Ford has given its 2011-model F-SuperDuty trucks an extensive mechanical makeover with two new engines and a 6-speed TorqShift automatic transmission with a live-drive power take-off.

The F-250 through 550 pickups and chassis-cab models will get fresh interiors and continue with the bold exterior styling introduced in the '08 model year and computer-based Ford Work Solutions options.

The engines are a Ford-designed 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 diesel, which will replace the Navistar-built diesel in spring of '10, and a 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine that will succeed the 6.8-liter V-10 sometime in the future. The TorqShift 6-speed, designated 6R140, will be used with the diesel. Gasoline engines will continue with the current 5-speed TorqShift in the F-SuperDuty series.

The new diesel was designed and will be built by Ford itself to replace 6- and 6.4-liter V-8s supplied by Navistar International. The long-running agreement ends in December following financial and legal squabbling between the two companies, and the Ford diesel will go into production in Chihuahua, Mexico, next year, Ford executives say.

The new diesel will be optional in 2011-model F-250 to F-550 pickups and cab-chassis trucks, but not vans, which will be gasoline-only after supplies of Navistar 6-liter engines run out. It will use selective catalytic reduction to help meet EPA's 2010 emissions rules.

The 6.7-liter (409-cubic-inch) Power Stroke's design includes a compacted graphite cast-iron block and aluminum heads, which help cut weight by 160 pounds compared to the current diesel. It also has inboard-mounted exhaust manifolds and a "single sequential" turbocharger, all bolted inside the cylinder-bank valley. Instead of the current double-turbo scheme, the new turbo has one exhaust turbine and two air-compressor turbines for fast response. Close coupling of exhaust components reduces the amount of piping which contributes to weight loss.

A common-rail system sends fuel to the cylinders where it is injected at more than 29,000 psi with up to five spurts per event. Advanced electronic controls and exhaust-gas recirculation help lower NOx during combustion. This helps reduce noise, vibration and harshness and makes the diesel exceptionally quiet, engineers said. Development of a smaller V-8 diesel intended for the F-150 series has been put on hold.

The new gasoline V-8 has an "oversquare" bore of 102 mm and stroke of 95 mm for a displacement of 6.2 liters or 379 cubic inches. It uses port fuel injection, has two spark plugs and two large valves per cylinder, and a single overhead camshaft with variable valve timing. The engine will burn regular, 87-octane gasoline and any ethanol-gasoline blend up to E85.

Both new engines will be mated to the 6-speed TorqShift, while the current 5-speed TorqShift will be used with other gasoline V-8s. The 6-speed has an enhanced Tow-Haul mode with integrated engine exhaust braking and Progressive Range Select and a Manual mode, allowing drivers to select the gear to suit their needs. It also has optional live PTO capability that can power a plow, trash compacter, dump hoist, salt spreader and mixer while the truck is stationary, on the move or engaged in stop-start operations.

2011 SuperDuty trucks will have higher payload and tow ratings, and pickups will have a fifth
wheel and substructure attached to the frame at the factory. The electrical plug is inside the bed for towing gooseneck trailers, and the integrated trailer-braker controller works with the truck's service brakes for maximum effectiveness and safety. Roll Stability Control is now standard on single-rear-wheel pickups and Trailer Sway Control senses swaying and applies the brakes to minimize and eliminate it.

The 6.2 gasoline engine is to be assembled at Ford's Romeo, Mich., plant, both in time for production of the new SuperDuty, slated for April. Power and torque ratings of the new engines will be announced later.