Cabela's is the largest outdoorsman outfitter in the world. And by outfitter we don't mean what Tim Gunn does. They sell fishing, hunting and outdoor equipment. Is it time to order some shotgun shells? Need a new fly fishing rod? Suddenly want a portable water filtration device? Cabela's will be happy to hook you up.

The Ford Super Duty is the gold standard of heavy duty pickups. Both Dodge and Chevy offer Class 2/3 "HD" pickups, but one trip to any livestock show and rodeo parking lot will reveal what people who actually need trucks drive. Combine people who like to hunt/fish and people who like/need big trucks and you've got the most obvious partnership since head shops started selling breath mints.

So will this latest flavor of F-series Super Duty reach the target demo? Probably. It's attractive to the average buyer merely on the basis of what this truck, which is based on the FX4 package, is capable of. It manages to be mostly drivable for quick jaunts to the big city while, simultaneously, offering a robust experience anywhere else. For a full review of the capabilities of the platform you can read this review of the Ford F350 Super Duty FX4.

Any appeal the Cabela's side of the truck adds to the equation is almost purely sentimental and aesthetic. To put it in the parlance of someone who might buy one: it's all hat and no cattle. For your extra dollar you're going to get an almost garish two-tone paint pattern (our model came in a scintillating magenta Royal Red Metallic) with a green and yellow striping over gray metallic body accents and a large Cabela's logo. On the inside, is your choice of cloth or aniline leather seats with a large Cabela's logo and Paldeo wood appliqué accents. All-weather floor mats with, you guessed it, more logos are also available.

The only feature separating the Cabela's from its cousin, the King Ranch edition, is the locking gun storage. Granted, they don't explicitly call it that. It's simply "lockable storage" for your "equipment" and you could, in theory, store a gun-sized metal rod in the large storage locker beneath the rear seat and, I guess, drop some bait in the lockable section beneath the center console. But why? The one up front couldn't more clearly be for your hand gun and the one out back for a rifle — or maybe a dangerous oboe.

Does this justify the $2,375 over the already expensive crew cab FX4 with the turbo-diesel V8? Maybe. But the $5,390 luxury package, which adds the leather seats and Ford's SYNC package, is a bit much. What does using a voice command to pull up a Bat For Lashes song or using the nav to find a new Thai restaurant have to do with hunting or fishing? At its face, it seems like little more than a way for Ford to tack on a few dollars to their profit margins.

But it's more than that. My friend Marc, pictured, is a well-educated Jewish boy with a law degree living in Houston. He grew up north of where I did in a more rural part of southeast Texas. Neither an avid hunter or fisher, he still has the Stetson, the spurs, the chaps and all the fancy trappings of cowboyhood because, where he comes from, it's valued.

People often complain about the numerous special edition trucks automakers roll out but trucks, more than cars, are a volume business with longer platform life spans. Being able to reach truck buyers on a special level gives Ford an advantage, which explains the addition of the Platinum trim to the F-150 this year. One Ford Trucks planner told us, simply, there's no reasonable upper limit to what some truck buyers want in terms of luxuries and amenities.

As proof, allow me to present this shiny maroon $60,000 truck.

In Tomsk's words:

F250: The Ford F-Series has ruled the pickup roost for decades now, but how did it get there? This early- to mid-'70s F250 regular cab might offer some clues, including the most obvious of which is the fact it's still operational. The owner has added some wheels from a later F-Series, it appears everything else it wore back in the day, from the novelty mud flaps to the "Camper Special" badges are still in tact. And best of all? No cupholders in sight!

Suburban: This leviathan holds a special place in my heart, as my parents owned an '84 C20 'Burb for 15 years.While ours had a carbureted 454, the 1987 model year (which is what this is judging by the grille and the badge on the tailgate) marked the introduction of EFI. Regardless of what's under the hood, I feel this generation of Suburbans has a certain romance about it, as it was the last of the line that wasn't found in 70% of suburban (See what I did there?) driveways and driven by spraytanned MILFs who wanted something that would keep their 2.5 brats safe in a collision with anything smaller than a Peterbilt and let them (literally) look down upon the other moms in Tauruses, Caravans and 5 Series Bimmers.

El Camino: Considering where tha Jalop's allegiances lie, I had to include at least one Elky, right? Well, here she is, the year conveniently identified by the license plate frames. With the IROC Camaro wheels, it's guaran-bleeping-teed to make your haircut at least 50% more business-like in the front and at least 75% more party-like in the back. How can you lose?

Ford F Series: Before Dearborn's medium-duty pickups were offered with such niceties as voice-activated infotainment systems, heated leather seats, integrated trailer brake controls and diesel engines with enough torque to puree diamonds, they looked a little something like this, because back in the days of Camelot and the Great Society, pickup buyers didn't know they needed such things.

Uh, they do need 'em, right?

Here's what our friends at PickupTrucks.com have to say about what we should expect from the new Super-Duper Duty from Ford:

Mechanically, we expect the 2011 Super Duty will carry over Ford's 6.7-liter Scorpion V-8 diesel that's expected to debut in the 2010 trucks. The gas engine is expected to be the new 6.2-liter premium V-8, which should replace the 6.8-liter V-10 next year. Another major powertrain change is the likely end of manual transmissions, though the engineering mules in these pictures show Ford continuing its unique tradition of manual-locking front hubs for four-wheel-drive Super Duty trucks."

So the end of the manny tranny, but a smaller, more efficient 6.2-liter V8 under the hood. Well, you gotta give something to get something. We're just not sure we're happy with what we'll get for what we've got to give up. Of course, we're not in the market for a big ol' pick-me-up truck. [via PickupTrucks.com]

The Roush Propane line of F-series trucks is all about zero compromises, saving green and being green. Delivering no reduction in horsepower or torque, the kit actually saves companies a ton of cash through clever tax credits available to those who are chill with Mother Earth.

Starting at $7,995, the plug-and-play package lets you burn straight propane, exactly the same kind found in your BBQ 'round back behind the shed. Reports estimate a slight 10% to 20% nick in fuel mileage, but that pain is quickly eased by a massive $5000 federal alternative fuels tax credit per kit alongside a 50-cent-per-gallon tax credit on any propane purchased. With propane hovering around a dollar a gallon on the wholesale market, things start making sense mighty quick.

Full press release for you below:

ROUSH® EXPANDS PROPANE VEHICLE LINEUP WITH UNVEIL OF LIQUID PROPANE-INJECTED F-250 PICKUP

LAS VEGAS (January 22, 2009) - Hammering home their success in offering
a propane-powered truck, ROUSH® Performance unveiled yesterday at the
2009 International Builders' Show the next product in the lineup - the
2010 ROUSH Liquid Propane Injected F-250.

The ROUSH propane-powered F-250 immediately received considerable
interest among the attendees who had been looking for a medium-duty
truck that could offer both lower operating costs and greenhouse
emissions.

According to research provided by the Propane Education and Research
Council (PERC), propane is the most widely-used alternative fuel today,
with more than 10 million vehicles around the world using it as a fuel.
Operating costs typically range from five to 30 percent less than those
of a gasoline-powered fleet, and on average create 20 percent less
nitrous oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide and fewer
particulate emissions.

"We have had tremendous interest in the ROUSH propane-powered F-150
and sold several hundred vehicles and conversion kits, but more than
that we had people tell us that they would be much more interested if
there was a medium-duty pickup available," said Joe Thompson,
vice-president and general manager of ROUSH Performance. "With that in
mind, we went to PERC who has been our strong supporter in developing
propane vehicles and took the next steps to expanding the ROUSH lineup
with the F-250. It is gratifying to see that the response has already
been so positive."

With deliveries anticipated to start in the third quarter, ROUSH will
make this product available in two forms; customers can choose either a
complete ROUSH-assembled vehicle which will have a 3-year/36,000 mile
warranty, or a conversion kit to fit existing trucks in the field which
also carries the same warranty. The conversion kit will also fit 2009
F-250 pickups that may be in service.

The order banks for both the vehicle and the conversion kit, both of
which are true OEM-quality in terms of engineering and materials, will
open on January 26. Among the components changed are the fuel tank with
multi-valve fuel pump, stainless steel fuel lines, billet aluminum fuel
rails, an upgraded custom ROUSH PCM calibration, and all necessary
wiring, hardware and instructions.

The kit will have a retail price of $7,995, and qualifies for a federal
tax credit of $5,000. There are also a number of state, regional and
local tax credits and rebates available for the purchase and
implementation of alternative fuel vehicles. Additionally, propane
prices per gallon are normally significantly much lower than gasoline or
diesel, and with the proper infrastructure in place a fleet user can
qualify for a 50-cent tax credit per gallon used.

The ROUSH propane-powered F-250 will come standard with an in-bed tank
offering 62-usable gallons of fuel. This will allow a range of
approximately 500 miles depending on the chassis and driving habits. A
under-bed propane tank will be available (with a range of approximately
250 miles) for users where range is not as important as bed capacity.

There will be no loss of horsepower, torque or towing capacity on the
ROUSH propane-powered F-250 as compared to the truck's gasoline-powered
equivalent. The truck will have all federal, CARB and Canadian
certifications.

ROUSH has long been considered as Detroit's foremost Tier 1 advanced
powertrain engineering company and well known for producing massive
horsepower from gasoline engines. Now this same company has turned their
resources towards helping fleet customers save money and reduce
greenhouse gasses by utilizing propane as an engine fuel. The company
launched a propane F-150 in 2007 and has plans for several additional
vehicles over the next few years.

Based in Livonia, Mich., "The Art of Performance Engineering" takes
place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes
on at ROUSH and how the vehicles and parts are designed, manufactured,
tested and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. In addition to the array
of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a
complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For
more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit
www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.

*"ROUSH" is the registered trademark of ROUSH Performance Products,
Inc., or its related entities.

I'm pretty sure this truck is the parts hauler owned by the guy responsible for the '74 Buick LeSabre, Studebaker Avanti, '69 Buick Electra, '65 Ford Ranchero, and '69 Cadillac Coupe de Ville convertible. Each of those cars lived on the block for a few months, then disappeared, so most likely this is a serious car guy who wheels and deals at all times. And for that you need a big pickup!


The 240-cube six was the base engine for 1966 Ford light-duty pickups, but the dual exhausts on this one suggest that it has some sort of V8. The 352 was the optional powerplant for this truck in '66, but odds are good that a larger member of the FE family now lives under the hood. 390? 428?

F-SERIES SUPER DUTY ADDS NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND CABELA’S EDITION PICKUPS
Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road.

* Ford F-Series Super Duty, America's most capable work truck, adds new Harley-Davidson™ and Cabela's edition pickups and more standard capability for 2009 including an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer tow mirrors on select models.

* Ford Work Solutions is a collection of industry-first, affordable technologies available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks that will provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business – from their Ford Truck, even on the job site.

* New 'Built Ford Tough' factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty pickups, delivers exceptional weather resistance and protection against gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping.

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 25, 2008 – The 2009 F-Series Super Duty line of trucks, the industry's most capable full-size heavy-duty work trucks, come equipped with even more capability, thanks to new standard features and offers even more choice with two new packages – a Cabela's FX4 for the outdoor enthusiast and for the first time, a Harley-Davidson™ F-450 pickup.

All four Super Duty trim levels, XL, XLT, FX4, and Lariat, come with new standard features. The XL, the no frills workhorse version, now comes standard with air conditioning, Securilock, and manual trailer tow mirrors. The XLT, a step up from the XL, now has power heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, remote keyless entry and Securilock as standard features.

For 2009 the FX4 adds standard PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, captain's chairs, and SIRIUS satellite radio. The most luxurious of the Super Duty line-up is the Lariat. The Lariat adds all of the new FX4 standard content as well as the reverse camera system, a power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards, and SYNC, Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

New Smart Technolgies

Ford is further expanding its 'smart' features for truck customers by making new technologies that make getting staying connected and getting the job done easier.

* SYNC is Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system that fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

* Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.

* Ford Work Solutions, a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans will help make business owners more productive and successful. Four industry-exclusive innovations include:

o An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. It's the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production and features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.

o Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.

o Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

o Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Cabela's FX4

Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009. According to customer data, seventy-six percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish and a key way for Ford to connect with those outdoor enthusiasts is as the official truck of Cabela's for the last X years with products prominently placed at stores nationwide and featured in Cabela's publications and TV programming. The Cabela's FX4 package features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings. Custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging finish off the exterior.

The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available Aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué. All weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.

Harley-Davidson™ F-450

Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson™ F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road. As with the still available F-250/350 SRW models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson™ F-450 features a unique blue-flame paint scheme that starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck. The flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel. The custom perforated black leather wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson™ badges are present on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script located on the box side.

Tough Bed

Ford is offering Tough Bed, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner for the first time on the 2009 F-Series Super Duty.
"Tough Bed is a smart solution for Ford Super Duty customers who want to better protect their most important asset – the pickup box," said Tom Aubrey, Ford F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "Like the entire truck, Tough Bed stands up to the most stringent durability standards including those required by the U.S. Military – that definitely makes it 'Built Ford Tough.'."

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), installation of spray-in bedliners grew from 27 percent in 2004 to nearly 34 percent of all pickup trucks in 2006, and will continue to grow at a steady rate to nearly 40 percent in 2008.

Developed in partnership with PPG Industries, Tough Bed exceeds the standards of today's typical aftermarket spray-in bedliner solutions. This military-grade coating has been through the government's toughest blast mitigation testing to determine whether the material can with stand the force of a bomb blast. It has performed equal to or better than other protective coating systems at one-third the thickness.

The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision, high-pressure, automated sprayer to ensure one smooth, even coat at a very low film thickness unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bed liners.

The finer application ensures that the bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box in addition minimizing unnecessary weight. Tough Bed does not compromise Super Duty's class-leading cargo capacity or the installation of aftermarket assets such as tool boxes, tonneau covers and truck caps. The uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance.

The special bedliner material formula is immune to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and will not fade or chalk. It also protects against physical damage to the pickup box such as gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. It is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile factory limited warranty.
All F-Series Super Duty models are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

[Ford]

While we don't have an image of the Harley, the Big Hog Daddy gets some snazzy blue flame paint which carries through to the gauge cluster, Harley badging, and the ubiquitous Harley leather on the inside. Also optional: tightly wrapped head bandannas, brain-bucket helmets and a hardcore, weekend-warrior attitude.

2009 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY GROWS CAPABILITY WITH INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGIES, FEATURES

* Ford F-Series Super Duty, America's most capable work truck, offers more standard capability for 2009, including an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer tow mirrors on select models.

* Ford Work Solutions is a collection of industry-first, affordable technologies available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks that will provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business - from their Ford truck, even on the job site.

* New 'Built Ford Tough' factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty pickups, delivers exceptional weather resistance and protection against gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping.

The 2009 F-Series Super Duty line of pickups, the industry's most capable full-size heavy-duty work trucks, come equipped with even more capability, thanks to new standard features and two new packages - a Cabela's FX4 for the outdoor enthusiast and for the first time, a Harley-Davidson™ F-450 pickup.

All four Super Duty trim levels - XL, XLT, FX4 and Lariat - come with new standard features. The XL, the no-frills workhorse version, now comes standard with air conditioning, Securilock and manual trailer tow mirrors.

The XLT, a step up from the XL, now has power-heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, remote keyless entry and Securilock as standard features.

For 2009, the FX4 adds standard PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, captain's chairs and SIRIUS satellite radio.

The most luxurious of the Super Duty lineup, Lariat adds all of the new FX4 standard content as well as the reverse camera system, a power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards and SYNC, Ford's industry-first, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

New Smart Technologies

Ford is further expanding its 'smart' features for truck customers by equipping its trucks with new technologies that make staying connected and getting the job done easier.

* SYNC is Ford's industry-first, voice-activated hands-free system that fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

* Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage and a collection of data services including real-time local traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.

* Ford Work Solutions, a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans will help make business owners more productive and successful. Four industry-exclusive innovations include:

o An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin.

It's the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production. It features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access and send documents stored on their home or office computer networks - right on the job site.

o Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset-tracking system developed with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.

o Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

o Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Cabela's FX4

Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009.

According to customer data, 76 percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish. With F-Series serving as the official truck of Cabela's for the past 7 years - and trucks prominently placed at stores nationwide and featured in Cabela's publications and TV programming - there's no more authentic way to connect with customers.

The Cabela's FX4 package for 2009 features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic.

Each is contrasted with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings, finished off with custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging.

The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué. All-weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.

Harley-Davidson™ F-450

Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson™ F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road.

As with the still available F-250/350 SRW models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson™ F-450 features a unique blue-flame paint scheme that starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck. The flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel.

The custom-perforated black leather-wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson™ badges are visible on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script located on the box side.

Tough Bed

Ford is offering Tough Bed, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner for the first time on the 2009 F-Series Super Duty.

"Tough Bed is a smart solution for Ford Super Duty customers who want to better protect their most important asset - the pickup box," said Tom Aubrey, Ford F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "Like the entire truck, Tough Bed stands up to the most stringent durability standards including those required by the U.S. Military - that definitely makes it 'Built Ford Tough.'"

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), installation of spray-in bedliners grew from 27 percent in 2004 to nearly 34 percent of all pickup trucks in 2006 and will continue to grow at a steady rate to nearly 40 percent in 2008.

Developed in partnership with PPG Industries, Tough Bed exceeds the standards of today's typical aftermarket spray-in bedliner solutions. This military-grade coating has been through the government's toughest blast mitigation testing to determine whether the material can with stand the force of a bomb blast. It has performed equal to or better than other protective coating systems at one-third the thickness.

The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision, high-pressure, automated sprayer to ensure one thin, smooth, even coat - unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bed liners.

The finer application ensures that the bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box in addition minimizing unnecessary weight. Tough Bed does not compromise Super Duty's class-leading cargo capacity or the installation of aftermarket assets such as tool boxes, tonneau covers and truck caps. Its uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance.

The special bedliner material formula is immune to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and will not fade or chalk. It also protects against physical damage to the pickup box such as gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. It is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile factory limited warranty.

All F-Series Super Duty models are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

[via FSeriesTrucks.com]

There's been some speculation as to just what engine would be used, either the 6.2-liter or the 5.4-liter V8. But, since the truck was seen pulling into a Roush building, we're pretty sure it'll have a blower on it. Of course, this obviously all depends on if the truck even sees the light of day. Remember, Ford has already delayed the 2009 F-150 for two months due to slumping sales. [Inside Line]