DETROIT, Mich., Jan. 6, 2002 – It’s big. It’s bold. It showcases an advanced new powertrain. DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2002 – It’s bold. It’s strong. It’s a hint of what’s to come for the next generation Ford F-Series pickup – America’s best-selling vehicle for 20 years running and best-selling truck for the past 25 years.

It’s the Ford Mighty F-350 TONKA, a vibrant yellow and chrome concept pickup showcasing an advanced new powertrain and a fresh design approach from the world’s truck authority. It’s the Ford Mighty F-350 Tonka concept, a vibrant yellow truck that pairs a distinctive design with innovative technologies worthy of the Built Ford Tough badge.

"Ford has long been and will continue to be the leading truck brand – not just in sales figures, but in ingenious ideas, bold design and customer satisfaction," says James Padilla, group vice president, Ford North America, who helped pull the wraps off the new concept at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. "With the Mighty F-350 TONKA, we’ve created a truck that’s worthy of the ‘Built Ford Tough’ badge. It’s as spirited as it is rugged, a blend you’re likely to see on Ford trucks down the road."

The smooth-running and economical Power Stroke® Super-600 diesel engine and five-speed PowerTorq™ automatic transmission combine to make an estimated 350 horsepower and 600 foot-pounds of torque. Additionally, the engine is significantly quieter than today’s diesel truck engines.

"Truck customers are demanding more power, better NVH, performance and increased fuel economy," said Dave Szczupak, vice president, Powertrain Operations, Ford Motor Company. "The Power Stroke/PowerTorq driveline delivers a well integrated package, representing the future of diesel powertrains."

"Our diesel technology continues to meet more stringent emissions while improving performance and fuel economy for customers," said Dan Ustian, president of International Engine Group, a division of Navistar International Corporation and developer of the Power Stroke Super-600 concept.

The 6.0-liter Power Stroke V-8 concept engine is a direct injection, 32-valve diesel with an all-new cast-iron block and cylinder heads. The engine employs a single, block-mounted camshaft in a compact overhead valve (OHV) design. This proven configuration provides a low-friction and durable valvetrain system and is ideal for engines with a normal operating range of less than 4,000 rpm. Hydraulic lash adjusters, which assist the valve operation, further maintenance-free longevity and provide quiet operation and optimized performance over the life of the engine.

The Super-600 concept incorporates a number of diesel engine innovations. They include:

• Electronic Variable Response Turbocharging (EVRT™): A system that helps ensure exceptional turbo boost over a wide range of engine revolutions for impressive grade climbing capability, high-altitude performance and towing capability. EVRT employs a set of vanes that automatically adjust to optimize the airflow within the turbo.

• Hydraulic Rail Fuel Injection: Fuel injectors in the Super-600 concept are actuated by a high-pressure hydraulic rail system that generates injection pressures of up to 24,000 psi. The high-pressure fuel is quickly atomized as it is released into the combustion chamber, generating a clean and efficient combustion event.

• Pilot Injection: By delivering small quantities of fuel into the combustion chamber prior to the main injection event, the combustion process is both smoother and quieter. Other benefits are faster starting, excellent cold weather operation and improved drivability.

• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): Cooled exhaust gases are recirculated back into the combustion chamber, lowering the burning temperature of the combustion event and, as a result, reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx).