Update: Commenter Wyatt offered this correction: An error in your post. The legendary 7.3L V8 engine is returning, but only in GAS. The diesel engine will still be the standard (yet upgraded) 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel. Performance numbers have yet to be released, but my thoughts for diesel are around 450-460 hp and around 940-950 lb.-ft. torque, and for gas engine will be around 450 hp and around 505-510 lb.-ft. torque.

Thank you, Wyatt!

Original Story:

When Ford Motor Company comes to mind, they want you to think of two things – trucks and SUVs. The brand is essentially abandoning anything shorter than a crossover, making it imperative that they get their trucks and sports utility vehicles exactly right. The all-new 2020 Super Duty F-250 and F-350 are coming out. Did they get them exactly right?

On the outside, they definitely did. These are arguably the most attractive big trucks every designed. Big without being too bulking. Sleek without being too wimpy. Bold without being too loud. The combination of tasteful and ominous seem to have blended perfectly in the new Super Duty.

The question that every big truck lover is asking is whether or not this is going to deliver the power Ford owners have grown accustomed to over the decades. In short, yes. The aluminum body still presents them with the strength and light weight that most consider to be an advantage over other trucks in the segment. Combine that with the legendary 7.3L diesel turbo Powerstroke and it’s a winning mix that rides on a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The numbers for towing and hauling are not released, but experts expect it to be the top of the line ahead of Chevrolet and Dodge. As Alex on Autos notes, it’s very likely they’re holding back on the numbers because they’re so good.

What he didn’t care for as much as the Chevrolet is the interior. It’s a big pickup, but this isn’t the 1980s. Drivers aren’t expecting it to be a luxury interior, but they still want it to be more comfortable than the old farm haulers of the last century.

There’s no word on when they’ll be released, but expect Ford to time it out around the summer heavy duty season. Will this be the truck to put the rest to shame. Until we drive it, we won’t pass judgment but so far, so good.

Super Bowl ads have become a big part of the whole yearly ritual, and automakers are among those who spend big bucks to get in front of a huge television audience. Kia used their time to highlight the all-new 2020 Telluride by filming a very nice commercial about the community in which they are built.

That community happens to be less than a hundred miles from where the big game was played this year.

But there was a scene in the ad that paints the Telluride as able to do what few vehicle can – go through very deep water without stalling. The problem is, it can’t actually do that.

If you read the fine print that flashed on the screen for around 3 seconds, you’ll notice it says “DO NOT ATTEMPT. Water stunt performed with aftermarket snorkel. Professional driver on closed course.”

Don’t get me wrong. Stunts are done in commercials all the time that should never be attempted by average drivers, but they rarely demonstrate a feature of a vehicle that doesn’t exist. This shot, while extremely cool, may mislead people into believing they can drive their Telluride into water without fear.

They can’t, at least not without the aftermarket snorkel they mentioned.

It’s a shame because this was my favorite of the car commercials aired during the Super Bowl. Yes, it was a great shot. No, they shouldn’t have included it in the ad even with the quick disclaimer attached.

In 1992, Wayne’s World did a bit where they mock product placement and promotional materials in movies by claiming they would never do such a thing. While they were railing against the practice, promotional material was prominently placed throughout the scenes and even worn by the characters. It was an iconic moment in the classic comedy because in many ways, it was true.

For decades, companies have placed their products in television and movie sets to drop the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) message into the flow of the entertainment. Cars are especially prominent, especially when there’s a high speed chase scene to film. But what about kids’ movies? LEGO and Chevrolet teamed up to make the epic video above that proves you don’t have to be subtle when pitching your vehicles.

Cross-promotional advertisements aren’t new, either, but this one is one of our favorites. It’s literally an options-laden ad without the pretense of working in features into the entertainment. That alone would make it epic, but there’s one more thing to consider. The blatant marketing working against the backdrop of an upcoming movie gives it viral potential for fans of both brands. The whole can be made greater than the sum of the parts.

Rather than working products into movies, perhaps they should follow Lego’s and Chevy’s lead and start working the movie into the product advertisements. It’s more honest and likely more effective.