How does it handle? We drove the new models on highways and back roads and at the Ford Proving Grounds, located in 100-plus summer temperatures of Kingman, Arizona. Over the course of the day, we drove different models in the series in exercises designed to evaluate ride quality, towing capacity, braking capability and power and torque. We were most impressed by the quietness and ergonomic fit of the cabin (good grab handle to ease entry and exit for shorter drivers, good placement of gauges and controls, excellent forward and rearward visibility); the power and torque of the engines and shift points in the transmissions (plenty of grunt to carry tow loads, as well as to achieve first place in a quarter-mile drag strip with comparably-set-up competitive models, as well as smooth shifting); great, well-modulated braking (no porposing and jounce feedback, even under heavy load) and improved steering, particularly with the larger commercial versions, which show better lock-to-lock precision. What are the available engines and transmissions? The base engine is a 5.4-liter Trition V8 (300 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque); a 6.8-liter Triton V10 (355 hp. and 455 lb.-ft. of torque); and a 6-liter PowerStroke turbo diesel V8 (325 hp. and 570 lb.-ft. of torque). All engines are now available with the 5-speed TorqShift automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission is also available across the lineup.
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