Super Duty Diamond

Ford Motor Co. took the wraps off its 2004 F-650 and F-750 Super Duty trucks, the first products from Ford and Navistar International’s Blue Diamond Truck joint venture. The vehicles are aimed at dump, utility, van, and stake bodies for construction, urban-suburban delivery, and service applications.

Ford offers a choice of three cabs, including a four-door SuperCab and four-door Crew Cab. Thirty-eight wheelbase choices mean the trucks can be easily upfitted across a wide spectrum of body types, and tractor versions are available in all cab configurations.

The new models get new power. Standard is a direct-injection, 32-valve, 6.0-litre Power Stroke diesel that generates up to 230 horsepower and 620 foot-pounds of torque. Engine options include a 3126 Caterpillar 7.2-litre diesel with up to 300 horsepower and 860 foot-pounds of torque, and a 5.9-litre Cummins ISB diesel engine (available late spring 2003) with up to 260 hp and 660 foot-pounds of torque.

Behind the engine, 10 manual and seven automatic transmissions are in the data book, and among the rear axles available are two-speeds and single-speeds with driver-controlled locking differentials. Air suspension is offered on all models, with or without air brakes.

Production starts in December, with the new models expected to arrive in dealerships early next year.