Music and confetti cannons heralded the launch of the new Ford F-650 and F-750 Super Duty trucks, but the event was far more than just smoke and mirrors as the public got their first look at Ford's latest addition to their growing line of commercial trucks in Dallas last month. The new models are the first products from the Ford Motor Co. and Navistar International Corp. joint venture, called “Blue Diamond Truck,” formed in 2001 to build a variety of commercial trucks.

“Ford is reinventing, expanding and updating its entire commercial truck lineup, and a big part of that is the 2004 F-650 and F-750,” said Dave Tarrant, the chief nameplate engineer for medium truck and joint venture products.

The F-750 now ranks at the top of the Ford Super Duty commercial truck line in terms of weight rating at 33,000 lb. GVWR/80,000 lb. GCW. The F-650 comes with variable ratings from 17,999 to 29,000 lb. GVWR, just under the F-750. Each new model is available as a straight truck or tractor and the F-650 is also offered in a low-profile (Pro Loader) model, while the F-750 can be specified for severe service (S models).

According to Ford, the new medium-duty trucks offer not just more GVWR, but “more of everything,” especially options. “The 2004 models offer tremendous breadth and depth of product — it is the right product for hard work, no matter what that work may be,” noted John Fink, commercial truck marketing manager, Ford Division. For starters, customers will have their choice of three diesel engine families, three cab configurations, 38 wheelbases and nine different frames.

The base engine will be an all-new direct injection, 32-valve, 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel with four power ranges, generating up to 230 hp. and 620 lb.-ft. of torque. Other engine offerings will include a 3126 Caterpillar 7.2-liter diesel and a 5.9-liter Cummins ISB (available in late spring of 2003). The Power Stroke diesel and the 5.9- liter Cummins may be matched with a 5-, 6- or 7-speed manual transmission or a 5- or 6-speed automatic, while the Caterpillar can be paired with a 6-, 7-, or 10-speed manual transmission or a 5-or 6-speed automatic. Allison automatic transmissions are standard.

Both the F-650 and the F-750 will be available in three cab configurations: the Regular Cab (113 in. BBC), four-door SuperCab (134 in. BBC) or four-door Crew Cab (148 in. BBC), each with a wide range of seating choices.

The cabs ride on a choice of nine different frames and in wheelbases from 134-281 in., depending upon model, engine and cab specs. Rear axle options include 2-speed and 3-speed configurations. Five multi-leaf suspensions and five air suspensions are offered to smooth out the ride, and air suspensions are offered on all models, whether they have air or hydraulic braking systems.

Additional options for the F-650 include engine block heaters, front tow hooks, vertical exhaust, and more.

Go to www.ford.com or circle 301 on reply card