DEARBORN – Ford continues to strengthen the F-Series lineup for 2013, raising the bar for Super Duty towing, hauling, and braking.

“Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs are the segment benchmarks, chosen by tradesmen more than any other heavy-duty truck to get the job done,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “To help our customers continue to become more productive and efficient, we’ve increased our towing and payload capability yet again.”

According to the company, F-Series Super Duty trucks are engineered to meet the demands of the toughest customers. With their needs in mind, Ford engineers have raised conventional towing capacity to 18,500 lbs.

Increased towing brawn goes hand-in-hand with improved payload capability to 7,260 lbs.

F-Series Super Duty’s best-in-class payload numbers are supported by an improved brake system that delivers increased capability and usability, according to Ford.

Braking engineers increased brake rotor swept area by 16.4 percent in front and 14.5 percent in the rear for maximum braking to help dissipate heat, especially on long downhill grades.

These changes support a 700-lb. increase in the maximum GVWR to a best-in-class 14,000 lbs, according to the company. Improved brake pads and a retuned booster enable enhanced pedal brake feel to increase driver confidence.

“We’ve really improved brake feel,” said Michael Watkins, brake system engineer. “There’s refined modulation in the pedal – you really feel the stopping power. With a full load of cargo, drivers will notice strong, confidence-inspiring brakes.”

A larger parking brake for F-250 and F-350 models also allowed an increase in maximum payload rating.

Available adjustable pedals also enhance customer comfort by personalizing the interface between driver and brake system. 

Other changes for 2013 include the introduction of the all-new Platinum series model and the availability of SYNC with MyFord Touch.

The Platinum series has a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside, plus other special exterior upgrades. The interior has premium wood grain appliqués, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other high-end luxury touches, according to the automaker.

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty builds on the foundation of SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is available for the first time, according to Ford. A new 8-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features, along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

The 8-inch display screen also provides a large, clear view behind the truck when in reverse to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch.

Unique to Ford F-Series, the physical interface for MyFord Touch has been optimized to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack, according to the company.