FORD's aluminium-bodied F-Series Super Duty pick-up has hit Australian roads after leading importer Performax International received Federal Government approval for full-volume, right-hand drive production.

The first batch of American-built F-250 variants has already come off the line at Performax's Gympie, Queensland, factory and deliveries of early orders have started.

The Super Duty joins the smaller F-150 – also currently being built at Performax – with ground-breaking alloy-cab construction contributing to weight-saving of up to almost 160kg.

Performax will supply the F-250 - a popular staple in the massive American pick-up market since 1948 – with four-door crew-cab bodywork and a 6.7 litre PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 engine mated to six-speed automatic transmission and dual-range all-wheel drive.

The diesel delivers a burly 328 kilowatts of power at 2800 rpm and 1254 Newtonmetres of torque at 1800 rpm, giving it capacity to tow up to 7200kg with an approved braking system on the F-250 and much higher capability on F-450 and F-550 variants.

While the main body panels are welded and bonded military-grade aluminium, the new F-Series rides on a boxed-frame chassis made of stronger, high-strength steel. Improved chassis stiffness contributes greater on-road stability and improved feel through the variable-ratio, hydraulically-assisted steering.

The sophisticated body-chassis and powertrain specification puts Australia's newest American pick-up at the forefront of towing and payload ability, but the F-250 also provides its occupants with the latest in safety, convenience and comfort technology.

This includes LED lighting, engine brake, remote-release tailgate with damping control and available lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, up to seven surround cameras including trailer-view and a luxurious leather-upholstered cabin.

Performax International is now taking orders for the Ford Super Duty in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum specifications. Prices start around $119,000 for the XL, while a well-optioned Lariat version is priced around $150,000, with all prices depending on individual vehicle specifications and prevailing currency rates.

Performax International is the largest accredited pick-up provider to the Australian market, with the 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty joining the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Denali, Ford F-150, Nissan Triton and Toyota Tundra to offer the most comprehensive line-up of all-V8, 4WD American pick-ups under one roof

In the RHD conversion business since 1989, Performax has unrivalled experience, technical expertise and resources. Vehicles are converted in-house to ISO 9001 Quality Assurance and ISO/TS 16949 Automotive Quality Management standards and meet Australian Design Rules, ensuring their eligibility for registration in any State or Territory.

Delivered with factory-original standards of engineering, driveability, reliability, durability and fit and finish, Performax vehicles are backed by a three-year warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, in-house service and parts departments and a national network of authorised dealers.

Further information, contact:

Kevin Thoroughgood
Performax International
Mob. (0407) 010 451
www.performaxint.com.au