Going Further: Upgrades to the New F-650 and F-750

Much like the new F-150, the F-650 and F-750 will be seeing improvements in powertrain, options, and designs for the 2015 Model Year trucks that will be available in spring 2014. Ford also released video on how the new Medium Duty F-Series trucks are being tested by a robotic driver on torture surfaces.

A major change to the new 6.7 liter Power Stroke V8 moves where the exhaust and intake are placed on the engine. Unlike a conventional V-engine, the new 6.7 places the exhaust in the valley while the intakes are on the sides of the engine. This improves turbo responsiveness as it reduces exhaust manifold length, according to Ford.

The 6R140 6-speed automatic transmission will be used in the F-650 and F-750 and will improve fuel economy. It will also be available with a Power Takeoff provision for accessories on vocational equipment such as dump bodies and cranes. There will also be a tow/haul mode that will include a switchable integrated engine brake.

A change outside of the truck is how it was tested and, for the first time, robotic testing was performed at the Michigan Proving Grounds. “Some of the tests we do on our commercial trucks for North America are so strenuous that we limit the exposure time for human drivers,” said Dave Payne, who is manager of vehicle development operations. Ford released video of that testing, which you can view below.

The new 2015 Medium Duty F-Series trucks will be on sale in spring of 2015 in Regular Cap, SuperCab, and Crew Cab styles in Straight Frame, Dock Height, and the heavy towing Tractor Model.