Isn’t webisode one of those nonsensical words – like staycation and frenemy – that you wish would just go away? You might say it’s cringe-worthy, as if cringing were ever worth the trouble.
One wonders what a no-nonsense guy like Mike Rowe, host of TV’s “Dirty Jobs,” would think of the word webisode. He’d probably run over it with the all-new 2011 Ford Super Duty. There’s no harm in dreaming, right?
Starting today, Rowe is hosting a series of – you guessed it – webisodes detailing the development and testing of the new powertrain lineup of the all-new Super Duty – a truck so tough all of your frenemies will run scared.
Finally, Webisodes for Truck Guys
In the series, Rowe leads customers through laboratory and real-world durability testing of the Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel, 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine and 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission. The webisodes are at http://www.fordvehicles.com/2011superduty/.
According to recent Ford customer research, Mike Rowe is the quintessential “truck guy” (like there was ever any doubt!) One respondent said: “I would say that he drives a truck in real life and is not afraid to do stuff like pull out a stump or go off-road.”
In the coming months, the site also will feature webisodes demonstrating the capability of the all-new 2011 Ford Super Duty on commercial customers’ work sites.
Quotes
“Mike Rowe and Super Duty are a natural pair.” “Our new lineup of engines and transmission for the 2011 Super Duty was put through a series of extreme tests both in the lab and at the job site. Mike Rowe will take our customers through the details of those tests.”
– Eric Peterson, truck communications manager
“The new Web site will allow potential Super Duty buyers – our most knowledgeable customers – the opportunity to get an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at what being Built Ford Tough really means. Mike Rowe has partnered with us to help customers navigate the site so they can learn more about how Super Duty helps truck owners get their work done.”
– Eric Peterson, truck communications manager
So, you’re nickname’s “Hammer” and you think you’re all that and a bag of nails, but nagging questions persist, my friend. Chief among them: Are you tough enough to harness the gawd a’mighty power and capability of the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty? Seriously, you should think twice before tossing a blustery “hell yes” out there, because then someone, somewhere will test your mettle at the reins of this ultimate work truck.
Tough truck customers – commercial and fleet operators among them – demand the best, and they get it with a resounding stomp with the spanking new Super Duty. First and foremost, it delivers with significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy from both the new 6.7-liter diesel and 6.2-liter gasoline engines that build on the line’s heritage of best-in-class towing and payload.
Simply put, the next-generation Super Duty lineup (F-250 through F-450) builds on its legacy of capability, reliability, durability and dependability. Let us count the ways.
Lowering the cost of ownership
Both the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel and new 6.2-liter gasoline powertrains will deliver significantly improved fuel economy while also maintaining Super Duty’s best-in-class towing and payload. The architecture of both engines has been optimized for efficiency, as has the new TorqShift heavy-duty six-speed transmission.
The transmission’s fluid change interval also has been extended, in part due to a dual filter that provides fine filtration and large capacity in a single package. The dual filter also eliminates the need for a spin-on external filter.
The new 6.7-liter diesel’s architecture reduces down time during service work, which helps get vehicles back on the road faster. During service on the turbocharger, for example, the body/cab does not require removal, reducing labor time. Service time on the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler and high-pressure fuel pump also is expected to be markedly reduced because of the new layout. The new spin-on oil filter makes that servicing easier as well.
The new Power Stroke, featuring Tow Haul Mode with the integrated engine exhaust brake, helps improve driver confidence with large loads and prolong brake pad life.
Bottom line: Super Duty is the “and” solution, providing both capability and low cost of ownership that customers truly appreciate in a challenging economic environment.
New-to-segment Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) adds capability
One of the functional improvements with the new transmission is the addition of segment-first Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) capability. On 2011 Super Duty diesels with the PTO prep option, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers or dump trucks. The power is available any time the engine is running.
Pioneered on agricultural applications, the Live Drive feature is particularly useful when mobile PTO function is required during start-stop operations, such as salt spreading, cement pouring or snow plowing. A fully functional Live Drive mobile PTO will allow Super Duty customers to take full advantage of the equipment on their trucks.
Flexible fueling options
The new diesel engine is compatible with biodiesel up to B20. Likewise, the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline FFV-capable engine can run on E85 ethanol. For some fleet customers, having the option and flexibility of using lower emission biofuels is extremely important.
Carryover gasoline engine
The proven 6.8-liter V-10 gasoline engine remains in the lineup for F-450 and F-550 chassis cab customers interested in upfitting bodies and boxes to the chassis. The five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission remains as well.
Variety of trim levels
The F-Series Super Duty offers a variety of trim levels – XL, XL Décor, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch® – to suit each customer. Some owner/operators, for example, opt for the King Ranch trim level, which includes Chaparral Leather seats, to help complete their “office.” In each level, customers will find more comfortable seats based off those in the current F-150.
Technology to help your business
Available Ford Work Solutions is one of many technologies that can help owners manage their business from the work site. Ford Work Solutions delivers four innovative features:
An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. It’s the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production. This system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.
Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed in association with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
Crew Chief™, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
Cable Lock security system, developed in association with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, discourages theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab.
SYNC®, Ford’s industry-first, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system, leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone. SYNC’s new application, Traffic, Directions & Information, provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.
As with all Ford products, customer feedback played a vital role in developing the all-new 2011 Super Duty, especially with commercial customers.
Quotes
“Having the most capability means a customer doesn’t have to marginalize any segment while he tries to maintain and build his business. Our customers expect the leadership capability that our trucks deliver and, with the 2011 Super Duty, they’ll also gain a significant improvement in fuel economy. It’s a win-win situation for commercial and fleet owners.”
– Jim Michon, truck fleet marketing manager
“Ford Work Solutions is a real game-changer,” said Kaufman. “It provides another way for the owner to improve the productivity of his Super Duty ‘tool’ by increasing access and onboard capability. Paperwork – including billing, quotes and work orders – can be accessed, modified and printed right there in the truck. He doesn’t have to wait until he gets back to the office or back home to do it.”
– Todd Kaufman, F-Series chassis cab marketing manager
“We’ve had our key fleet customers involved every step of the way as we’ve developed the new 2011 Super Duty. Their valuable input has been reflected in the new truck, from the major features such as B20 capability to more minor, but still important, items such as driver manual lumbar on the vinyl seat. Thanks to the input of our customers, and the strong capability and focus of our engineering, design and manufacturing teams, the new 2011 Super Duty achieves a whole new level of capability.”
– Jim Michon, truck fleet marketing manager
Ford trucks have unmatched capability, unsurpassed fuel economy and world class technology – this is your chance to talk to one the leaders of the Ford truck team about how we deliver these attributes.
Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager, will talk about topics ranging from Truck Month to trends that he is seeing in the truck market.
Click below to view the conversation, scheduled for Friday, September 18, at 10:30am EDT.
About DigiKnows #5— Stay Connected and Productive with Ford Work Solutions™ Technology
In our fifth episode on March 24th at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins takes a look at in-dash Ford Work Solutions technology and discovers how Ford developed a fully-integrated mobile workplace. Join in and ask your questions as Michael talks about Ford Work Solutions with Bill Frykman and Ed Pleet the business development managers for this technology.
America’s best-selling truck the Ford F-Series, as well as the Ford E-Series vans are now equipped with this industry-first collection of smart technologies. And when the all-new 2010 Ford Transit Connect comes to market this summer, the customer — small business owners — will be able to order it as well. Designed to fundamentally change the way Ford truck owners do business, Ford Work Solutions technologies literally bring the office to the job site—enhancing connectivity, flexibility, productivity and security.
Some features of Ford Work Solutions include:
Connectivity: In-dash computer system offers high-speed Internet access, navigation tools, and hands free calling. Enables customers to access office documents, print invoices, and check inventories directly on the job site.
Flexibility: Tool Link, with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) provides an asset tracking system, providing a real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
Productivity: Crew Chief, a fleet diagnostics system enables fleet owners to quickly and efficiently manage vehicles, dispatch workers, monitor driver performance and maintain up-to-date maintenance records.
Security: Cable Lock security system, designed to discourage theft of costly, large tools that don’t fit in the cab.
The industry-exclusive technologies are available in the new 2009 Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty trucks,2009 E-Series Vans and 2010 Transit Connect. A selection of the four features will also be available for upgrade for Ford Trucks already in service.
About Ford DigiKnows
Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive steaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins, takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnow live streaming events let you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.
Ford Work Solutions™ Expands Capability and Productivity of America’s Favorite Trucks
America’s best-selling truck the F-Series, along with Ford’s F-150, E-Series and Transit Connect Vans are soon-to-be equipped with a collection of industry-first ‘smart’ technologies. Designed to fundamentally change the way Ford truck owners do business, Ford Work Solution™ technologies are aimed at enhancing connectivity, flexibility, productivity and security.
The four affordable and innovative features bring the office to the job site, offering a fully-integrated mobile workplace. Some of the Work Solution™ highlights include:
Connectivity: In-dash computer system offers high-speed Internet access, navigation tools, and hands free calling. Enables customers to access office documents, print invoices, and check inventories directly on the job site.
Flexibility: Tool Link, with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) provides an asset tracking system, providing a real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
Productivity: Crew Chief, a fleet diagnostics system enables fleet owners to quickly and efficiently manage vehicles, dispatch workers, monitor driver performance and maintain up-to-date maintenance records.
Security: Cable Lock security system, designed to discourage theft of costly, large tools that don’t fit in the cab.
The industry-exclusive technologies are available in the new 2009 Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty trucks and 2009 E-Series Vans. A selection of the four features will also be available for upgrade for Ford Trucks already in service.
Quotes
“Our truck customers are smart and they work hard. Ford Work Solutions provides truck customers new technologies and tools to help them work even smarter and further boost their productivity.”
- Mark Fields, President of Ford The Americas
“Tool Link increases productivity and saves money. It helps contractors and tradespeople guarantee they show up at the job site with the right tools for each job, and that they don’t leave equipment behind.”
- William Frykman, Ford Work Solutions Product and Business Development Manager
“Secure, lockable storage is important for all customers. That’s why we (Ford) worked with Master Lock to deliver the Cable Lock, a convenient way to secure items such as toolboxes, air compressors, generators or large power tools that may need to be in the pickup box when the vehicle is parked.”
- William Frykman, Ford Work Solutions Product and Business Development Manager
Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named Ford Escape Hybrid one of its “2009 Best New Family Vehicles.”
According to kbb.com, vehicles were chosen for this year’s list based on factors such as resale value, capability, kid-friendliness and fuel efficiency.
Kbb.com editors praised the Escape Hybrid for its improved – more powerful and more efficient – gas-electric powertrain and its fuel economy rating of 34 mpg in the city.
The Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet. It offers families value and versatility with five-passenger seating and plenty of storage capability.
Safe
Safety – the most important consideration for families – comes standard on the Escape Hybrid. All vehicles are equipped with a number of safety features, such as AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control®, Safety Canopy™, Personal Safety System®, tire pressure monitoring system and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seating positions.
Connected
In addition to SYNC, the Escape Hybrid offers family-friendly features such as SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link™.
Environmentally Friendly
The Escape Hybrid meets strict Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards. The 2009 model also features new comfort-designed seats with soy-based foam and eco-friendly seat fabrics made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials.
Quotes
“Not only is the Ford Escape Hybrid the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet, it also offers families the perfect combination of value and versatility. The Escape Hybrid offers the convenience and flexibility that many families need in an ultra fuel-efficient vehicle. You can fit five passengers plus a lot of cargo, such as sporting and camping equipment. It’s a fully functional SUV that happens to be a hybrid as well.”
- David Finnegan, Ford Hybrid Marketing Manager
“After undergoing a major overhaul for the 2008 model year, the Ford Escape Hybrid is improved again for 2009 with a more powerful and more efficient gas-electric powertrain. Its fuel economy rating of 34 miles per gallon is even better than that of the Toyota Camry Hybrid.”
- Jack R. Nerad, Executive Editorial Director and Executive Market Analyst, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com
Unique ‘K-Bag Feature Helps Ford F-150 Outperform Competition in New IIHS Side-Impact Crash Tests
When they say “Built Ford Tough” about the all-new 2009 F-150 they aren’t just talking about brawny stuff like high strength steel. They’re also talking about cushiony features such as air bags – the kind of air bags other trucks wish they had, namely a “K-Bag”.
The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 – which features exclusive “K-bag” side air bag technology – provides better side-impact crash safety ratings than the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Special “K-bag”
Among the truck’s unmatched list of advanced standard safety features is its patented “K-bag” technology, a new front seat-mounted dual-chamber side air bag named for its unique shape, which is designed to help protect the rib cage from excessive crash forces during a side impact. This air bag is supported with a state-of-the-art side crash sensing system that uses pressure pulses from the impact to deploy the air bag 30 percent faster than a conventional system.
America’s safest full-size pickup
The F-150 earned an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” last November and quadruple 5-star government crash test ratings in January – making it the only full-size pickup to achieve both top crash-test ratings. Combined with the most standard safety features in the segment, the F-150 is America’s safest full-size pickup.
More exclusive occupant protection
Also new to the 2009 F-150 is Ford’s standard Safety Canopy® side-curtain air bag rollover protection system, which helps protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollovers and side impact crashes. The air bag is designed to stay inflated for several seconds for additional protection in rollover crashes, which often last longer than side impact crashes.
Ford’s Personal Safety System – also a standard feature – is made up of a suite of protection technologies, including dual-stage front air bags and occupant weight classification, working together to help protect occupants.
Most sophisticated electronic stability control
The F-150’s standard offering of Ford’s industry exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) also met a newer requirement that vehicles must offer electronic stability control to earn IIHS’s top rating. The system is the world’s most sophisticated electronic stability control, helping prevent skidding and rollovers. It goes a step beyond typical stability control systems with a gyroscopic roll sensor that determines both the vehicle’s body roll angle and roll rate.
Lighter, tougher structure
The F-150’s safety leadership also is built on the solid structure that underpins the truck’s legendary “Built Ford Tough” durability and capability. The truck has an all-new hydroformed steel front end – including use of tubular ultra high-strength, lighter weight steel that contributes to its unsurpassed fuel economy in the full-size pickup truck segment.
All-new Ford F-150 receives prestigious Motor Trend 2009 Truck of the Year Award™
The 2009 F-150 bests its competitors in a series of rigorous tests that evaluated the pickup’s engineering, technology, design, safety, dynamics, performance, build quality and value.
This marks the third consecutive time an all-new F-150 has received the Motor Trend Truck of the Year Award. Previously, the 2004 and 1997 redesigned Ford F-150 models received the magazine’s prestigious award.
“The new F-150 is a thorough, thoughtful upgrade of a highly successful formula. The 2009 model improves on the core attributes that have made the F-150 a best seller for decades, ensuring it will remain a strong player in the segment despite the challenging economic environment.”
- Angus MacKenzie, Editor-in-Chief, Motor Trend
“Motor Trend’s awards over the years are a validation of what has been the key to our success: listening to customers, anticipating their needs and providing them with innovative solutions and features before they ask for them. Our goal with each redesign is to top the last one, and we’re doing that with the 2009 F150.”
- Matt O’Leary, F-150 Chief Engineer
“Motor Trend editors used our truck the way our customers do – by putting it through extremely tough tests. This award is so meaningful to us because it means so much to our customers. Motor Trend Truck of the Year is one of the most recognized automotive awards by consumers, and Ford is extremely proud to receive it.”
- Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
