 destination charge) for the privilege and expect to pay a lot more with options..
04-15-2022, 05:31 AM
