Ford Super Duty F-Series: 475hp, 1,050lb ft

Latest Power Stroke diesels can tow tons and, presumably, haul ass - here are the details

We've already seen details of the gargantuan 7.3-litre petrol V8 that Ford will sell beneath the bonnet of its latest line of Heavy Duty pick-ups. With 430hp at 5,500rpm and 475lb ft at 4,000rpm, it's a mightily impressive unit, but when it comes to pushing, pulling, hauling and lifting, it's got nothing on its oil-burning brother.

Because while the 6.7-litre Power Stroke diesel may be smaller, it's mightier too, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 37,000lbs. That's over 16.5 tons! Such a payload is only possible when towed gooseneck-style, though, the max weight dropping to 24,200lbs (11,000kg) when hitched up to a conventional towbar.

The strength to lug such tremendous weight comes thanks to its 1,050lb ft of torque and 475hp output. The need for which was explained by Ford Super Duty chief engineer Mike Pruitt who said: "Ford truck customers are building a better world with Super Duty and we're helping them work even harder with the most available diesel towing, payload, torque and power you can get in a heavy-duty pickup." Words backed up by the F-Series' claim to hold the highest market share in demanding industries such as mining (62 per cent), emergency vehicles (50 per cent), and construction (47 per cent).

To that end the range has undergone 19 million miles of accumulated testing, with everything from the high-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminium body to the mounting points being "torture tested" to within an inch of their lives. And to make sure that driving such a big, powerful machine isn't tortuous to its owner, Ford has paired it with a 10-speed heavy-duty automatic gearbox as well as tech including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance and Lane Assist.

So there you have it, if you have something heavy to move, rescue or tow then the F-Series is the truck for you. Both the 7.3-litre petrol and 6.7-litre diesel - as well as the standard 6.2-litre petrol - engines will be available in Ford's F-550, F-600, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty models at US dealers from the end of the year. Best start looking for a way to get one over here!