Vehicle Overview With a maximum towing capacity of 24,000 pounds and dual rear wheels, the F-450 is Ford’s poster child for its Super Duty pickup trucks. The F-450 is a new trim level available to consumers for 2008; it was previously offered only as a commercial vehicle. The F-450 steps it up a notch above Ford’s other Super Duty models, including the F-250 and F-350.
The F-450 rides on a unique chassis compared to other Super Duty models; the underpinnings are borrowed from Ford’s chassis cab series that offers increased hauling capability. Available engines and transmissions include the same units found in other Super Duty trucks, including a diesel engine new for 2008 and two gasoline engines: a V-8 and V-10.
Exterior Super Duty pickups, including the F-450, come in three forms: regular cab; four-door SuperCab with two conventional front doors and two smaller, rear-opening back doors; and four-door Crew Cab with four conventional front-hinged doors.
Styling differences between Ford’s light-duty F-150 and the Super Duty F-450 are most evident up front, where a massive new grille and blocky front features dominate the F-450’s nose.
Interior A new interior in the Super Duty trucks features Ford’s “tough luxury” design, which is also used on the F-150 and claims a quieter interior, along with rugged performance. Regular cab models seat either two or three occupants. A folding three-place rear bench seat goes into SuperCab and Crew Cab models. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player are standard in XLT models. Lariat trucks include power front seats with leather surfaces.
Under the Hood Three engines are available in the F-450 Super Duty, including a new diesel. The 6.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 diesel replaces the 6.0-liter single-turbo diesel and produces 350 horsepower and 650 pounds-feet of torque; the 6.4-liter engine is compliant with new, stricter diesel emission regulations for 2008. Gasoline engines include the 5.4-liter Triton V-8, rated at 300 hp, and the 6.8-liter V-10, which generates 362 hp and 457 pounds-feet of torque.
Safety Dual front airbags and antilock brakes are standard. Side-impact airbags are not available.
