2011 Ford F-250 SuperCrew 4x4
It's nice to sample a 2011 Super Duty that's not equipped with the company's new 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V-8. The new Power Stroke may grab most headlines, but Ford's all-new gasoline V-8 is also worthy of attention. In lieu of two different gas engines, 2011 Super Duties are available only with the company's new 6.2-liter, SOHC V-8. Ford rates the 6.2 at 385 hp and 405 pound-feet of torque -- an improvement over the outgoing 5.4-liter V-8, but still down on torque when compared with the V-10. I never found the 6.2 lacking for low-end grunt, and I'm smitten with the beautiful baritone song it emits while being put through its paces.
Sadly, the six-speed automatic doesn't quite seem to be as enthusiastic as the V-8 it's coupled to. In light driving, it's civilized, but it exhibited a hesitancy to downshift, leading to a couple rough shifts. I'm told that Ford has issued a software upgrade for its six-speed automatics mated with diesel engines designed to improve shift quality; it appears that the automatics paired with the gasoline V-8 could use it as well.
Evan McCausland, Web Producer
I was very surprised to turn this F-250's key and hear a quiet gasoline V-8 instead of a louder diesel. I'm quite certain that most heavy-duty truck owners choose diesel engines because of their superior pulling/hauling power, but this new 6.2-liter seems very capable of handling extreme work duty as well, although I wasn't able to test that first-hand on my daily commute. In related news, the ride is quite rough when the truck is empty, but that's no surprise. It's hard to pick a winner of the HD truck category without driving them back-to-back-to-back, since they're all extremely capable but compromised when it comes to ride comfort. I'm not sure how comfortable they'd be, but the Detroit Pistons' starting five could probably fit in this crew cab without too much howling -- these back seats are huge!
Rusty Blackwell, Copy Editor
2011 Ford F-250 SuperCrew 4x4
Base price (with destination): $40,395
Price as tested: $46,245
Standard Equipment:
6.2-liter V-8 engine
6-speed automatic transmission
4-wheel ABS
Remote keyless entry
Trailer brake controller
Power windows/locks
Manual locking hubs
Front tow hooks
Locking and removable tailgate
60/40 fold rear seat
Air conditioning
AM/FM single CD/MP3 player
Auxiliary audio input jack
Cruise control
Tilt steering wheel
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Options on this vehicle:
XLT appearance package -- $1195
275/65R18 all-season tires
Fog lamps
Bright machined aluminum wheels
XLT interior package -- $795
Rearview camera -- $470
Spray-in bedliner -- $450
Sync voice activated system -- $395
3.73 electronic locking axle -- $390
Tailgate step -- $375
Cloth 40/console/40 seat -- $300
Stowable bed extender -- $250
Power sliding rear window -- $250
Reverse vehicle aid sensor -- $245
Sirius satellite radio -- $195
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD -- $185
Powerscope trailer-tow mirrors -- $165
Cable lock -- $120
Steering wheel audio controls -- $70
Key options not on vehicle:
6.7L Powerstroke turbo-diesel engine -- $7835
XLT premium package -- $1195
Camper package -- $160
Snow plow prep package -- $85
Engine block heater -- $75
Roof clearance lamps -- $55
Fuel economy:
N/A
Engine:
Size: 6.2L V-8
Horsepower: 385 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 405 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Drive: Four-wheel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheels/tires: 18-inch aluminum wheels 275/65R18 Continental Contitrac all-season tires
Competitors: Dodge Ram 2500 HD, Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, GMC Sierra 2500 HD
Credit: Automobile Magazine
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