2020 Ford Super Duty: the workhorse for the city of tomorrow

Ford Super Duty does not calmly go into the night. As the Texas Fair begins, Ford show off the numbers on their new heavy truck. In short, the 2020 Ford Super Duty is a monster. In a more distant sense, a magnet and a strong one at that. It's safe to say that Ford will use the new performance numbers to lure buyers from GM and Ram. Ford is also using the occasion to get back to his roots, or it seems to be one way or the other. Yes, the 2020 Ford Super Duty is filled with connectivity and tech — all those trucks today; but the 2020 Super Duty numbers suggest that Ford is constantly aware of those who buy a truck just for the hitch and bed.

For example, Super Duty maintains the highest market share among demanding industries and professions. According to Ford's analysis of IHS Markit TIPNet U.S. registration data (January 2017-June 2019), Super Duty's mining market share exceeds 60 percent; ambulances and services by 50 percent; and construction and other skilled trades coming in at nearly 50 percent.

Ford Super Duty 2020: installation on stage

During the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) here in Detroit, the Ford show has always been one of the toughest. It's usually two tiers, complete with games and sims and all their best candy, from Shelby Mustangs to Raptor trucks. When Ford says it wants to be known as a technology or mobility company, their contemporary display at NAIAS reflects that. What's interesting is how this commitment to cutting-edge technology and future mobility merges under the hood of one of their most recognizable and iconic products: the 2020 Super Duty.

In the city of tomorrow, Ford hopes to reduce pollution, congestion and inefficient means of transit. Autonomous and electric vehicles, ride-sharing services and other forms of “connected mobility” are entering the conversation. Ford is partnering with a coalition of mayors and Bloomberg philanthropists for an ambitious effort. And while anyone can work hard on our future home, today Ford is doing what any Detroit automaker worthy of its weight in salt does. Making big, powerful trucks for America's working class.

After all, someone has to build this city.

“Super Duty customers have demanding and diverse needs, from towing heavy trailers to repairing critical infrastructure,” explained Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford North America. "Productivity is their lifeblood and their truck is their biggest tool."

"Ford truck buyers are building a better world with Super Duty, and we're helping them work even harder with the most affordable diesel towing, payload, torque, and horsepower you can get in a heavy-duty pickup," explained Mike Pruitt, Super Duty Chief Engineer. "We've broken the kilometer barrier and made it standard on every Power Stroke diesel pickup truck."

2020 Super Duty Availability Chart provided by Ford Motor Company.

How powerful is the 2020 Ford Super Duty?

As it stands, the 2020 Ford Super Duty will provide class-leading diesel towing, power and torque; best-in-class gasoline power and torque; and best-in-class payload. In terms of diesel towing, Ford will require all three methods from the 2020 Super Duty: regular, fifth wheel, and gooseneck. For the latter, coupling devices are installed at the factory. Moving the bricks and mortar of tomorrow's city requires a lot, and the right factory outfits for it.

At the top of the mountain is a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine. Under the hood of the new Super Duty, it produces 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft. torque. The engine is mated to a new 10-speed TorqShift automatic. When properly equipped, the 6.7 Stroke Power has a maximum normal load capacity of 24,200 lbs.; maximum fifth wheel rating 32,500 pounds; and gooseneck capacity up to 37,000 lbs. The numbers are superior to comparable offerings from GM and Ram. To put things into perspective, a properly tuned F-450 could tow nearly 31 US quarter horses at 1200 pounds. part.

On the petrol side, the available 7.3-liter V8 puts out 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft. torque. When properly equipped, standard 6.2-liter gas provides a maximum load capacity of 7,850 pounds. The numbers once again outstrip comparable offerings from GM and Ram.

New off-road Tremor package with 6.7 power travel delivers 15,000lbs of maximum conventional traction.; 21,900 pounds for gooseneck applications. The Tremor package with 7.3 throttle offers a maximum payload of 4,210 pounds.

2020 Ford Super Duty with Tremor Off-Road Package. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Running Gauntlet

Ford is known for his "torture tests," a series of brutal, intense, and even ridiculous rides that push the truck to its absolute limit. One of the most famous cars of 2011 is the EcoBoost Engine 448AA against Homestead-Miami Speedway. The F-150 EcoBoost runs for 24 hours on the track, stopping only to change fuel and tires when towing at full power. Suffice to say, nothing has changed in Ford's truck space, and the 2020 Super Duty is considered the most tried and tested in the company's history.

Prior to its debut in 2017, Super Duty has completed over 12 million test miles. Super Duty 2020 covered that, plus another seven million. Torture testing this time involved driving the truck around the clock under extreme loads and all sorts of environmental conditions using dynamometers, test tracks and public roads. In fact, because the endurance test tracks are so unforgiving and annoying, robot drivers are sometimes used in favor of humans.

Related: An inside look at Dearborn's big slug.

Technologies and connection processing

The available Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps when maneuvering trailers back and forth. Drivers use a stick instead of a steering wheel to better position their trailer with the reversing camera. Trailer Reverse Guidance shows the angle and heading, and offers steering recommendations for guiding the trailer backwards in the most efficient way. This technology is suitable for all traditional applications, saddle wheels and goosenecks.