DEARBORN, Mich., March 21, 2002 – Performance is at the heart of the F-Series Super Duty lineup, and Ford’s 7.3-liter Power Stroke® diesel V-8 delivers – now offering 525 foot-pounds of best-in-class torque on models equipped with an automatic transmission.

Super Duty’s 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel provides more peak power sooner than any competitive engine, producing 525 lb.-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The engine produces 250 horsepower at 2,600 rpm. This is an increase of 20 lb.-ft of torque versus last year’s Power Stroke engine.

“Both commercial and personal use customers need torque to get the job done, and appreciate this increase,” said Tim Stoehr, F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. “We wrote the book on diesel pickups. This is just another chapter.”

More torque allows a diesel engine to move or tow heavier loads, while enhancing the vehicle’s performance feel. High torque ratings allow drivers to maintain speed without frequent transmission shifting and enable drivers to easily launch highly loaded trucks from rest. In addition, torque also enables drivers to maintain speed while negotiating steep grades.

Since its introduction in 1994, the Power Stroke diesel has received power improvements five separate times. In addition to torque enhancements, noise vibration and harshness (NVH) improvements have been made to the engine to make the engine quieter and more refined.