Ford's New Super Duty Debuts With New 6.8-Liter V8 And Smart Towing Tech

Sep. 27, 2022 7:31 PM ET by Gerhard Horn Reveal / 21 Comments

A high-output version of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 will also be available.

All-new 2023 F-Series Super Duty now comes standard with a 6.8-liter V8
10-speed automatic standard across the range
New high-output version of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel
Several new optional towing systems

This is the all-new 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty, and it's arguably as important to the economy as it is to the American manufacturer's bottom line. The Super Duty's market share is more than 50% in the utility, mining, construction, and emergency response vehicles segment. The revenue it alone generates for Ford is more than the revenue streams of several Fortune 500 companies, including Southwest Airlines, Nordstrom, and Marriott International.

The all-new Super Duty will build on its success with a brand-new look, the broadest engine lineup in its class, and new tech features never seen before in this segment.

Loyal fans will be happy to learn that it's still a body-on-frame truck made in the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, Ohio. As before, it's available in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims.

The old entry-level 6.2-liter V8 and the six-speed automatic combination has been dropped. The new standard engine is a 6.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 with unknown power and torque outputs. Ford chose to reveal only preliminary technical specifications. According to Ford, the new 6.8 V8 has more low-end torque, which is better for starting on a steep grade or merging onto the highway.

The 7.3 NA V8 is carried over with improved air intake and tuning to provide best-in-class horsepower and torque figures.

Ford also carries the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel over, but it can now go longer distances between oil changes. The big news on the diesel side is the introduction of a high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke with a unique turbo, upgraded exhaust manifolds, and unique tuning targeting the best horsepower and torque in the class.

All engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard, and four-wheel-drive is standard on XLT models and above.

Ford says that 96% of heavy-duty customers use their trucks to tow, yet it did not reveal claimed towing capacity figures. It did say that it's targeting best-in-class for both towing and hauling. Ford also aims to improve the towing experience with several new optional driver-assist technologies.

You can get a basic 360-degree camera system providing a bird's eye view or ramp it up to Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, in which case the car will align itself with a conventional hitch ball. There's a blind-spot monitoring system that will indicate whether there's a vehicle next to the trailer and brand-new Tailgate Down Camera and Tailgate Down Reverse Sensing systems.

We quite like the Trailer Navigation feature, which helps the driver plot the easiest route using the trailer dimensions. It can avoid potential hazards like low bridges and tight turns.

The new Super Duty also has Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch that estimates cargo weight in real-time and provides guidance on trailer tongue weight distribution directly on the center touchscreen, FordPass app, or within the taillamps.

On the safety and security side, Ford is introducing Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Trailer Theft Alert, Vehicle Security (which can detect bumps when the car is switched off), a forward/reverse sensing system, front and rear brake assist, a full-color head-up display, and Fleet Start Inhibit. The latter allows a customer to schedule timeframes in which the vehicle can be started.

The Super Duty is also the first truck in its segment with 5G connectivity, allowing faster navigation, mapping, and use of the available fleet tools like Ford Pro. Ford Pro Fleet Management and Ford Pro Telematics can identify maintenance needs, vehicle locations, driver behaviors, wasted idle time, and more.

Not that drivers would want to run idle in the Super Duty, given the standard features. An eight-inch center display is standard on the XL, while a 12-inch display is standard on higher-trim models. The Max Recline Seats fold down nearly horizontally for downtime, and the center console has a slot that can hold a tablet upright for easier access when the car is parked.

Private buyers will enjoy the all-new rugged exterior with the signature C-clamp lighting, available LED headlights, and seven available grille styles.

The Super Duty will be available with three appearance packages: STX, Sport, and Black. These packages offer unique trim, wheel, and paint combinations. An XL Off-Road Package is available for the F-250 and F-350 single rear wheel models and includes 33-inch tires, a raised air dam, water-fording axle vent tubes, skid plates, and an electronic locking rear differential.

The Tremor Off-Road Package comes with a front-end lift, uniquely tuned suspension, a Dana front axle with a limited-slip differential and axle vent tubes, 35-inch Goodyear tires, unique 18- inch wheels, Trail Control, selectable drive modes, and Trail Turn Assist.

Pricing will be available closer to launch in early 2023, and Ford's new pickup will once again do battle with the latest Chevrolet Silverado HD.