ARIZONA (Feb. 19) — The F650 and F750 derivatives of Ford’s Super Duty light- and medium-truck platform were previewed to the trucking press this week, prior to the official launch of the medium-duty trucks and first public appearance at the Mid-America Trucking Show next month.

The 200-mile-plus evaluation drive was completed with trucks loaded to around 70% of their rated GVW. The drive included a visit to Ford’s Arizona proving ground, where demonstrations of the durability trials performed during the development of these trucks proved that the new class-6 and class-7 trucks should be as durable as they are comfortable.

The F650 is rated 26,000 pounds; the F750 has two ratings, 30,000 and 33,000 pounds. Wheelbase options extend from 158 to 260 inches.

The new trucks complement the Super Duty range announced last year that covered Class 2 through 5.

The two medium-duty additions to the Super Duty lineup go into production in mid-March. Ford already has orders for several thousand in the system, and is looking for a fast ramp-up of production with vehicles available at dealers almost immediately.

— Steve Sturgess