We continue to get many questions about “What’s next for the Ford Super Duty trucks?” What updates and upgrades are coming up for 2020. It’s a little odd to start talking about what’s coming up for a truck that was just completely redesigned a little over a year ago for the 2017 model year. As the market continues to get ever more competitive, every manufacturer stays on their toes to bring the latest and the best.
Ford has recently updated the power ratings on their 6.7L Power Stroker turbo-diesel V8 for the 2018 model year. We are currently testing this truck. The diesel power and torque wars remain heated as Ford comes in with class-leading 450 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm and 935 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm. This is five horsepower more than in the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 in the GM HD trucks, and five lb-ft of torque more than the 6.7L straight-six Cummins turbo-diesel in the Ram HDs.
Ford has confirmed their intent last week: “new F-Series Super Duty debuts in 2019 [calendar year]”.
7.0L Gas V8?
First, there is the question about the rumored 7.0L gasoline V8 (produced at the Windsor facility with a recent $1.2 Billion investment by Ford) that will presumably replace or supplement the existing 6.2L V8. We asked Ford about the 7.0L V8 engine directly, and received no further clarification. Manufacturers generally do not disclose design details about upcoming products so far in advance. The 7.0L V8 in a Super Duty is still only a rumor.
The current 6.2L V8 is rated at 385 hp @ 5,750 rpm and 430 lb-ft of torque @ 3,800 rpm.
10-Speed Automatic Transmission?
Ford is already using a 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission in a majority of the Ford F-150 trucks they sell today. There is report from August 2017 that Ford is planning to start production of a heavy-duty 10R140 10-speed transmission in August of 2019. Such a transmission will be able to handle up to 1,032 lb-ft of torque. This timing matches Ford’s intent to debut a “new” Ford Super Duty in 2019. Will Ford produce this transmission and put it into the next Super Duty? We do not have official work on this yet.
More Diesel Torque – 1,000 Lb-Ft?
Is 1,000 lb-ft of torque in a 3/4-ton or a 1-ton Ford Super Duty coming in 2019 as well? It surely seems possible, but we may have to wait a little longer to get to a round 1,000 lb-ft.
Hybrid or Electrification?
Ford also announced that a “new F-150 will debut in 2020 with new hybrid powertrain featuring a mobile generator.” Could a Super Duty truck also benefit from a hybrid powertrain option? We will have to wait and see.
Here is a 2017 Ford F250 towing a heavy trailer on the Ike Gauntlet™ – World’s Toughest Towing Test.
