Ford Australia is set to introduce a light commercial heavyweight in mid-2001 when it imports a range of super-duty F250 and F350 trucks. 

Designed for heavy-duty applications the F250/350 range has two key attributes - size and power. 

With a towing capacity of almost 4 tonne (at full GVM) and engines ranging from a 5.4 litre petrol-powered V8 to a 7.3 litre Intercooled Turbo V8 diesel, the Brazilian built beast will be available in two and four wheel drive variations. 

"The super-duty F250 and F350 are designed for some pretty serious applications," says Light Commercial Brand Manager, Kevin Lillie. "The F350 4WD diesel is rated to carry over 2500kg and produces a stump pulling 678Nm of torque. Two pretty impressive numbers if you've got a big load to haul." 

The new F250 and F350 have been engineered for the right hand drive market and are factory built, not converted from left-hand drive. An extensive local testing program was undertaken to ensure F250/350 would meet the unique conditions of the Australian market. 

The new F-Series will be available in a huge number of models and configerations including single, super and crew cabs in addition to XL and XLT specification levels. 

Ford expects many of the super-duty F-Series will find homes in agriculture, mining and service industries with heavy-duty towing and carrying requirements. 

Ford has no plans at present to re-introduce the F150 range because the load capacity of the Falcon ute is just as good, and on some models better than the F150.