WORD ON THE STREET

THE LATEST NEWS, RUMORS AND CHANGES IN THE TRUCK WORLD

SUPER DUTY
GETS MORE THAN JUST A FACELIFT

In the past, Ford has marketed Super Dutys with minor tweaks as being “all-new” trucks. In reality, they’d gotten glorified facelifts each time, and Ford hasn’t completely redesigned the Super Duty since 1999. This all changed recently when Ford truly engineered the 2017 version of the truck to outperform past models. In doing so Ford claims that the all-new 2017 F series Super Duty will be the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever.

Like the F-150, Ford is now constructing the body of the Super Duty out of high-strength, militarygrade aluminum alloy, which is more dent and ding resistant than the outgoing steel body and not subject to red rust corrosion. However, Ford didn’t just shave weight to tout the new mpg ratings, instead it used the weight savings to make improvements elsewhere. This includes the all-new, fully boxed frame that is comprised of more than 95% high-strength steel that is up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame. Combined with heavier duty four-wheel-drive components, driveline, axles and towing hardware, it has the most towing and hauling capability ever delivered by Super Duty.

Making it even more enticing is the 16 new class-exclusive features. From LED lighting to adaptive cruise control, these features will assist in making driving and work situations easier and more comfortable. This also includes seven cameras, complete 360-degree view surrounding the Super Duty and all-new SYNC 3 communication system. There are some safety features like the lane departure warning that alerts a driver when he or she strays from a lane through a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic rumble strips.

Backing up the brute strength is the optional second gen 6.7L power Stroke V-8 diesel engine that provides the highest combination of horsepower and torque ever. For those still leaning toward gas engines, there are still options of 6.2L V-8 and 6.8L V-10 gas engines. With all of these features combined, it’s easy to see how this rig was built for the hard working. For those looking for a new show or tow vehicle, the 2017 Super Duty looks like it has lots to offer.

2017 FORD SUPER DUTY NEW FEATURES

• 95% high strength steel that’s 24x stiffer than the previous frame.
• Military grade aluminum alloy body.
• SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system, featuring: voice recognition, graphical interface and smartphone-like 8-inch touchscreen.
• Blind Spot Information System.
• Lane departure warning/adaptive cruise control and collision warning (when other drivers steer too closely, red lights and warning sounds chime).
• Improved towing and payload capability.
• Highest combination of power and torque ever.

MEET THE STAFF

Throughout the past few months, you’ve probably noticed some new names in the bylines along with some old familiar ones. As we strive to bring you the best custom truck publication, we have opened the doors to find the best contributors across the entire nation. Since we’ve broadened our work force, we felt it was time to introduce some of the new guys and reintroduce some of the crew who have helped out on a longterm basis. Plus, we think it’s always a good idea to put a name to a face. So with out further ado, we bring you…

Saul Vargas

Living the dream, Saul started working in this industry at 22 and has never turned back. After 20 years in the publishing industry he still loves what he does from the photography to working on custom cars and trucks.

As a first generation Mexican-American, Saul was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Cudahy, California. It was a huge melting pot, and the mini-truck scene of the ’80s seemed to affect everyone in it. He got to see the Desirable Ones, Just for Looks, Sunset, NuMinis and Mini Stompers on a regular basis. These were just a few of the truck clubs that influenced him so much that in 1993 Saul joined NuMinis because it was a large chapter and made a big impact on his life. It was through his club that Saul got his foot in the door with Lowrider Magazine where he spent 19 years as the tech editor/feature editor.

Today he is lucky enough to do work for several national publications including his favorite, Street Trucks. He has no complaints or regrets about his career choice because he loves shooting clean trucks and hot girls while still being able to wrench on his own truck and other vehicles.

Brandon Burrell

This contributor has been taking photos, covering shows up and down the East Coast and writing articles for numerous automotive magazines for about 15 years. He has been able to knock out several magazine covers in that time, and he’s done a few celebrity profile shoots as well. His very first paying magazine shoot was for Street Trucks, which led him down the path to meet with and work for some of the top magazine editors in the industry. He’s always quick to note that in the very beginning John O’Neill pointed him in the right direction and helped him create his own style. Having that kind of influence from the start has pushed him to perfect his craft with every shoot he does. When not lugging around his camera, he can be seen doing delivery and sales for Pepsi Cola, which is a job that allows him to pursue his photography passion nearly every weekend. By the time you read this, he’ll have also completed his second huge SEMA truck build, which ties up any free time between selling Pepsi and taking photos.

TERM OF THE MONTH

ADVANCE DESIGN (əd-ˈvan(t)s di-‘zīn): It’s likely that you’ve either heard or read this term as it refers to 1947-55 first series Chevrolet trucks. Also known as the “Chevy AD,” this was Chevrolet’s first redesign post World War II. These trucks were originally sold with claims that they were bigger, stronger and sleeker compared to the previous AK series. The AD design was carried in the Suburban, panel trucks, canopy express and cab overs. These trucks were number one in sales before the Task Force series became available in March 1955.