The king is far from dead, in fact it’s quite new.
Ford has unveiled the first of its 2015 F-Series Super Duty trucks at the State Fair of Texas, including the latest version of its popular King Ranch trim.
At their hearts is an updated 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8. The automaker says it will be more powerful than the existing motor, which is rated at 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a larger turbocharger and other modifications. However, exact specifications won’t be revealed until closer to the start of production next year. The Power Stroke currently boasts the most horsepower in the segment, but its torque rating trails the 850 lb-ft Ram HD Cummins diesel.
The top of the line F-450’s chassis has also been upgraded to keep up with the boost in power, and now rides on 19.5-inch wheels, gets larger brakes, a strengthened suspension, larger rear axle and beefed-up frame to deliver increased towing and payload capabilities.
Ford also rolled out the 2015 F-250 decked out in the new King Ranch trim, which now features a richer grade of leather upholstery “branded” with the Running W logo of its namesake Texas ranch (bigger than Rhode Island and home to 600,000 head of cattle, city slicker) logo wheels, and black and tan exterior trim.
Pricing has not been announced, but the 2014 F-150 has a starting price of around $50,000, while a Power Stroke F-250 King Ranch goes for over $58,000.
The new F-250 and F-350 are expected to go on next spring, followed in summer by the F-450.