2017 Ford Super Duty First Look

Ford simultaneously unveiled its 2017 Super Duty today at the Texas State Fair and at a press event at its Irvine, California, showroom. The new line of Super Duty trucks are hailed by Ford as its “toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.”

As expected, Ford followed the path of its 2015 F-150 by constructing its Super Duties using the same high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body. All said, the new Super Duty features a weight reduction of up to 350 pounds.

The weight reduction allowed Ford engineers to further strengthen the truck in key areas, such as its all-new, high-strength steel frame to provide a chassis that Ford says is up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame for improved handling, durability and capability. Although the figures were not released today, Ford says the 2017 Super Duties will provide the most hauling and towing capability ever. Ford also notes that the new Super Duty features larger axles, brakes, leaf springs, and overall “heavier-duty four-wheel drive components.”

“As we remove weight, we’re making Super Duty more productive by giving our customers better towing and payload capability,” said Craig Schmatz, Super Duty chief engineer. “We’re backing up improved capability with a stronger gasoline and diesel Super Duty engine lineup.”

Speaking of the engines, Ford announced three options for the 2017 Super Duty, including a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine, and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel. There’s currently no word whether an EcoBoost option will be offered on the Super Duty, and no word on whether we’ll see a 10-speed transmission in a Super Duty.

Ford is also hailing the new Super Duty as its “smartest,” as it will feature up to seven different cameras that will aid in both trailering, pulling into and out of parking stalls and more. The 360-degree camera system can provide a bird’s-eye view of the area around the Super Duty, and Ford will thoughtfully offer a first-ever, factory-available trailer camera that can be attached to backend of the trailer to improve visibility behind it when backing up. There will also be a zoom function on certain cameras as well for lining up trailer connections.

In all, Ford says there will be 16 segment-first features on the Super Duty, including LED lighting, adaptive cruise control, and in-cab trailer tire pressure monitoring. The F-Series Super Duty will also feature SYNC 3, the updated communications and entertainment system we first saw on the 2016 F-150 Limited.

Ford will offer five models in its Super Duty lineup, including the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The 2017 Super Duty will be built at its Kentucky Truck Plant, and it will go on sale late in 2016.