2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty gets 7.3-litre petrol V8

FORD has taken the wraps off a stonking 7.3-litre petrol-powered V8 engine at the unveiling of its US-built 2020 F-Series Super Duty pick-up.

Technical specifications are yet to be released for the bent eight, but what we do know is that the big bruiser, based on the company’s commercial-grade donks, uses an all-new cam-in-block, overhead valve architecture with a cast iron block and forged steel crankshaft. To optimise performance the engine utilises port injection with variable-valve timing, while oil jets cool the pistons under heavy loads.

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The 7.3-litre V8 is joined by the familiar 6.2-litre petrol-powered V8 and a third-gen 6.7-litre Power Stroke diesel V8. That diesel engine features a new 36,000psi fuel injection system, a redesigned electronic-actuated variable-geometry turbocharger, structural enhancements to the cylinder head, block, connecting rods and bearings, and new steel pistons.

All three engines can be mated to a new 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission, built with a wider gear ratio span than the six-speeder. With selectable drive modes – normal, tow/haul, eco, slippery, and deep sand and snow – the heavy-duty transmission is designed to haul the heavy loads the F-Truck is known for.

“With the addition of the 7.3-litre V8, upgrades to our 6.7-litre and the debut of an all-new 10-speed transmission, we are delivering the strongest, most capable Super Duty powertrain offerings yet,” said Mike Pruitt, chief engineer, Ford Super Duty.

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The 2020 F-Series Super Duty also runs a smorgasbord of active safety kit: blind-spot information, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking among them. Backing the yacht into the bay is now also easier than ever, thanks to Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance.

The front-end has been revamped to optimise powertrain cooling, while other changes include new-look LED headlamps, a new tailgate design, revised tail-lamps and a bolder rear bumper.

“Super Duty customers have demanding and diverse needs, from towing heavy trailers to repairing critical infrastructure,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford president, North America. “Productivity is their lifeblood and their truck is their biggest tool. Our new Super Duty has more power, more payload and towing capability and better technology than ever to help these customers build a better world.”