2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty Raises the Bar with Best-in-Class Towing and Payload Benchmarks

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks again raise the bar, setting new best-in-class industry benchmarks for heavy-duty pickup towing and payload capacities
• Super Duty brake system improvements enable higher payload figures, delivering a robust, confidence-inspiring brake pedal feel for customers
• A larger parking brake also contributes to increased payload capacity for 2013 F-Series Super Duty pickups

Ford continues to strengthen the F-Series lineup for 2013, raising the bar for Super Duty towing, hauling and braking to again set the standard among heavy-duty trucks.

"Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs are the segment benchmarks, chosen by tradesmen more than any other heavy-duty truck to get the job done," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "To help our customers continue to become more productive and efficient, we've increased our towing and payload capability yet again."

Best-in-class towing and payload
F-Series Super Duty trucks are engineered to meet the demands of the toughest customers. With their needs in mind, Ford engineers have raised conventional towing capacity to a class-leading 18,500 pounds, besting the nearest competitor by 500 pounds.

Increased towing brawn goes hand-in-hand with improved payload capability to a class-leading 7,260 pounds.

Improved brakes
F-Series Super Duty's best-in-class payload numbers are supported by an improved brake system that delivers increased capability and usability.

Braking engineers increased brake rotor swept area by 16.4 percent in front and 14.5 percent in the rear for maximum braking to help dissipate heat, especially on long downhill grades.

These changes support a 700-pound increase in the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating to a best-in-class 14,000 pounds. Improved brake pads and a retuned booster enable enhanced pedal brake feel to increase driver confidence.

"We've really improved brake feel," said Michael Watkins, brake system engineer. "There's refined modulation in the pedal – you really feel the stopping power. With a full load of cargo, drivers will notice strong, confidence-inspiring brakes."

A larger parking brake for F-250 and F-350 models also allowed an increase in maximum payload rating.

Available adjustable pedals also enhance customer comfort by personalizing the interface between driver and brake system.

All-new F-Series Super Duty Platinum
Other changes for 2013 include the introduction of the all-new Platinum series model and the availability of SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®.

The Platinum series makes a bold statement with a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside, plus other special exterior upgrades. The interior showcases luxury in the form of premium wood grain appliqués, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other high-end luxury touches.

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty builds on the foundation of SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is available for the first time. A new 8-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features, along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

The 8-inch display screen also provides a large, clear view behind the truck when in reverse to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck's hitch.

Unique to Ford F-Series, the physical interface for MyFord Touch has been optimized to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack.

Expect more
Leadership is expected of F-Series, which has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 35 straight years.

Historically, best-in-class towing and payload capability and legendary Built Ford Tough durability have driven F-Series customer loyalty. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® diesel and 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines – with class-leading fuel economy – give Ford customers even more reasons to stay loyal in the years ahead.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company