DETROIT _ Ford says its 2018 Super Duty will be the most powerful heavy duty pickup truck ever, with best-in-class horsepower, torque and towing capacity, from a newly upgraded 6.7-liter V8 diesel engine.
The F-450 4x2 Crew Cab pickup dual-rear-wheel pickup has a 34,000-pound towing capacity.
"The 2018 Super Duty has brought a bazooka to a knife fight," said Dave Sullivan, a product analysis manager at AutoPacific. "To take full advantage of the F-450's capability, you'll need a commercial driver's license. This update comes with major bragging rights. You can haul the family and a house behind your truck. No other crew cab model can come close to hauling 17 tons."
The hauling hardware is matched by impressive engine specs, Sullivan said. "Just a decade ago, we were impressed with 600-pount-feet of torque. As the price for diesel engines continue to increase in this segment, the capability seems to grow with it."
Heavy duty pickups like the Super Duty are extremely profitable.
Ford, Chevrolet and Ram are engaged in an intense fight for bragging rights.
The 2018 Super Duty makes five best-in-class claims, according to Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager:
450 horsepower (a 10 horsepower improvement over 2017).
935 pound-feet of torque.
_ 34,000 pounds of gooseneck towing, when properly equipped.
21,000-pound conventional hitch towing.
7,360-pound payload capacity.
The F-450 will be available this winter in XL, XLT, Lariat and Platinum series offerings. The base price is $52,830.
