i bet you are on to something. New Ecoboost with CGIblock

 

Watch this video over on PUTC. They say nothing on the truck has been untouched. Discussing the transmission they say it is the smartest transmission they have ever driven in a truck. It has smarter mapping. It controls the speed and shifts exactly at the right spot. And there is a new sport mode. As well as tow haul mode. Press the button once for tow haul and twice for sport mode. Right around the 1:55 mark they discuss the transmission...

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2014/10...ons-video.html

 

Payload values are now up on the build site for the 145" WB with the 3.5tt and 5.0 engines.
Supercab 4x4s get 7000 GVWR. This is about 150 lbs more than the 2.7tt with payload package. With the lighter trucks, payloads of the "standard" 145" scabs trucks are close to that of the Heavy payload 157/163" trucks of last gen!
SCREW 4x4s have slightly less GVWR of 6900 lbs. but still very good payload.

 

Is my reading of the order guide w.r.t Max Tow correct in that, unlike the previous model, Max Tow now no longer includes an increase in the GVWR?

When I purchased my 2013 the Max Tow option increased the GVWR to 7700lbs for my configuration. It seems that now only the HD Payload option increases the GVWR.

Is that correct?

I can't find an updated Order Guide (now that the payload numbers are out) to confirm. The only ones I can find still have TBD in the values.

 

There is not a max tow payload option this time around. There is only a heavy duty option, but only available in 157" and 163" wheelbases.
Your truck increased GVWR from 7350 lbs to 7700 lbs.
The new truck will have payloads that are actually greater than that of your truck.
GVWR of scabs are 7000 lbs and screws are 6900 lbs. Factor in the 700 lbs weight savings, and payloads are where you are.
Furthermore, as many max tow owners will claim, the bottleneck of the max tow 7700 GVWR vehicles is the rear axle weight rating. The max tow owners would reach their RAWR before reaching their payload capacity. The new truck shouldn't have that problem.

 

There technically is a max tow option package and a separate HD payload package. HD payload package is only available up to the Lariat. I ordered a Platinum with the max tow, but it's not too exciting. Auxiliary transmission cooler, upgraded rear bumper and a heavier front stabilizer if I remember correctly. The stabilizer and trans cooler are also in the regular tow option package.

 

So basically in a few years they're going to just discontinue the Super Duty and have one truck that can haul two tons and tow 15k pounds, all with an aluminum body and a 6-cyl engine. The all-new 2020 Ford F-200. Starting at only $72,000.