Ford today released a video and accompanying press release regarding new driver-assist technologies found in its all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty truck. Ford says there are three new class-exclusive features (meaning, the first time they are found on a heavy-duty truck) found on the new Super Duty, including Adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, and Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage.
“The all-new Super Duty is the toughest, most capable Super Duty ever,” says Brian Rathsburg, Ford Super Duty marketing manager. “With a host of driver-assist technologies, it is also the smartest Super Duty ever.”
Ford provided a breakdown of the new features that will be included on the 2017 Super Duty, which are:
1. Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
2. Adaptive steering
3. BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with trailer coverage
4. BoxLink with premium locking cleats
5. Factory-installed customer-placed trailer camera
6. Inflatable rear outboard safety belts
7. Multicontour front seats with Active Motion
8. Power-deployable running boards
9. PowerScope power-telescoping and power-folding trailer tow mirrors
10. Remote tailgate release with power lock
11. Standard flat load floor on SuperCab and Crew Cab
12. Stowable loading ramps
13. SYNC 3
14. Tailgate step
15. Trailer Reverse Guidance
16. Trailer tire pressure monitoring system
17. Utility lighting system (LED side-mirror spotlights)
One of the highlights of the new Super Duty features includes being able to use adaptive cruise control when towing, as the new Super Duty will use a radar to measure the distance and speed of vehicles ahead and then slow the truck and trailer to maintain that preset distance at speeds above 20 mph. The adaptive cruise control uses the engine brake on the Super Duty’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine to assist with stopping power or maintain speed on steep grades when towing a trailer, even those in excess of 31,500 pounds.
“Towing is core to the Super Duty mission, and drivers will appreciate the engineering sophistication that enables adaptive cruise control to determine speed uphill and downhill with a trailer,” says Craig Schmatz, Ford Super Duty chief engineer. “We have torture-tested the technology in high elevations and on significant grades at places like Davis Dam in Arizona, Loveland Pass in Colorado and the mountain roads surrounding Beckley, West Virginia.”
Ford says that a number of the new systems work in tandem to enable adaptive cruise control, such as powertrain control, trailer brake control and the anti-lock brake system, along with the engine’s integrated engine brake. Ford also notes that the added engine braking power helps reduce wear and tear on wheel brakes.
Adaptive cruise control will be optional on Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum Super Duty pickups, including the mighty Ford F-450 Super Duty.
The Super Duty also will feature new “adaptive steering” to make tight maneuvering easier. This new generation of power steering is designed to reduce the amount of steering input needed to change direction at low speeds, and it also reduces sensitivity to steering input necessary at higher speeds.
Ford also touts its new BLIS feature, which uses a radar hidden in the taillights to detect a vehicle entering a driver’s blind spot while driving or backing up and will alert the driver with a yellow light in the sideview mirror. For Super Duty, BLIS can extend to the back of the trailer as well. The 2017 Super Duty will also feature lane-departure warning, which alerts the drive with a vibration in the steering wheel.
Ford says the all-new Super Duty will be built at Kentucky Truck Plant, and it will go on sale late this year.