í,!‘^Jortlanh ©bseruer lanuary 2. 2008 PageA9 ÍP o ríla a iíl O L s e r v e r A u t o R e v i e w News and reviews on new motor vehicles ing sensors. It is first and foremost a heavy- duty work truck, a vehicle for the real world where the big Ford truck works for you. It's a little bit of a contradiction in terms to think of "truck" in the same sen­ tence with "cutting edge, aero­ dynamic styling." but with the new Ford F-Series, we think it works. It is not a pickup for poseurs - - for people who want to look cool in a big truck that has the ride and gentle manners of a limousine. Nor is it meant for daily commuting between gen­ teel suburbs and gentrified city centers. The F-250 Super Duty Supercab is a four-wheel-drive workhorse. It hauls manure as opposed to producing it in word­ processing machines. There's a lot to like about it in addition to the look. The interior is extraordinary, the new V8s are silky and strong, the ride and drive is exceptional and it's full to the brim with worthwhile fea­ tures. We don't see how you could go wrong unless you are looking fora fuel-efficient work­ horse; if so keep on looking. Ruggedness and durability are premium truck qualities; this truck earns its keep. 2 0 0 8 Ford SD F -2 5 0 4 X 4 J 'jÆ SuperCab Lariat 1 4 2 ” SB Styleside 6 .4 V8 Diesel by K athleen C arr Sometimes, a regular coffee just won't do it. You need some­ thing on the order of a double cappuccino to get the job done - - something with more kick, more muscle. For pickup truck buyers needing a similar boost, there's the Ford F-250 Super Duty. For most folks, a half-ton pickup truck, such as Ford's own F-150, is more than adequate, easily handling the occasional hauling and towing chores Joe Suburbanite may throw at it. Transporting goods from Home Depot, moving the kid to college and towing a pair of jet skis or snowmobiles aren't a problem for a half-tonner. But for eques­ trians, owners of large boats and those who tow trailers that re­ semble rolling condos, a 3/4-ton pickup is a must. Ford’s entry in this class is the 2008 F-250 Su­ per Duty. There's no mistaking this thing in your rearview mirror; in fact, it makes a Chevy Suburban seem small as you follow close behind one. But its graceful malevolence (if you can say that about a really big pickup). Ford calls the effect they were working to achieve, "tough luxury," and it's fair to say they pulled it off. More than just the aggressive, in-your-face looks, the freshened front end styling brings a func­ tional advantage. The higher hood, bigger grille and redesigned front bumper all allow more cool air to reach the radiator. The 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty has been fully redesigned. Under the skin, a number of major upgrades take place. Ford says the chassis is stronger than be­ fore and now has a new type of coating for improved corrosion resistance. The rear suspension has also been tweaked to im­ prove ride and handling without compromising capability. For power, there's an up­ dated version of the PowerStroke diesel engine. It now displaces 6.4 liters and makes an impres­ sive 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This en- This is not your Grandpa \ truck anymore! Specifications: 6.4-liter, 350-hp @ 6 5 0 Ib-ft. torque Power Stroke diesel V-8 Engine: Torqshift 5- speed autom atic transm ission: $51,040.M S R P gine runs on ultra-low sulfur die­ sel fuel, which is better for the environment because it produces fewer tailpipe emissions than tra­ ditional diesel fuel. Also new this year are higher- grade cabin materials, a standard MP3 audio jack, available power telescoping/folding side mirrors and a unique, drop-down tailgate step that makes getting into the bed easier. Let’stalk about "tough luxury” - here are some of the high points of the interior features of the F- Series SuperCab. With the 40/60 split-bench front seat, driver and passenger have individually re­ clining backrests. The driver is faced with co m p reh en siv e, clearly-legible instrumentation, and everything that needs to be is close and easy to operate. The view outward is superb, as the new styling job has in­ cluded a low beltline and big windows all around. The only gripe we had was a vertically- BUSINESS directory Car insurance with Charles McCleoud PERSO NAL SER VIC E. CEO No extra charge. 516 SE M 0R R IS0N ST, STE 540 PORTLANO. OREGON 97214 E k c C to n d Les Whitworth C.P.A. narrow inside rear-view mirror. All SuperCabs include a third door as standard equipment, on the passenger's side, for access to the back seat. Antilock disc brakes are stan­ dard, but neither side- nor side- curtain airbags are available. Power-adjustable pedals are op­ tional on XLT and Lariat mod­ els (equipped with automatic transmission), as are rear park­ BUSINESS 503 234 4452 CEIL 503 901 1535 E N T E R P R IS E . LLC At State I arm von get a competitive rate and an agent dedicated to helping you gel the coverage that s right lor you atii ÍM>kkcc¡'in# services and the discounts you deserve. Nobody takes cate ol you like State I arm. ( xintaet me. I'll prove it. 5421 \L 3 3 n l U ciiiir P n r lliiiiil. O K 97211 P iio in* 5 0 3-29 5-1 939 STATE F A R M Cell 971-344-6414 I' h x 5 0 3 -2 9 5 -1005 Boanerges Group n Kir. 1rs ich il n oriin ¡ni. rim i t'iiiiiil: lesili lesn lulu iirlh