2016 Ford F-650F-750 Super Duty First Look

If you're old enough to remember when President Ronald Reagan told Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall," you probably also remember Ford Trucks' advertising slogan, "The Best Never Rest." Maybe it doesn't have the staying power of "Built Ford Tough," but it certainly applies to the recent rapid-fire product cadence coming out of Dearborn with its truck and commercial vehicle lineup. The latest salvo is the redesigned 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 Super Duty trucks. The updates to these workhorses are in line with changes coming on the other Super Duty models, including an updated 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8, which replaces the 6.7-liter Cummins ISB I-6 engine.

Like the smaller F-250 through F-550 models, the F-650 and F-750 offer the choice of Regular, Super, and Crew Cab models and three chassis configurations: straight frame, dock height, and a new tractor model made specifically for towing. Although size and dimensions are roughly the same as those of the outgoing model, the front-end styling gets a total revamp with the adoption of the Super Duty aero-style flush-mounted headlights, and a new mesh grille. Like the rest of the Super Duty lineup, the logo gets an update to the "Bold Leadership" font.

In addition to the 6.7-liter Power Stroke, the 6.8-liter V-10 carries over as an option, and is available with an upfit package to convert it to compressed natural gas or propane. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic, the TorqShift on the diesel and the 6R140 on the V-10.

A new feature on the diesel model is on-demand diesel particulate filter regeneration, to allow for maximum performance whenever needed. Final figures have not been announced, but the Power Stroke will be available in three different output levels, optimized for the power or economy needs of the specific application. Under the skin, the F-650 and F-750 get a new frame and suspension with a redesigned anti-roll bar and longer leaf springs for an improved ride.

Other new features on the 2016 model include a 110-volt AC outlet, optional Sync and Crew Chief fleet telematics systems, remote start, and a supplemental rapid-heat cabin heater. The turn signal has a new five-blink tap function, and customers can choose between hydraulic or air brakes.

Finally, production of the F-650 and F-750 will move from Mexico to Avon Lake, Ohio, outside Cleveland, as van production moves from Avon Lake to Kansas City, where the 2015 Transit will be built. Expect an in-depth look at Ford's new medium-duty model soon in Truck Trend.