Auto Review
Long before the Super Duty became a household name, it was known as Big Jobs, as in fire engines, dump trucks, flatbeds. Then in 1958, the Super Duty name was introduced till the ever-growing popularity of the heavy-duty trucks resulted in a separate platform. Forward to 1999 and voila, we have the Super Duty, which has been totally redesigned this year. Recently, Ford invited automotive journalists to its Michigan Proving Grounds to demonstrate the high-tech technology incorporated into these pickups, especially for towing and hauling. Over 90 percent of heavy-duty pickup owners purchase them toward this purpose.
Two new models, a gasoline and diesel, have been added to the lineup. The 6.8-liter V-8 gas engine pumps out 405 horsepower and 445 pounds-feet of torque; and the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 puts out 500 hp and 1200 pounds-feet of torque. Otherwise, the lineup continues with the 7.3-liter V-8 gas (430 hp, 485 pounds-feet of torque) and the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 (475 hp, 1050 pounds-feet of torque). All-wheel and rear-wheel-drive versions are available in the 8-speed auto gearbox touting 8,000-pound payload and 40,000-pound tow capacity.
It is remarkable that the fourth-gen Super Duty claims more than 50 percent of market share in utility, emergency response vehicles, mining, construction and forestry. Undoubtedly, Ford will reassert its dominance even further as potential owners become aware of new features in 2023. Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch can assess cargo payload in real time so the trailer tongue weight distribution is shown on the center touchscreen or in the tail lamps. Or imagine automatically reversing the truck to line up the conventional hitch ball to the trailer receiver. Well, the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist does the job for you. Fire up your air compressor or saw with the Pro Power Onboard boasting 2.0-kilowatts of output. Blind Spot Information System for fifth wheel and gooseneck will cast the image of a vehicle next to a trailer on the side view mirrors. Projecting info in its lower half of the windshield, the Super Duty head-up display has been inspired by fighter jet planes, says Ford. Also invaluable is the Pro Trailer Navigation with navigated routes of given trailer lengths so evading low bridges and tight turns is effortless.
“C-clamp” LED headlights portray a robust Super Duty look up front while the cabin is equipped with an 8-inch or 12-inch infotainment screen, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, dual auto a/c, tilt/telescopic steering column, center console that can hold a tablet upright, maximum recline seat, 640-watt, eight-speaker sound system and hands-free Alexa for three years.
Available in six trims and modes, the 2023 Super Duty is a ‘Super’ utilitarian workhorse! It packs tons of power while boasting plentiful creature/work comforts and exceptional towing/hauling figures. Undoubtedly, the Ford pickup will continue to reign as a top-seller for many more years to come.
SUPER DUTY (REGULAR CAB)
Tires: 245/75R17
Wheelbase: 141.4 inches
Length: 231.8 inches
Height: 78.9 inches
Width: 80 inches
Suspension: independent twin I-beam with coil springs front, solid axle rear
Steering: electric assist hydraulic
Base price: $43,970
Web site: ford.com/trucks/super-duty/
