2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty promises 7.3L V8 and record ratings

Ford has revealed the 2020 Super Duty range, and the new F-250, F-350, and F-450 promise to be the most powerful, tech-savvy trucks from the automaker to-date. A range of new gas and diesel engines are joined by a new 10-speed automatic transmission, along with some big promises from Ford.

The entry-level engine will remain Ford's 6.2-liter V8. However it'll be joined by a 7.3-liter V8, which the automaker says will be "the most powerful gas V8 in its class" when it arrives under the Super Duty's hood. Final power and economy figures haven't been confirmed yet.

The third engine will be a diesel. That's a third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8, which has a new 36,000 psi fuel injection system. It promises more economy, more horsepower, and more torque than before, but with lower noise levels.

Both the 7.3-liter V8 gas and 6.7-liter diesel engines will be paired with Ford's latest 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission as standard. It'll be an option on the 6.2-liter V8, which will come with the 6-speed as standard. Ford says that the 10-speed does better at towing, but also includes live-drive power takeoff, which can engage industrial equipment and accessories while the truck is already in motion.

It also adds a number of drive modes. There'll be normal, tow/haul, eco, slippery, and finally deep sand and snow.

What Ford isn't saying yet is just how much the F-Series Super Duty will be able to tow. All the automaker is promising is its "highest conventional, gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing and payload ratings ever" from the Super Duty. Indeed, it's warning that trailer manufacturers may have to raise their game when the new trucks hit the market.

Like the F-150, Ford will give the new 2020 Super Duty features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist. That uses a knob on the dashboard to reverse, rather than the steering wheel, with the reverse camera showing exactly where the boat, trailer, box, or whatever else is positioned. Trailer Reverse Guidance, meanwhile, shows the angle and direction of the trailer, along with steering suggestions.

Both work with all trailer styles, Ford says, including fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers. The same is true for features like blind-spot warnings and lane-keep alerts, which have been upgraded to suit longer vehicles when towing is underway. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and adaptive cruise control also take potential towing into account.

In the cabin, there's a tech and comfort upgrade. 4G LTE with a WiFi hotspot for up to ten devices is standard; leather, real wood trim, and a B&O audio system are among the options. Wireless charging is available, as are USB-C ports.

Like the new Super Duty's capacities, pricing will be confirmed closer to the trucks' release. They're due to arrive in US dealerships this fall, Ford says.