Motion Potion: Just the right rumble
The Super Duty offers first-class ride and handling for a truck designed for hauling and towing. It handled swoops, slaloms and stony roads with ease but was a bit choppier on uneven surfaces. Anyone who has driven diesels for any length of time knows that they don’t drive like a gasoline-powered vehicle. Pushing on the throttle does not give that instant blast of acceleration that comes with a spark engine. But with high-pressure common rail fuel delivery and precision electronic fuel injection and off-the-line torque provided by the dual sequential turbo chargers, this V-8 acts more like a gasoline engine than any diesel we’ve ever driven. This engine is built for low-end power and torque, and the power curve is tuned to come on low and strong. It delivers its full 650 lb-ft of torque at a mere 2000 RPM.
And don't forget the magic of sequential turbos: Traditionally with turbo chargers, lag was always a problem. Turbo lag is the few seconds of pause in acceleration as the turbo charger spools up to maximum RPMs and full boost. Ford took a unique approach to solving this dilemma. First, a small initial turbo-charger spools up very quickly as acceleration begins; this provides boost to the large main turbo-charger that comes on at mid-range. As the vehicle reaches high end or cruising speed, the main turbo charger takes over and the initial turbo spools down. The basic nuts and bolts: dual sequential turbos provide for total turbo boost without any lag.
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The Enviro-meter: The bio-diesel nasal appraisal
It really is as clean as the company claims—the regular diesel exhaust actually smelled very similar to gasoline exhaust. Think about it--those terminator tips would be coal black with a thick coat of soot on a standard diesel. Yes, it looks like the particulate filter really does grab the soot and keep it out of the air. And the heart of this Power Stroke’s ultra-clean emissions is a super-efficient exhaust system that incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) working with oxidation catalyst that removes 97 percent of particulate matter (soot) and brings total emissions down to gasoline engine levels. And those louvers punched into the terminators are functional. According to the engineers, if those become clogged with debris, the efficiency of the exhaust scrubbers drops tremendously. The owner's manual even recommends spraying water through the louvers at each washing to keep them clean. These guys are dead serious about squeaky clean emissions.
Run it on biodiesel and things look even better. Made from soybeans, biodiesel blends offer lower emissions, natural cleaning agents and improved lubricity that can boost engine performance and reduce maintenance costs. With a B5 blend of biodiesel in this F-250’s tank, all was sweet. We could not tell any difference in performance driving on a domestic blend. At this time, Ford’s warranty limits biodiesel use to a B5 blend. We believe that they could tolerate a bit more, and as this engine goes through design refinements we think Ford will ease the biodiesel restrictions.
When it’s all said & done: The testosterone tonic
Let’s face it. Big guys like big trucks. Little guys like big trucks. Hey, guys just like trucks. But it’s not only the guys--If Christine was a horse-ranch kinda gal, this is the truck she’d want parked in front of the barn. It would sure help in bringing home some blue ribbons and takin’ care of the finest in horseflesh.
Hey, they’re the in-thing—Christine got more double-takes in this beasty boy than in any other car, any day of the week. Is it the power? The size? The torque? The styling?
We say all of the above—and more. For no matter which way you slice it, this is a truck that lets you know you’re driving a truck—but gives you everything you love in a car, to boot. Yet doesn’t everyone want to feel in control of things? To know that what they’re doing means something? To feel important. And that’s why Ford continues to be so successful in the truck market—they meet the need and give just the right amount more. No stone went unturned here—only the best of the best remained for what has created a diesel package worthy of your hard work—and you’ll know that comfort’s waiting when the day is done.
Pros:
- Massive torque for towing
- Truck-like toughness, car-like comfort
- Strong, appealing styling
Cons:
- Steep price
- Tricky to park
- Chore to clean and wax
Check out what’s involved in maintaining a biodiesel vehicle and keeping it running its best.
Who Should Buy the F-250 Super Duty Diesel: Anyone in the market for a serious towing vehicle combined with on-the-road or job-site office comfort for customers and/or passengers.
Who Should Not Buy the F-250 Super Duty Diesel: Anyone on a strict budget looking for any ole truck that can haul a load here or there.
Details and Specs: Technical Features: 6.4L V-8 Diesel, Torqshift 5-speed Automatic transmission, 12.5K trailer tow hitch, Preferred Equipment package 608A, 3.73 ratio limited slip axle
Safety Features: 4-wheel ABS, driver and passenger airbags, traction control
Interior Features: Navigation and Audiophile system, King Ranch package, moonroof, heated seats, power sliding rear window, electronic shift on the fly
Exterior Features: LT275/65R20E BSW All-terrain tires, 4x4 off-road package, 10,000# GVWR package
Page One: Initial Impressions, Insider's View and Fuel-abilityPhotos from the 2008 F-250 Super Duty test drive and review