Big year for Ford changes

Nov. 1, 2006
FORD MOTOR COMPANY introduced a new E-250 Cutaway with 4.6-liter V-8, electronically controlled 4R75E transmission, and midship fuel tank, an F-650/750 with a new 14,000-lb front axle and Cummins ratings up to 325 hp

FORD MOTOR COMPANY introduced a new E-250 Cutaway with 4.6-liter V-8, electronically controlled 4R75E transmission, and midship fuel tank, an F-650/750 with a new 14,000-lb front axle and Cummins ratings up to 325 hp, a new F-450 pickup with industry-leading towing capacity in excess of 24,000 lb and maximum payload of more than 6000 lb, and a refined LCF model.

Talking about the E-250 Cutaway, Rob Stevens, chief nameplate engineer for commercial trucks, said: “It's a more capable product. We've worked hard on the ride and handling.”

Highlights for the 2007 E-Series:

  • Electronic throttle control and engine oil cooler now standard on all models.

  • Larger rear anti-roll bar and driveshaft increase capacity of E-150 models to more than an 8,500-lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

  • New optional 135-amp alternator for 5.4-liter V-8 and 6.8-liter V-10 applications.

  • Roll Stability Control now available on regular-length E-350 Wagon models with the 5.4L engine.

  • Reverse Sensing System available with rear step or contour bumpers on E-Series Wagon and Van.

  • Power equipment group now available on all Cutaway models.

The E-Series Van and Wagon are available in regular- and extended-length models. Also available is a cutaway version and a stripped chassis version, each with three wheelbases. The standard side doors on the van are 60/40 swing-out. A sliding cargo door is a no-cost option. The standard E-Series offers up to 236.5 cubic feet of rear cargo space, with up to 275.1 cubic feet in extended van versions.

The E-Series cargo area features a double-wall design which leaves the exterior sheet metal less vulnerable to damage from shifting cargo. Innovative storage systems are available to best utilize that cargo room. The EconoCargo system helps protect cargo with durable panels of high-density polyethylene. It's insulated, so the interior of the E-Series with EconoCargo retains heat and cold more efficiently, which can provide many more vocational opportunities for food service markets, produce farms, and medical suppliers.

The Masterack work-bin rack system includes fully installed steel shelving, drawers, and cabinets. A full-width safety partition provides work-area access from the passenger compartment. The QuietFlex racks and bins system, similar to the traditional racks and bins offering, is made of composite material and provides a quieter, more flexible storage solution. The QuietFlex package includes a lockable composite bulkhead that offers the driver 4 inches of additional seat recline. These packages are available at no charge.

The E-Series Wagon offers three engines, while the cutaway and stripped chassis versions offer four each. Three Triton engines are offered: 4.6L, single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V-8; 5.4L, SOHC V-8; and 6.8L, SOHC V-10. The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, rated at 235 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, also is available.

When properly equipped, the E-150 Van can tow up to 7,500 pounds, the E-150 Wagon up to 7,100 pounds, and the E-350 Super Duty and Super Duty Extended Wagon up to 10,000 pounds each. An available Class II/III/IV Trailer Tow Package includes an electric brake controller with tap-in capability, a seven-pin trailer wiring harness with bumper bracket, and a relay system for backup and running lights.

F-650/750

The F-650/F-750 Super Duty has three engine families: Cummins 5.9L turbo diesel, Cat 7.2L turbo diesel, and power stroke 6.0L V-8 turbo diesel.

The top-of-frame to top-of-cab height is up to 12.4" shorter than the competition's, providing more versatility when lower clearance is needed. The overall ground to top-of-cab clearance is as low as 88.3" on regular cab.

The F-650/F-750 lineup is on a continuous improvement program, resulting in an available clean CA (cab-to-axle) length, both across the top and down the sides, for easy upfitting.

Thanks to the low 32.5" ground to top-of-frame height, the F-650 Pro Loader with available kick-up frame is ideally suited for pick-up and delivery applications that require a low and flat load floor with no interior encroachment. Up front, entry and exit into every cab style is easy, thanks to doors that open a full 60 degrees. On 4-door crew cabs, 76-degree rear door openings help make quick work of loading customers or passengers.

F-450 pickup

Ford said its research has shown that more than 90% of Super Duty owners tow, and their towing needs are growing.

To meet that need, Ford is introducing the new F-450 pickup model. The F-450 pickup incorporates a new rear leaf-spring suspension while using the radius arm front suspension from the F-450 chassis cab.

The new 2008 F-450 pickup offers a maximum payload of more than 6,000 lb and towing capacity of more than 24,000 lb - a 5,000-pound increase over the class-leading F-350.

A more powerful 6.4L Power Stroke diesel joins a powertrain lineup. The 6.4L Power Stroke diesel delivers 350 hp at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque starting at 2,000 rpm.

LCF

The Ford LCF was all new for 2006 and is refined for 2007. Changes include optional rear shock absorbers, available 19.5" rear traction tires, and a new rear lighting assembly with combined stop lights, turn signals, and taillights. Ford LCF is available in two series, L45 and L55.

The Ford LCF has been developed as part of the Blue Diamond joint venture and is assembled at the joint venture's Escobedo, Mexico, facility. The joint venture was formed in February 2001 to build a variety of commercial trucks to be marketed and serviced separately by Ford and Blue Diamond.

The V-6 diesel engine generates 200 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The Power Stroke 4.5L V-6 diesel is paired with Ford's TorqShift five-speed electronic automatic transmission.

The standard powertrain also features tow-haul mode to help when drivers tow loads up and down steep grades. Going uphill, the powertrain controller automatically adjusts the shift points to keep the engine in its maximum power zone with minimized gear hunting. When driving downhill, a tap on the brakes automatically downshifts the transmission to help slow the vehicle. An optional power takeoff provision also is available.