Photo of 2016 F-650 courtesy of Ford.

Photo of 2016 F-650 courtesy of Ford.

Editor's note: View a full gallery of photos of the new Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks from the Work Truck Show here.

Ford introduced redesigned 2016 F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis today that offer improved towing capabilities and a factory gaseous-prep V-10 engine.

Ford will offer the F-Series Super Duty trucks in three models — straight frame, dock height, and a new dedicated  tractor model for heavy trailering — and three cab styles, including Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab.

The trucks will be powered by a second-generation 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 diesel engine mated to a six-speed, commercial grade (6R140) TorqShift automatic transmission. Ford is also offering for the first time an optional 6.8L V-10 gasoline engine with the 6R140 transmission. The V-10 can be factory-prepped for conversion to compressed natural gas or propane autogas as a cost-effective alternative to gasoline.

Ford expects 20% of sales for the F-650 and F-750 to be gasoline engines, and that percentage is expected to move higher, according to Todd Kaufman, Ford marketing manager.

"We have customers who were staunch diesel who are now going to gas," said Kaufman, who added that the transmissions on the new F-650 and F-750 have been optimized to give the gas engine close to the functionality offered by the diesel engines. The gasoline engine will cost $8,300 less than the diesel engine.

Photo of medium-duty 2016 dump truck courtesy of Ford.

Photo of medium-duty 2016 dump truck courtesy of Ford.

New body styling updates include a new mesh grille to improve air flow and cooling, as well as more aerodynamic headlamps and fenders. The area behind the cab was redesigned to more easily accomodate custom work bodies, including tow truck, dump truck and ambulance bodies. Optional PowerScope trailer two mirrors feature large standard and spotter mirrors and a power telescoping and folding design.

Ford has added several new interior features, including a 110-volt power outlet, available Sync and Crew Chief factory-installed fleet management telematics, and a rapid-heat supplemental cab heater. A new steering wheel offers advanced controls. Buyers have a choice of hydraulic or air brakes.

The 2016 model-year trucks will be available in the spring of 2015.

By Paul Clinton and Chris Brown

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

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