Click Here to Comment at The Motor Portal Blog!!   2008 FORD SUPER DUTY: MORE CAPABILITY, MORE FEATURES AND MORE REFINEMENT FOR AMERICA’S LEADING WORKHORSE Most Capable. New Ford F-450 pickup offers industry leading towing capacity in excess of 24,000 pounds and maximum payload of more than 6,000 pounds Clean Diesel Technology. New 6.4-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbo diesel delivers quiet, clean power Industry-First Innovation. Integrated Tailgate Step and stowable bed extender offer customer-driven solutions for cargo-hauling flexibility Confident Ride. Refined chassis and suspension improve ride and handling with available options that give the Ford F-350 the segment’s best turning radius Exclusive Towing Features. PowerScope™ power-fold, power-telescoping trailer-tow side mirrors improve rear visibility while towing at the touch of a button. TowCommand™ System features integrated trailer brake controller. TorqShift™ transmission improves towing performance Rear View Video Camera Backup System. Enhances visibility at the rear of the box to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up the truck’s hitch with trailers. Product Highlights Downloadable PDF The new 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty, the industry’s most capable full-size heavy-duty work truck, will get even more capability and features only a few months after it was launched. Ford is quickly adding new features to respond to strong initial customer demand for the highest-end, most capable Super Duty models, including the all-new Ford F-450 – the first-ever Class 4 pickup from the factory. Super Duty now offers an available Rearview Camera System with a unique rear-view-mirror-mounted display, allowing customers to clearly view objects behind the vehicle in their natural sightlines while reversing. The camera is mounted in the tailgate handle bezel and is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse to pull into/out of a parking spot or to hitch the truck to a trailer.     The easy-to-view video image displays green lines that mark the width of the vehicle so drivers can reverse with confidence. The lines turn red when the system detects that the truck is getting too close to an object. As an added benefit, the available Rearview Camera System is designed in a way that the tailgate can be removed from the truck without needing to unhook or unplug the camera. The new F-Series Super Duty gets other maneuverability improvements as Ford F-350 dual-rear-wheel (DRW) models can now be outfitted with the F-450’s front suspension with the segment’s best turning radius. These features add to the truck’s towing innovations – such as the industry-first PowerScope™ power-folding and power-telescoping sideview mirrors and Ford First TowCommand™ integrated trailer brake control system – to make Super Duty the vehicle of choice for the large numbers of heavy-duty truck customers who tow large trailers or boats.   Redefining heavy-duty pickups The new 2008 F-Series Super Duty pickup builds on Ford’s full-size truck capability leadership by offering best-in-class payload, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) and trailer tow ratings. Super Duty is offered in three cab styles – Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab – and two bed lengths – 6 ¾' and 8'. Super Duty features a bold look inside and out, an all-new, more powerful, state-of-the-art Power Stroke® V-8 Turbo Diesel and a host of unique, innovative features not found on any other truck. Ford’s Super Duty set the standard in the over 8,500-pound truck segment when it was launched in 1998 as a 1999 model. Unlike competitors who simply modify their existing light-duty trucks, Super Duty utilizes its own unique architecture, designed and developed to meet the needs and demands of the over 8,500-pound truck customer. All-new F-450 pickup adds capability for customers who demand the most Today’s Super Duty customers are consistently searching for more capability. Ford research has shown that more than 90 percent of Super Duty owners tow, and their towing needs are growing. To meet that need, Ford introduced the new F-450 pickup model. It combines the right axle, right powertrain, and right suspension to manage the loads of pulling a heavier trailer while maintaining a refined, comfortable ride. The F-450 pickup rides on its own unique chassis. It incorporates a new rear leaf-spring suspension while using the radius arm front suspension from the F-450 chassis cab. This set up provides for the tightest turning radius in its class, greatly improving maneuverability when towing. The F-450 pickup widens the capability gap, offering a maximum payload of more than 6,000 pounds and towing capacity of more than 24,000 pounds – a 5,000-pound increase over the class-leading F-350. All of this added capability comes with the same increased level of refinement found in the new F-250 and F-350. All-new 6.4-liter Power Stroke® Diesel is cleaner, quieter and more powerful A more powerful 6.4-liter Power Stroke® Diesel joins a powertrain lineup that already includes the segment’s most powerful gasoline engine, the 362-horsepower 6.8-liter V-10 Triton. The 6.4-liter Power Stroke® Diesel delivers 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (on F-250 & F-350) starting at 2,000 rpm. It utilizes Ford Clean Diesel Technology, a series of special components that deliver clean, quiet, performance. High-tech, series dual-sequential turbochargers provide improved response and better low-end performance. A high-pressure, common rail fuel system, Piezo-electric fuel injectors and an advanced diesel particulate filter system deliver strong performance while reducing particulate output by more than 90 percent and posting emissions numbers on par with gasoline engines. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual with overdrive or a TorqShift™ 5-speed automatic. The powertrains use a new unique mounting system that better isolates the powertrain and reduces vibration. Both two- and four-wheel-drive models are available on the 2008 Super Duty. The F-Series Super Duty clean diesel features a green fuel cap for easy identification. Exterior design maintains bold, American look, improves capability The design of the 2008 Super Duty was driven by the improvements in the capability of the truck. The grille sits on a horizontal cut line that defines the top of the bumper and also serves as a base for the stacked headlamps, delivering a clean, tight and more refined look. The step pad on the front bumper is specifically textured and designed for the customers who use the bumper while servicing the truck. Air vents, mounted on the fender just behind the crisply defined wheel arch, dissipate engine compartment heat and designate the type of powertrain beneath the hood – red for diesel, black for gasoline. The distinctive dropped beltline, a Ford truck design cue, improves visibility. The revised tailgate, with a standard Lift-Assist System, is flanked by redesigned taillamps. Five all-new wheel designs including standard 18-inch premium chromed steel wheels on Lariat and 20-inch premium polished forged aluminum wheels join a list of 10 wheel options across the lineup. Along with XLT, Lariat and high-line King Ranch models, the 2008 Super Duty now offers an FX4 model available on 4x4 SuperCab and Crew Cab. The FX4 includes skid plates, Rancho branded dampers, a special body-color billet-style grille and many other features. The FX4 is available in five colors, including a new Dark Blue Pearl Clearcoat Metallic (also new for King Ranch) over Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic. Forest Green Clearcoat Metallic replaces Forest Green Satin Clearcoat Metallic and a brighter, richer Pueblo Gold Clearcoat Metallic replaces Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic as the lower color on XLT, Lariat and King Ranch two-tone models. Customers also may choose from several appearance packages, including the King Ranch with Chrome Package, an option available late in the model year. The King Ranch Chrome Package adds an even richer appearance to the top-of-the-line truck, with chrome touches throughout the exterior on the exhaust tip, tow hooks, mirror caps, pickup bed tie downs and 5-inch tubular step bars. New interior provides quiet comfort and improved ergonomics The all-new interior builds on the successful “tough luxury” design established by the Ford F-150 and advanced for Super Duty, increasing capability, quietness and refinement to levels never before available in Super Duty’s segment. Super Duty’s interior was designed to be functional and capable while still delivering a high level of quality and craftsmanship with a luxurious look. >The sharp, modern design features all-new materials and includes luxury touches like contrast stitching on the seats and rich, Chaparral leather on the King Ranch. The prominent center stack houses most of the vehicle’s switches, integrating all functions into one easy-to-reach central area. The rings surrounding the gauges and air vents are notched, more angular and defined. The gauges are also better organized and easier to read. A large center console is designed to hold file folders and keep laptop computers tucked out of sight. Super Duty utilizes several innovative technologies to provide an ultra-quiet cabin. Quiet Steel®, a unique composite laminated steel sheet, makes up the vehicle’s dash panel and works with extra sound padding in the dash and floor, a rear bulkhead panel and thicker side glass to help keep unwanted noise out of the cabin. A totally redesigned climate control system has more balanced airflow and refined, quieter operation that improves cabin comfort. The system uses a more reliable, more durable, higher capacity compressor, one of the many components that contribute to the better performance of the A/C system. Floor ducts for the heater now run under the seat, out of site of the rear-seat passengers. Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) has been added as a standard feature on the Lariat and King Ranch for 2008, allowing the driver and front passenger to set individual temperatures. Diesel customers can opt for the innovative Rapid Heat supplemental heating system – the first of its kind in North America – that augments the diesel truck’s heater to provide faster warm up on cold mornings. All audio systems are now MP3 capable and feature a standard auxiliary audio input. Super Duty customers also can now opt for a premium Audiophile system, featuring eight speakers with subwoofer and six-disc CD changer. A DVD-based navigation system with an in-dash screen is available on FX4 and Lariat SuperCabs and Crew Cabs. Rear seat passengers can enjoy the DVD Entertainment System – available on XLT, FX4 and Lariat Crew Cabs – with an 8-inch video screen, two wireless headphones and remote control. Innovative ideas: industry-unique Tailgate Step and stowable bed extender Ford’s unique relationship with the Super Duty customer has fostered the kind of innovation that creates products like the Tailgate Step and stowable bed extender. These exclusive new features are designed specifically to meet the needs of Super Duty customers, making their jobs easier. The Tailgate Step is fully integrated into the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use. The 16.7-inch by 4.5-inch flip-down step is housed in the tailgate. To use the step, simply drop the tailgate into the down position, grab the bottom step, pull it straight out and drop it down into the step position – all in one easy motion. A unique grab handle folds up and out of the tailgate to provide extra support when using the Tailgate Step, supporting up to 350 pounds. When not in use, the grab handle fits snuggly into a channel molded into the tailgate inner liner. The tailgate liner has an added coating creating a non-slip walking surface. The Stowable Bed Extender works like any other, extending storage space to the end of the bed, or it can set inside the tailgate leaving a small, enclosed section that keeps cargo from sliding forward near the cab. But the similarities end there. This innovative extender separates into two pieces that fold and snap securely to the sides of the bed, allowing full space and functionality of the bed when the extender is not needed. Industry-first PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors Super Duty continues to lead the pack when it comes to towing and capability by offering such innovations as the industry’s first power-fold and power-telescoping side mirrors. The large mirrors extend outward up to 2.75 inches and feature a power-adjustable main mirror with a manually adjusted spotter mirror that is more than double the size of the previous generation, greatly improving visibility. The mirrors telescope or fold at the touch of a switch mounted to the windowsill and are integrated into the vehicle’s seat-position and pedal-memory system. The mirrors also feature heated glass, clearance lamps and integrated turn signals. Proven chassis and revised suspension deliver refined capability Super Duty’s superior ride and handling and class-leading capability are the result of a rugged chassis and refined suspension designed specifically to meet the growing needs of today’s customers. Every 2008 Super Duty frame now has a new front stub designed with safety in mind. By lowering the frame horns 7 inches at the front, the new frame meets vehicle compatibility standards without the need for add-on components. The new design also improves cooling and provides a solid foundation for the hydroformed body structure. Every Super Duty frame is e-coated for improved corrosion resistance. The newly designed leaf-spring rear suspension delivers superior ride and handling in all load situations. The 8-inch longer springs attach farther forward on the frame, giving the vehicle more balance and better control. New damper tuning further improves Super Duty’s confident feel on the road. The Super Duty is the first truck in the industry to use a high-strength steel front body structure. The patented structure, made up of two side rails welded to the bulkhead and frame, not only serves to create a very rigid foundation – the system’s modular construction also eases assembly and delivers higher quality and better fit and finish. The revised frame and front-end structure enables a Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR) increase to 5,250 pounds on 4x2 F-250 and F-350 trucks. A 12.5K trailer hitch is now standard on F-250/350 SRW and some F-350 DRWs. A 15K hitch is standard on most F-350 DRWs and all F-450 pickup models receive a 16K hitch. Exclusive features add to Super Duty’s towing prowess Ford’s available TowCommand™ System still includes the industry’s first factory-installed and warranted electronic trailer brake controller, offering smoother operation and stronger trailer brake activation when the Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is operating. Ford’s TowCommand™ System also includes the TorqShift™ transmission with tow-haul mode and trailer tow mirrors. TorqShift™ with tow-haul mode changes shift points under acceleration, keeping the truck at a higher rpm and further up in the power range. Tow-haul also prevents the transmission from upshifting when the vehicle crests a hill, and it provides downhill braking that allows the transmission to downshift, letting engine-compression braking slow the vehicle and maintain a steady speed while going downhill. Key Features and Options: XL: 5.4-liter three-valve SOHC Triton? V-8 gas engine with 6-speed manual transmission; Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS); Stationary Elevated Idle Control (SEIC); Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); Black painted bumpers; Black painted grille; Halogen sealed beam headlamps; Black manual fold away side view mirrors; 12.5K trailer hitch receiver with 2-inch hitch; Trailer tow package; 2-ton mechanical jack; Manual fold-away side view mirrors; Tow hooks; 17-inch Argent painted steel wheels; AM/FM stereo/digital clock with two speakers; Black, full-length vinyl floor covering; Auxiliary power point; Front full bench seat with recline; Driver and passenger air bags; Belt-Minder?. XLT adds: Chrome front and rear bumpers; Grille with chrome surround and medium platinum insert; Dual beam jewel effect headlamps; Black manual fold-away side view mirrors with power glass; 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels with bright hub covers/center ornaments; Air conditioning; Auxiliary audio input jack; Premium electronic AM/FM stereo with digital clock, Single CD/MP3 player and four speakers; Cruise control; Color coordinated full carpet floor covering; Power windows and locks; Front, high series cloth; 40/20/40 split bench seating. FX4 adds to XLT: 4x4 only; limited slip rear axle; Rancho branded shocks; skid plates; Dark Shadow Grey bumpers; Dark Shadow Grey wheel lip moldings; Body color billet-style grille surround with medium platinum insert; Body color door handles; 18-inch premium chrome-clad steel wheels with bright hub covers and center ornaments; Black full carpet floor covering; All-weather floor mats; Black leather wrapped steering wheel; Advanced Security Group; SecuriLock? Anti-Theft Ignition. Lariat adds to XLT: 18-inch premium forged polished aluminum wheels; manual sliding rear window; Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC); metallic-faced instrument cluster with enhanced message center and trip computer with compass; electrochromic self-dimming rearview mirror with electronic compass; premium leather 40/20/40 split bench seating; power drive and front passenger seats; color coordinated leather wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls; Advanced Security Group; SecuriLock? Anti-Theft Ignition. Optional Equipment: 5.4-liter 3-Valve Triton? V-8 with 5-speed manual with Tow/Haul Mode; 6.8-liter 3-Valve Triton? V-10 with 6-speed manual; 6.8-liter 3-Valve Triton? V-10 with 5-speed automatic; 6.4-liter Power Stroke? Diesel V-8 with 6-speed manual transmission; 6.4-liter Power Stroke? Diesel V-8 with 5-speed automatic transmission; 17-inch chrome clad steel wheels; 18-inch premium chrome-clad steel wheels; 18-inch premium forged polished aluminum wheels; 20-inch premium polished forged aluminum wheels; Dual alternators; Extra heavy duty alternator; Electronic shift-on-the-fly; Engine block heater; SecuriLock? Anti-Theft Ignition; Traction control; PowerScope? Trailer Tow Mirrors; TowCommand integrated trailer brake controller; Transmission power take-off-provision; Privacy glass; Power sliding rear window; Bodyside molding; Lower accent two-tone paint; Power slide moonroof; Reverse camera system; Stowable bed extender; Tailgate step; Adjustable pedals; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio; Audiophile AM/FM Stereo with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player and eight speakers; Navigation radio with in-dash screen and DVD ROM and Audiophile AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player; Rapid-Heat Supplemental Cab Heater; Heated seats; Power seats; Universal garage door opener; Upfitter switches. Package options: 4x4 Off Road Package; Advanced Security Group; Camper Package; Chrome Package; Driver’s Memory Package; Heavy Service Suspension Package; King Ranch Package; King Ranch with Chrome Package; Power Equipment Group Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System; Snow Plow Prep Package; Stabilizer Package; TowCommand System; XL Décor Group; SLT Sport Package. The F-Series Super Duty is built in Louisville, Ky. Quiet Steel ® is a registered trademark of Material Sciences Corporation.     2008 FORD HARLEY-DAVIDSON™ F-SERIES SUPER DUTY: HEAVY METAL EDITION POWERS 105-YEAR JOURNEY 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty     2008 Ford Harley-Davidson ™ F-Series Super Duty arrives this fall, packaged with the raw attitude of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Super Duty model shares same design as the 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 for the first time. The truck is available with Ford’s powerful 10-million-mile tested 6.4-liter Power Stroke ™ diesel that helps make the Super Duty the hands-down capability champ. DALLAS, Sept. 27 – The successful alliance between American icons Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Motor Company rolls on with the launch the 2008 105th Anniversary Edition Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty. Henry Ford started his production models the same year that William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson began to produce motorcycles – and since 1903, both companies have been rolling out superstars. Now, for the first time, the twosome is producing Harley-Davidson ™ editions of the F-150 and Super Duty pickups in the same model year – and with the same design features.   “This is a great opportunity for Ford and Harley-Davidson – two American icons – to celebrate 105 years of shared passion for the open road,” said Tom Aubrey, marketing manager, Ford F-Series Super Duty. “Truck and motorcycle customers share the same values and dreams: they work hard, believe in genuine products and love experiencing the nation’s highways and byways.” The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty is the 11th model to emerge from a Ford Harley-Davidson alliance that began in 1999. The co-branding of these two storied companies has proven to be a successful formula, with sales totaling more than 60,000 units.   Metal, Chrome and Leather The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty draws its design theme from the special-edition 105 th Anniversary Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and its distinctive Vintage Copper paint. A special “105 th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty” badge adorns the exterior and interior of the truck. The unique paint options, graphic treatments and singular wheel design work together with Super Duty’s strong, distinctive looks to give the vehicle a bold attitude that unmistakably connects the truck to the rich history and tradition of Harley-Davidson ® motorcycles.   “The design of the side vent and grille on the Super Duty represents the heat stakes on a cylinder head of a Harley-Davidson® V-Twin engine,” said Brad Richards, design manager, Ford Harley-Davidson ™ trucks. “That was intentional as we wanted to thematically tie theses trucks directly to the bikes in ways that enthusiasts would appreciate.”   The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty offers a choice of black monochromatic exterior paint with a custom Vintage Copper stripe running along the beltline – or a black and Vintage Copper two-tone paint scheme.   The Vintage Copper color accents are carried through the interior as well, accenting specially designed leather seats. A unique instrument cluster and one-of-a-kind 105th Anniversary badge round out the interior.   “These trucks are pure customs – right from the factory,” said Pat Schiavone, design director, Ford trucks. “I’ve been involved with Harley-Davidson™ trucks since day one, and this is my favorite.” Other unique special equipment includes: “105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty” fender vents and badges Chrome billet-style grille with body-color surround Unique headlamps and illuminated molded running boards Chrome exhaust tips Rubber bed mat with HARLEY-DAVIDSON Bar & Shield Logo PowerScope trailer tow mirrors Unique 20-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels Power sliding rear window Memory power-adjustable performance pedals Black and dusted copper leather-trimmed front and rear Captain’s chairs; a 60/40 split, flip-up rear bench is optional – with the Bar & Shield logo mounted to the top of the seat backs Memory heated power driver seat and heated power front -passenger seat Ford Truck Leadership Since its debut in 1948, Ford has sold more than 32 million F-Series trucks. Today, there are more F-Series pickups on the road with 250,000 or more miles on them than any other brand. F-Series also is the best-selling truck in America for 30 years running and the best-selling vehicle for 25 years in a row. The new 2008 Super Duty features the 6.4-liter Power Stroke V-8 Turbo Diesel – the most powerful, cleanest, and quietest Ford pickup diesel engine ever; a new exterior and interior design; and innovations including an industry-first Tailgate Step™ that allows easy access to the pickup box. In addition, the all-new F-450 pickup offers industry-leading towing capacity of 24,500 pounds and maximum payload of 6,120 pounds. The Ford F-150 half-ton pickup, like the Super Duty, is the capability leader in its segment with best-in-class payload and towing capacities. New for the 2008 model year, Ford has added to an unmatched lineup of more than 60 unique F-Series offerings, including new F-150 Lariat Limited and SuperCrew XL models. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com. About Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. As a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.       ,.