DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2009 – The 2011 Ford Super Duty contains a wealth of new technologies – from all-new powertrains to software designed to take full advantage of the truck’s continuing best-in-class towing and payload capability – so that customers can get the job done efficiently. Ford research shows that 97 percent of Super Duty customers tow, underscoring the importance of the new Super Duty’s best-in-class towing capability.
Key to helping customers of the all-new Super Duty take advantage of this capability is an all-new available 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) Productivity Screen. This screen offers menu options, giving the customer important information related to fuel economy and towing performance. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel.
“Our research told us that Super Duty customers use their vehicle as a mobile office every day to get the job done, and they want technology that will help them be more productive,” said Dante Williams, applications engineer.
“Our new LCD Productivity Screen helps them manage their trucks and their work for the benefit of their customers through more visual data, text data and displays,” Williams said. “The information is more complete and more detailed, but presented in an engaging, easy-to-use manner.”
Ford used this extensive customer feedback to develop the system, which interfaces easily to meet their needs. The new LCD is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer, and the familiar Built Ford Tough “slam” greets the customer at key-on. A closer look at the six base menu options, each of which can be customized by the customer:
1. Gauge mode: Checking direction and temperature
2. Trip computer: Counting the miles
3. Fuel economy: Up-to-the-second information
4. Truck applications: Engaging off-road mode; towing functionality
“The checklist can be especially helpful to a novice tower,” said Williams. “The screen takes customers through the process, so no matter what sort of connection they are using, they can tow with greater confidence.”
Three distinct checklists can be accessed and include:
5. Settings: Customers are able to
6. Information: Set MyKey, navigate and view warnings
All-new powertrains enable enhanced productivity and convenience
All-new powertrains join the lineup for the 2011 Super Duty. Available are the all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine and the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine. Each will deliver significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy. Managing those new engines is the new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission, which has SelectShift™ capability and several enhanced customer-driven features, like Progressive Range Select and Tow Haul capability.
The Progressive Range Select feature allows a customer, through a toggle on the shift lever, to reduce the range of gears while in Drive. When the customer “taps” down into Range Select Mode by pressing the toggle switch on the shift lever, the display shows the gears available for the transmission to shift to, and also continuously updates the current transmission gear.
Customers also can switch to manual mode and use the same shift toggle to select the gear desired. The torque converter aggressively locks up while in this manual mode and holds the gear to provide manual transmission-like control, yet is smart enough to downshift if the driver comes to a stop and forgets to downshift.
Enhanced Tow Haul Mode with Integrated Engine Exhaust Braking
This feature provides better control when hauling a heavy trailer load, especially when going down grades. Downshifts are commanded through brake pressure; enhanced customer control is enabled by a brake pressure transducer, which monitors the actual brake pressure applied. For even greater trailer control, the 2011 Ford Super Duty harnesses the power of the all-new Power Stroke diesel, which increases engine exhaust back pressure to help slow down the vehicle and trailer. There’s no button to push; the diesel powertrain calibration automatically increases the engine exhaust back pressure, making it seamless to the customer.
Technology and connectivity features
The 2011 Ford Super Duty includes a wealth of features to aid productivity at the job site and provide more conveniences to customers. Standard and available 2011 F-Series Super Duty technology features include:
Technology to make work easier
Ford Work Solutions features an in-dash computer that provides full high-speed Internet and wireless accessories that include a printer; Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain a real-time inventory of tools and equipment in the vehicle; Crew Chief, a telematics and diagnostics system to inform fleet managers of their fleets’ locations and maintenance needs; and Cable Lock, a security system to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area.
The industry-exclusive PowerScope side mirrors, which power-fold and power-telescope to enhance the towing experience, now are standard on some Super Duty models, as is the Rear View Camera and SYNC, Ford’s industry-first, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.
SYNC has been expanded to include Traffic, Directions & Information, an application that leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone. New SYNC applications provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
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