How could the locomotive, a mode of transportation that rocked the world 200 years ago, be the inspiration for Ford's latest concept vehicle? Trains have been powered by steam, diesel, turbine, and hybrid, as have automobiles, and might provide ideas for new ways to power cars and trucks as resources change. From those ideas came Ford's F-250 Super Chief, which made its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Styling is where the Super Chief most emulates its namesake. The front end is dominated by an intimidating grille, and the streamlined body leads to a smooth, side-hinged tailgate. The suicide doors enter into Spinneybeck leather easy chairs with ottomans that pop up from the floor. The warm-toned cabin is paneled in American walnut, with brown leather and brushed-aluminum accents. The walnut floor, each plank separated by aluminum strips, runs from the firewall to the tailgate. And, as in an observation car, the roof is glass, with walnut and leather running the length of the cab.
Powering the concept is a supercharged 6.8-liter V-10 that can run on gasoline, an alcohol blend up to E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gas), or even hydrogen. The Tri-Flex system uses the standard 38-gallon fuel tank for gasoline or E85, plus three separate high-pressure tanks in which the hydrogen is stored. The V-10's 310-horse/425 pound-foot output drops to 280/400 when operating solely on hydrogen.
This probably won't be the next Super Duty. However, this powertrain would represent an expensive baby step toward a hydrogen economy and ultralow emissions. Safe to say the cabin and body are mere design studies at this point. But after seeing what a pickup's interior could be, who wouldn't want a truck inspired by a train?
Bottom line: Nothing wrong with emulating an opulent 20th-century luxury liner.
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