FORD CHARGES INTO TRUCK COUNTRY WITH NEW TOWING LEADERSHIP BENCHMARK, EXPANDED KING RANCH LINEUP
F-Series Super Duty TowBoss package delivers another quantum leap forward for Ford truck leadership with maximum towing capability of 19,200 lbs. - adding 2,200 lbs. to Super Duty's already best-in-class towing capacity.
New Expedition King Ranch joins Ford's famed King Ranch stable, offering customers a new level of rugged refinement in the full-size SUV segment.
With more blue oval trucks on the road than anywhere else in the world, Texas is undeniably Ford Country. That's why the State Fair of Texas is the perfect place to showcase an even greater level of capability for the backbone of the Built Ford Tough franchise - the new 2005 F-Series Super Duty - as well as introducing the newest member of the King Ranch family, the Ford Expedition King Ranch.
Already the proven leader in power, payload and capability, Super Duty is redefining towing leadership - boosting its best-in-class towing capability to a whopping 19,200 lbs. with the new TowBoss package. The F-350 now delivers nearly 2,500 lbs. more towing capacity than the nearest competitor.
"Ford is the undisputed leader in the truck market because our customers demand the best from us, and they know they'll get it," said Doug Scott, Ford Division Truck Group Marketing Manager. "Super Duty has been the benchmark among heavy duty pickups since we introduced it in 1998. The 2005 Super Duty builds on that tradition of capability with improvements in more than 100 individual areas that make it better than ever. TowBoss is another quantum leap forward and the latest example of why Super Duty is king of the hill."
Whether it's on the job or after hours, nearly 90 percent of Super Duty customers tow, depending on the most towing capability available for large horse trailers, big boats, and large recreational campers. With the 5.4L, 3-valve Triton V-8 engine, Super Duty tows up to 12,300 pounds. When equipped with the 6.8L, 3-valve Triton V-10, it has the ability to tow up to a best-in-class 15,000 lbs. conventionally. For customers who need to tow the greatest loads, Ford is now offering the TowBoss package as an option on the new dual-rear-wheel Super Duty F-350.
The TowBoss package includes the Power Stroke 6.0L Diesel engine and the TowCommand™ system, which features the TorqShift® automatic transmission, the industry's first integrated electronic trailer brake controller, best-in-class brakes and telescoping trailer tow mirrors. In fifth-wheel towing, the DRW F-350 Regular Cab equipped with TowBoss has the ability to tow up to a class-leading 19,200 lbs., an unprecedented level for a pickup.
Ford responded to marketplace changes by implementing a new variable gross-vehicle weight-rating system strategy across all of its Super Duty F-Series pickups that better accommodates the way most customers use their trucks. This strategy takes advantage of Super Duty's higher axle weight ratings, stronger frames and better brakes to help preserve payload capability on trucks with higher equipment levels.
The new 2005 Super Duty delivers a host of functional, capability and convenience improvements, including:
The Ultimate tow vehicle - The new TowCommand™ Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is integrated with the Anti-lock Brake System. It synchronizes the vehicle and trailer brakes for seamless braking while towing even the heaviest loads. This is the industry's first factory-installed trailer brake controller, eliminating the need for the messy mounting and wiring of aftermarket installations.
Unsurpassed power - including the segment's most powerful gasoline engine, the 6.8L, 3-valve Triton V-10 engine with 355 hp and 455 pound-feet of torque. The best-selling 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel increases to 570 pound-feet of torque.
Better maneuverability - improved steering for better ride, handling and a tighter turning radius in 4x4 pickups and all F-450 and F-550 chassis cabs.
Best-in-class braking - with larger rotors and larger, stiffer calipers.
A stronger, tougher frame - with thicker gauge steel than any other pickup.
Best-in-class payload - up to 5,800 pounds of cargo in the F-350 dually. On average, payload improves 500 to 1,000 pounds for F-250 and F-350 pickups.
The new 2005 F-Series Super Duty is built at the Kentucky Truck Plant and is now available in dealer showrooms.
King Ranch Family Introduces a New Thoroughbred
Customers looking for the top breed of vehicle now have even more choices. Showgoers attending the State Fair of Texas will be the first to see Ford's expanded King Ranch lineup. Special editions of the F-150 and Super Duty already carry the famed King Ranch pedigree. Now, the Expedition King Ranch joins the King Ranch stable for 2005.
"The Expedition King Ranch is a natural extension of the successful and appealing King Ranch family of vehicles," said Christine Feuell, Ford Division SUV Group Marketing Manager. "It offers a great combination of ruggedness and luxury, as well as all of the functionality and capability that customers have come to expect from the Expedition. The State Fair of Texas is an ideal place to introduce this exciting new SUV, because the Expedition King Ranch was designed with Texans in mind."
The new Expedition King Ranch features the signature genuine Castano leather interior, a genuine wood steering wheel and wood appliqué accents added to the doors and instrument panel grab handle. The interior package also includes the class-exclusive PowerFold™ third row seat as standard equipment. The exterior's rugged good looks include unique 17-inch wheels, featuring a painted finish with the King Ranch logo on the center cap. The distinctive Pueblo Gold two-tone exterior, with Pueblo Gold step bars, recalls western landscapes and wide-open spaces.
As part of the 2005 Expedition lineup, the King Ranch edition also features a new 3-valve 5.4L engine that delivers 300 hp and 365 pound-feet of torque, as well as improved fuel economy and emissions. Other available class-leading features include AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, Safety Canopy™ System, Reverse Sensing System and power-adjustable pedals.
Expedition King Ranch begins production at the Michigan Truck Plant during the fourth quarter this year.