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2012 Ford Superduty Manchester

For 2012, the Ford Superduty gets a boost in towing capacity.  The standard 6.2-liter gas V-8 is a single-overhead-camshaft engine that runs on regular gas or E85 ethanol. It produces 385 horsepower and 405 pounds-feet of torque. The available Power Stroke 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V-8 produces 400 hp and a massive 800 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm.  The Power Stroke V-8 burns regular diesel fuel or a blend of up to 20 percent biodiesel.  Both engines work with a standard six-speed automatic transmission that incorporates Ford's SelectShift technology, which enables driver-initiated shifts.  Luxury-oriented buyers can revel in heated-and-cooled Chaparral leather seats with driver memory, moonroof, one of two types of rear camera, SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment, navigation, and, remote start. The new diesel is quiet.

Driving Impressions of the '12 Ford Superduty

The Ford Superduty is very quiet and wind and road noise is barely detectable.  Towing is a big part of the Super Duty's capabilities, and the 6.7-liter diesel will likely be the engine of choice. Even when lugging a 10,000-pound trailer up a steep grade, the diesel climbs with ease, and the six-speed automatic never labors, nor does it get caught hunting for the right gear.  Changes between the F-250 and F-350 SRW are essentially limited to the 350 capable of carrying or towing more weight. The F-350 DRW goes a much larger step further in payload and frequently more important, trailer towing (or camper carrying) stability. The max tow rating on some F-350 DRW is more than 21,000 pounds, but remember those ratings are given with a nearly empty, low-optioned truck. The F-450 model is a crew-cab, long-box-only truck that has bucked trends and downsized slightly. The 10-bolt, 19.5-inch tires of the old model required a speed-limiter of just more than Texas' posted limits and a lot of customers complained. So the F-450 is now closer in concept to an F-350 DRW with roughly the same load capacity but a tow rating of 24,400 pounds. Just make sure your driver's license can handle that load, too.

Exterior Features of the '12 Ford Superduty

Already the biggest pickup in town, the Ford Super Duty appears imposing because of big horizontal bars in the grille, deep airdam and bumper with big cooling air openings, andstacked lamps with the headlights on the bottom. Dimensions are easily given in yards rather than inches. The Power Stroke badges have been given a hybrid-like green leaf with B20 in reference to the ability to burn biodiesel fuel.  The clamshell hood essentially wraps around the diesel engine underneath, and the rounded edges and deeper airdam have improved the coefficient of aero drag.  Towing mirrors include signal repeaters that won't distract the driver; they telescope and fold (manual or powered), and include two large reflector elements for safe rear vision with the widest street-legal trailers. Rear cameras are mounted in the tailgate center latch housing, and display on the navigation screen or inside the rearview mirror. 

Interior Features of the '12 Ford Superduty

The dash is segmented in three smaller parts for a more manageable look. The instrument pod provides engine and road speed through larger dials with four smaller gauges lined up between; diesel models include a boost gauge and gas engines substitute oil pressure. Instrument needles are now blue on many models but illuminate as white at night.  The center stack houses a pair of large vents, radio and navigation located top center where easily viewed, climate control, and most switchgear, including optional auxiliary equipment switches, Tow Command, SYNC inputs and one of up to five 12-volt power points. The far side houses the passenger airbag and a sizable glovebox; where so equipped, the reconfigurable center console is similarly large and the huge door pockets (two on each front door) could hold the contents of a small tool chest and will soon require their own payload rating. The climb in is mitigated by a deep door opening cut and well-placed assist handles; multiple choices in side steps are available.  The new diesel is so quiet you won't hear any of it at cruising speeds (the gas engine generates a more authoritative hum) and road noise is reasonably controlled since the nearest wheel is not right under your feet.  An electronic switch handles turn signals and high beams now; with a momentary lift the signal blinks three times automatically; unlike some competition it does not add blinks with tow/haul mode engaged. The signal lever may feel some distance away from the wheel but high-beams are switched both on and off by pulling toward you. Primary controls are all easy to find and use, with few tiny buttons to complicate driving with gloves. The reverse parking sensor can be defeated for hooking up a trailer.  The ventilation system is capable of cooling or heating the cavernous volume and keeping forward windows and mirrors clear, and seat heaters are very effective; a supplemental cab heater is available for diesel models. On many models, all outside mirror elements are heatable as well.  Ford's Tow Command integrated trailer brake system is easy to set up and provides better, smoother trailer braking control than any aftermarket controller. For 2012, it is compatible with both conventional and electric-over-hydraulic braking systems and the display for gain adjustment has been incorporated in the instrument pod.

Model Lineup

The 2011 Ford Super Duty comes in four trim levels, three cab sizes and two box sizes, virtually all in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The XL, XLT and Lariat trims extend to most models. Only on Crew Cabs can you get the top-line King Ranch interior, however. Also, there is no short-box dual-rear wheel model, and the FX4 package is offered only on SuperCab and Crew Cab 4WD F250 and F350.

A 6.2-liter V8 with 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque is standard on all F-250 and F-350 models. The F-450 pickup comes standard with the 6.7-liter turbodiesel rated at 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and four-wheel drive can be lever or switch operated.

ThThe Super Duty XL is work-truck, low-budget in nature, with vinyl seats and flooring, black painted grille and bumpers, plain trim, and AM/FM stereo, but it does include air conditioning, towing mirrors, trip computer, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a weight-appropriate receiver hitch. Options are primarily mechanical in nature: diesel, locking differential, larger tires and wheels, integrated fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package, camper package, off-road package for 4WD, Tow Command, auxiliary switches, reverse sensors, tailgate step, Work Solutions in-dash computer and Tool Link. SuperCabs also include flip-out rear side windows, Super and Crew get an overhead console, and the F-450 has forged aluminum wheels.

XLT trim adds chrome trim, aluminum wheels, 40/20/40 cloth front seat with under-seat lockable compartment, carpet, CD player, power windows/locks/mirrors, power-adjusted and heated towing mirrors, privacy glass, the integrated brake controller for single-rear wheel trucks, remote keyless entry, MyKey, and cruise control. Options include captain's chairs w/power and heat, Audiophile sound system, adjustable pedals, moonroof, and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

Lariat trim adds polished aluminum 17-inch wheels for F-350 dually and bright 18-inch aluminum wheels for single-rear-wheel trucks, heated leather power front seats, dual-zone climate control, power-adjust pedals, backup camera, SYNC, redundant sound/climate controls on wheel, woodgrain trim, power fold-and-telescoping tow mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, privacy glass, keypad door entry, 110-volt outlet and a powered sliding rear window. Options include those offered on most Super Duty models plus captain's chairs and universal door opener.

The King Ranch for F-250 Crew Cab 2WD) adds two-tone paint including most trim pieces, driver memory package, heated/cooled power front seats, unique forged alloy wheels, rearview camera, and Chaparral-leather for the steering wheel, four captain's chairs and both center consoles.

Conclusions

The Ford Super Duty is the largest mass-market pickup truck you can get, offered in the widest array of configurations and most of the highest ratings that pickup truck bragging wars often revert to. It is more than capable of handling all reasonable recreational or commercial needs, and it is highly recommended if you are looking for a pick-up truck.If you are in the market for a pick-up truck take a look at the 2012 Ford Superduty.

Some of the information for this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com