Ford Press Release: New F-250

05/13/96

FORD EXPANDS F-SERIES' FAMILY WITH NEW F-250

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 9 -- Ford Motor Company's
F-Series family continues the "Ford Tough" tradition with the
addition of a new under-8,500-pound gross vehicle weight (GVW) F-250
model for the 1997 model year.

Joining the all-new F-150, introduced in January, is a new series of
F-250 models.  The expanded F-250 lineup includes Regular Cab 4x2 and
4x4 and SuperCab 4x2 and 4x4 models, with a choice of four trim levels:
Standard, XL, XLT and Lariat.  Previously, the F-250 was offered only in
a Regular Cab 4x2 model.

"The F-250 extends the benefits of personal-use design to pickups
capable of handling heavier chores and recreational duties, including
towing larger trailers," said Jim Englehart, Ford Light Truck Vehicle
Center vice president.  "People who need the extra cargo capacity of an
F-250 can now get it with improved vehicle dynamics, steering and
handling, more comfort features and a wider choice of models."

"We're very proud of the F-Series family.  The F-250 offers
personal-use versatility and the legendary tough and rugged performance
our customers have come to expect," said Ross Roberts, Ford vice
president and Ford Division general manager.  The F-250 shares common
styling with the new F-150, including the same progressive front end,
aggressive stance, improved chassis design and roomier interior.
Visually, the F-250 badging and seven-stud wheels differentiate this
series from the F-150.

Under the skin, the F-250 provides dramatically higher cargo-
carrying capacity and towing capability.  With its thicker gauge mid-
and rear-frame side rails, higher capacity axles and springs, and larger
tires, the F-250 achieves a dramatic 3,340-pound maximum payload
capacity, up 1,075 pounds from the previous model.  The F-250's new
maximum 8,700-pound tow rating represents a 500-pound increase over the
1996 model.

The F-250 is powered by a standard 90-degree Triton single overhead
cam (SOHC) 4.6-liter V-8.  It produces 220 horsepower at 4500 rpm and
290 foot-pounds of torque at 3250 rpm.  The Triton 4.6-liter offers a
choice of a standard five-speed manual transmission or Ford's optional
electronic four-speed automatic transmission.

A new Triton SOHC 5.4-liter V-8 engine also will be offered.  It
produces 235 h.p. at 4250 rpm and 330 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3250 rpm.
It is mated to a standard E40D electronic four-speed automatic
transmission -- the only transmission available with this engine.
Both engines feature platinum-tipped spark plugs, extending the first
tune-up interval to 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions with
routine fluid and filter changes.

The F-250's short and long arm (SLA) suspension system provides a
smoother ride and improved handling.

SuperCab models feature a standard third door on the passenger side
of the pick-up for easier access to the rear compartment.  The SuperCab
provides more head room, rear hip and legroom, and cargo volume behind
the front seat than ever before.

The Regular Cab is about 5 inches longer, increasing seat-track
travel and providing more room for behind-the-seat storage.

The F-250 also offers improvements in safety, including standard
dual air bags and available four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
with rear disc brakes.  A standard air bag deactivation system allows
the driver to turn the passenger air bag off so that a rear-facing child
safety seat can be used.

The new F-250 offers a Heavy Duty Service package geared toward
commercial work truck and RV applications.  A new Load-Leveling
Suspension system -- an industry first for a pickup -- helps provide a
smooth, level ride under various load conditions.

F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in America -- car or
truck -- for the past 14 years.  Expanded availability of F-250 models
is expected to further solidify F-Series' sales leadership position.