Ford Super Duty news - Duty calls - 2007

If you thought the US was going all touchy feely and falling out of love with the pick-up truck, think again.

The biggest, brashest piece of evidence that Americans still love their pick-ups comes in the considerable shape of the Ford Super Duty range.

Looking not too dissimilar to the 2002 concept, which was itself inspired by Tonka toy cars, the Super Duty is pure redneck heaven.

The exterior speaks for itself, while inside Ford has gone for 'tough luxury'.

We're not sure if that means it's supposed to look like Feltham Young Offenders Institute, but what you get is suicide rear doors, chromed ringed instruments and air vent surrounds shaped like gear wheels.

But it's not all bad news. Ford will sell diesel versions of the Super Duty, although there is a considerable $6,895 premium for choosing this.

Somehow, we suspect the good ol' boys will prefer the 5.4-litre V8 or 6.8-litre V10 petrol engines to the measly 6.4-litre V8 turbodiesel, although this is the only engine option in the truly massive F-450 range topper.

Prices in the US are set to range between $23,000 and $60,000, but importing one into the UK may not be the best idea because the car sits at almost 2.5m wide, which is a good bit more than a Lamborghini Murciélago, so you're likely to become very touchy feely with other cars' wing mirrors.