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5th
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All jazzed up in “Lariat” trim, the Ford F-250 Super Duty looks like a gigantic chrome locomotive rolling down the road. With torque output in the same ballpark as a nuclear submarine and a front-end with more square footage than a bachelor apartment, it makes you feel like you're driving a Freightliner.
Nothing more than a mere glance makes the intentions of this monster obvious: It's a potent, purpose-built workhorse. Trucks like this are all about toughness, numbers, presence, and workability. Arguably, it's the Ford's looks that drill this home harder than any truck in the segment.
Pure Strength
Numbers sell trucks like the Super Duty: namely ones like 6.7 litres of displacement, 8 cylinders, 400 horsepower, 800 lb-ft of torque, and tens of thousands of pounds of towing capacity. Any of these figures would coax that trademark manly laugh-grunt out of Tim Taylor in a jiff.
But not every driver will use the Super Duty's capabilities at all times. Your writer, charged with a week's custody of one “FX4 Lariat Crew Cab” tester, was one of them. I don't own a fifth-wheel or construction company, and I'm a firm believer that 800 lb-ft of torque is about 500 more than I need at any given time. I haven't recently had the urge to pull trees from the earth's crust, either.
Luxury-Sedan Equipment Levels
Thankfully, there's more to the F-250 than feats of turbodiesel-powered strength. And whether you're hauling a trailer full of pavers or enjoying a road trip with the guys, kids, or fam-jam, Super Duty sets you up well for a peaceful, laid-back drive.
The nicely loaded tester featured a plethora of goodies fit for a luxury sedan, many of which worked towards enhanced ease-of-use, comfort and convenience.
The smooth leather seats, for instance, are motorized, heated, chilled and offer up a memory function for instant access to that ideal driving position in sync with the power-adjustable pedals. This lays the foundation for enjoyment of one of the most commanding driving positions on this side of an 18-wheeler.
While you enjoy the open road from a good climb above it, a variety of automatic features allow for relaxed operation. Climate control and lights, for instance, self activate and self-adjust for “set it and forget it” operation in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty.
Hands-Free Connectivity
Steering wheel controls allow for easy, distraction-free manipulation of numerous vehicle functions. Further, the Ford Sync system responds to voice commands and can spit out a weather forecast, find a pizza joint or even call up your favourite Kenny Loggins playlist.
And with full multimedia connectivity, Mr. Loggins' soothing serenades can be called into play whether they reside on a CD, USB drive, your iPod, or Bluetooth-equipped cell phone.
Super Duty's laid-back, hands-free functionality is conducive to relaxation and socializing with your passengers in all types of driving.
Storage and Space to Burn
Functionally, the F-250 Super Duty's cabin is an impressive bit of work. Power outlets are within easy reach, and the rear seats offer up adult-friendly spaciousness and flip easily out of the way for extra gear space. Your often-disorganized correspondent also loved the dual door-storage shelves, centre-tunnel mounted pockets, dash tray, and the presence of no fewer than four large cupholders well within reach.
Functionality even extends to the bed of the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty -- which is accessible via a tailgate-mounted flip-up pole and slide-out step, offering easy access if you've got to get up and walk around inside.
A Whole Lot of Truck
Driving, the F-250 Super Duty's pure mass becomes apparent first. It's long and tall and wide -- and from the first time you turn a corner or pull out of a driveway, you feel like you're piloting a whole lot of truck. Parking, obviously, can require some forward thinking -- and the lazy steering ratio doesn't help. But, a backup camera with radar, dual-angle sideview mirrors and a low front window line help maximize confidence in tight quarters.
Remarkable Power Output
The PowerStroke engine is a mild-mannered beast in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty. It's quiet enough to leave running while ordering drive-thru and smooth as glass -- even while plowing occupants into their seats when drivers stab the throttle. Otherwise, it's happy to quietly waft the Super Duty along in traffic without breaking 1,300 rpm.
Your writer and his passengers were left consistently impressed that a powerplant with this level of output, let alone a diesel-drinker, could run so quietly -- even at full throttle.
Back in the day, the exhaust emissions of trucks like this could be harvested for chemical warfare -- but the new “clean” diesel runs with no smell or soot whatsoever. I achieved about 15L/100km driving around the city in no particular rush.
An Everyday Rig?
The ride in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty can become choppy and abrupt on some surfaces thanks to the Ranchero shocks fitted as part of the FX4 Off-Road package. Those who like a feeling of toughness first and comfort second will find it a fair trade.
At the end of the day, the F-250 Super Duty is an easy brute to live with as your day-to-day ride, as well as a towing tool or hauling companion. Check it out alongside the Ram Heavy Duty and Silverado/Sierra HD models from GM.
Nothing more than a mere glance makes the intentions of this monster obvious: It's a potent, purpose-built workhorse. Trucks like this are all about toughness, numbers, presence, and workability. Arguably, it's the Ford's looks that drill this home harder than any truck in the segment.
 |
Pure Strength
Numbers sell trucks like the Super Duty: namely ones like 6.7 litres of displacement, 8 cylinders, 400 horsepower, 800 lb-ft of torque, and tens of thousands of pounds of towing capacity. Any of these figures would coax that trademark manly laugh-grunt out of Tim Taylor in a jiff.
But not every driver will use the Super Duty's capabilities at all times. Your writer, charged with a week's custody of one “FX4 Lariat Crew Cab” tester, was one of them. I don't own a fifth-wheel or construction company, and I'm a firm believer that 800 lb-ft of torque is about 500 more than I need at any given time. I haven't recently had the urge to pull trees from the earth's crust, either.
 |
| Numbers sell trucks like the Super Duty: namely ones like 6.7 litres of displacement, 8 cylinders, 400 horsepower, 800 lb-ft of torque, and tens of thousands of pounds of towing capacity. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Luxury-Sedan Equipment Levels
Thankfully, there's more to the F-250 than feats of turbodiesel-powered strength. And whether you're hauling a trailer full of pavers or enjoying a road trip with the guys, kids, or fam-jam, Super Duty sets you up well for a peaceful, laid-back drive.
The nicely loaded tester featured a plethora of goodies fit for a luxury sedan, many of which worked towards enhanced ease-of-use, comfort and convenience.
The smooth leather seats, for instance, are motorized, heated, chilled and offer up a memory function for instant access to that ideal driving position in sync with the power-adjustable pedals. This lays the foundation for enjoyment of one of the most commanding driving positions on this side of an 18-wheeler.
While you enjoy the open road from a good climb above it, a variety of automatic features allow for relaxed operation. Climate control and lights, for instance, self activate and self-adjust for “set it and forget it” operation in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty.
 |
| The smooth leather seats, for instance, are motorized, heated, chilled and offer up a memory function. (Photo: Ford) |
Hands-Free Connectivity
Steering wheel controls allow for easy, distraction-free manipulation of numerous vehicle functions. Further, the Ford Sync system responds to voice commands and can spit out a weather forecast, find a pizza joint or even call up your favourite Kenny Loggins playlist.
And with full multimedia connectivity, Mr. Loggins' soothing serenades can be called into play whether they reside on a CD, USB drive, your iPod, or Bluetooth-equipped cell phone.
Super Duty's laid-back, hands-free functionality is conducive to relaxation and socializing with your passengers in all types of driving.
 |
| Steering wheel controls allow for easy, distraction-free manipulation of numerous vehicle functions. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Storage and Space to Burn
Functionally, the F-250 Super Duty's cabin is an impressive bit of work. Power outlets are within easy reach, and the rear seats offer up adult-friendly spaciousness and flip easily out of the way for extra gear space. Your often-disorganized correspondent also loved the dual door-storage shelves, centre-tunnel mounted pockets, dash tray, and the presence of no fewer than four large cupholders well within reach.
Functionality even extends to the bed of the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty -- which is accessible via a tailgate-mounted flip-up pole and slide-out step, offering easy access if you've got to get up and walk around inside.
 |
| Your often-disorganized correspondent also loved the dual door-storage shelves. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
A Whole Lot of Truck
Driving, the F-250 Super Duty's pure mass becomes apparent first. It's long and tall and wide -- and from the first time you turn a corner or pull out of a driveway, you feel like you're piloting a whole lot of truck. Parking, obviously, can require some forward thinking -- and the lazy steering ratio doesn't help. But, a backup camera with radar, dual-angle sideview mirrors and a low front window line help maximize confidence in tight quarters.
Remarkable Power Output
The PowerStroke engine is a mild-mannered beast in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty. It's quiet enough to leave running while ordering drive-thru and smooth as glass -- even while plowing occupants into their seats when drivers stab the throttle. Otherwise, it's happy to quietly waft the Super Duty along in traffic without breaking 1,300 rpm.
Your writer and his passengers were left consistently impressed that a powerplant with this level of output, let alone a diesel-drinker, could run so quietly -- even at full throttle.
Back in the day, the exhaust emissions of trucks like this could be harvested for chemical warfare -- but the new “clean” diesel runs with no smell or soot whatsoever. I achieved about 15L/100km driving around the city in no particular rush.
 |
| The PowerStroke engine is a mild-mannered beast in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty. (Photo: Ford) |
An Everyday Rig?
The ride in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty can become choppy and abrupt on some surfaces thanks to the Ranchero shocks fitted as part of the FX4 Off-Road package. Those who like a feeling of toughness first and comfort second will find it a fair trade.
At the end of the day, the F-250 Super Duty is an easy brute to live with as your day-to-day ride, as well as a towing tool or hauling companion. Check it out alongside the Ram Heavy Duty and Silverado/Sierra HD models from GM.