Bolder Interior
All of the F-Series Super Duty trucks get a new interior based loosely on the F-150. Ford likes to call the interior "tough luxury." Look for visible panel stampings for a rugged look, chrome gear rings around the air vents for some civility, and a massive center stack. Options such as DVD-based navigation, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and a DVD entertainment system offer the latest and greatest tech. Also available is an integrated trailer-brake controller (why didn't someone think of this before?) and four built-in Upfitter (auxiliary) switches (ditto the last question). The new instrument cluster puts critical gauges in a row above the speedo and tach.
Behind the Wheel
The new 6.4L Power Stroke dual turbo engine is available throughout the F-Series Super Duty line. It generates 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque and is far cleaner emissions-wise than the engine it replaces. Ford says fuel mileage is a bit lower than the 6.0L.
The power-to-weight ratio of the 6.4L Power Stroke feels very big-block V-8. The dual turbo setup virtually eliminates turbo lag and the outstanding power is seamless from idle to redline. Engine noise is dramatically reduced, as are pollutants. As a matter of fact, an inspection of the inside of the tailpipe after several hours of hard driving from Corpus Christi to San Antonio showed no soot buildup.
Ford four-wheel-drive guru Harry Rawlins designed an awesome off-road course for us, and we drove an F-250 FX4 through it a couple of times. The first thing we noticed was that the suspension on the new Super Duty is more pliable on rough terrain than the outgoing model. We also liked the torque-sensing rear limited-slip differential, which did its job quietly and without fanfare. We also have to compliment Ford on the Super Duty's approach angle of 30.3 degrees. A good approach angle is critical for folks who use their trucks as tools.
We have mixed feelings about the interior. We really liked the gauge cluster, the seats are very comfortable, and the center-stack controls were easy to manipulate (even with gloves on). We just couldn't get comfortable with how large the center stack is and how it protrudes into the cabin area. Maybe after we spend a week with the Super Duty during Pickup Truck of the Year, we'll like it better.
Overall, the new Super Duty is more refined in every way compared to its predecessor. Thankfully, it's also as rugged. Successfully combining these two qualities is a big achievement, because they're tough to balance.
Shown is the new interior in Lariat trim with all the bells and whistles. You can see its F-150 roots in the symmetrical styling. We actually preferred the XLT and XLT Sport interior, which replaced the faux wood with black trim and made the dash look less busy. There's also a cool-looking FX4 trim package that utilizes silver metallic trim. | 
We towed a 19,000-pound triple-axle 5th wheel trailer with the new F-450. The weight definitely put a load on the 6.4L engine, but we could hold highway speed on long grades with no problem. Handling and braking was outstanding. | 
Another neat idea is the optional built-in tailgate step ($375). Simply flip up the grab bar, flip down the step, and climb up into the box. |
Quick Specs
Vehicle/model: 2008 Ford F-250 Crew Cab Lariat 4x4 SRW, short wheelbase
Base price: $38,425
Engine(s): 6.4L Power Stroke V-8
Aspiration: High-pressure common-rail, series sequential turbochargers, intercooler
Compression: 16.7:1
Max hp/torque (lb-ft) @ rpm: 350 @ 3,000/650 @ 2,000
Transmission: TorqShift five-speed automatic
Transfer case: Two-speed
Low-range ratio: 2.72:1
Frame type: Steel ladder
Suspension (f/r): Twin-coil Monobeam, 1 3/8-inch gas shocks/leaf, 1 3/8-inch gas shocks
Axle ratio: 3.73:1
Max crawl ratio: 31.6:1
Steering: Power recirculating ball
Brakes (f/r): 13.66-inch disc/13.39-inch disc
Wheels: 17-inch (standard)
Tires: LT275/70R18 all-season
Wheelbase (in): 156.2
Length (in): 246.2
Height (in): 79.9
Width (in): 99.6 (with mirrors)
Base curb weight (lb): 6,560
Approach/departure angles (deg): 30.3/17.4
Minimum ground clearance (in): 7.8
Max payload (lb): 2,410-2,830 (depending on GVWR)
GVWR (lb): 9,400-10,000
Max towing capacity (lb): 12,500 (conventional trailer), 15,200 (5th wheel)
Observed mileage (mpg): N/A
Fuel capacity (gal): 30.5
What's Hot:
Powerful, quiet, clean-burning dual-turbo 6.4L Power Stroke; cool options like Upfitter switches, integrated trailer-brake controller, and Rapid-Heat supplemental cab heater
What's Not:
Acquired-taste front-end styling; protruding interior center stack
Our Take:
"Tough Luxury" was what they were shooting for. Looks like they hit it.