2006 Ford F-250 Super Chief Concept

Ford Creates the First Truly Premium Full-Size Pickup

Out of dozens of vehicles that made their debut at the North

The Super Chief Concept is so big, you couldn't have possibly missed it at the Detroit auto show if you tried. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford's F-250 Super Chief Concept is easily one of the most interesting, as well as the most controversial of vehicles. Inspired by the Super Chief trains which criss-crossed the American expanse in the '40s and '50s, their bold image, combined with unparalleled levels of comfort, have been infused into this super-sized concept truck, that's sure to be the topic of conversation among thousands of show-goers.

Based off Ford's F-250 four-door pickup, the blue-oval design team, led by head of North American design Peter Horbury, has completely reworked this heavy-duty truck. Gone is the standard production body in favour of one that's bigger, taller, and far more intimidating. The upright, square nose features a power-dome and chiseled edges to yield a shape that is reminiscent of the 'steamlined' train engines, while the fascia's features, such as the vertical LED lamps and the largest variation on the Ford three-bar grille work with the train-inspired design.

Compared

It is so big, in fact that even with a wide-angle lens, I couldn't capture the vehicle whole, hence the extensive use of press photos.  (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

to the standard F-250, the Super Chief's body has been tailored to provide a larger cabin. Two feet from the original truck's eight foot bed have been donated to stretch the body itself for greater rear legroom, all of which have been reworked in historic locomotive style. The high metal to glass ratio on the Super Chief's side profile mimics the train's passenger cars, while the thin metal strips on the truck's bed function as tail lamps. Tow-hooks, front fender vents and the 24-inch polished alloy wheels all build on the Super Chief's eye-catching bullet-like look.  

Given that every dimension of the Super Chief including ride height has grown from the regular F-250, Ford included new Blocker Beam technology for better crash compatibility with regular passenger cars and minivans. The passive system employs L-shaped brackets positioned low on the truck's frame that make contact with the frame rails of low-riding vehicles, preventing them from being 'cannibalized' by sliding under the frame of the gigantic Super Chief in a head-on or offset crash. Expect to see this system implemented on future full-size trucks from Ford.

Once you've made the climb up the oversized, electrically assisted

The interior is jaw-dropping; fine-quality woods, leathers and overall design are inspired. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

front and rear-hinged doors, the effort to get in is well worth it: the interior is absolutely beautiful. Ford's design team has worked hard to make the Super Chief the world's first truly premium pickup truck, and not just a workhorse outfitted with leather trim. The Super Chief's interior starts with artfully crafted modern American design, such as the ultra-thin instrument cluster and dashboard, mated with rugged retro touches like the oversized armchair sized bucket seats, all of which are brought to life through rich, aniline-dyed brown leather, American walnut and polished aluminum; materials Ford thinks are as American as the truck's train-based heritage.