CHICAGO - Ford expands its commercial stripped chassis offerings with the new F-59 Super Duty delivering an impressive combination of generous payload capacity, low step-in and loading heights, and proven reliability and durability. The new chassis was unveiled at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) trade show.

"The F-59 Super Duty chassis brings significant Ford commercial vehicle expertise to a unique commercial segment," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "These three new offerings expand our stripped chassis portfolio, helping more customers address their task-specific applications."

The 2011 F-59 Super Duty commercial stripped chassis is based on a ladder-type, single channel frame constructed from 36,000 lbs. per sq.-in. steel and is available in 158-, 178- and 208-inch wheelbase lengths, at respective 16,000 lb., 19,500 lb., and 22,000 lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR).

These size and cargo capabilities allow body manufacturers and operators to tailor the F-59 stripped chassis to specific application and subsequent needs. This chassis will be ideal for multi-stop couriers and expeditors, linen and commercial laundry services, printed media delivery, carpet delivery and installation, parcel portage, mobile machine shops, portable medical units and food/beverage delivery, among others.

The F-59 Super Duty commercial stripped chassis is powered by the 6.8L, three-valve per cylinder, Triton V-10 gasoline-powered engine, delivering 362 hp and 457 ft.-lbs. of torque. This advanced engine features a single overhead camshaft and electronic fuel injection for responsive power and precise fuel metering for enhanced fuel economy. It also meets all applicable 2012 emissions standards.

The Triton V-10 engine is mated to the TorqShift 5-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The TorqShift transmission features a rugged torque converter and large capacity fluid pump for optimized cooling and durability. A fifth-gear overdrive ratio of 0.71 enhances overall vehicle efficiency while use of a low-viscosity transmission fluid helps improve fuel economy.

Commercial customers can refer to the Web site below when F-59 is available for order and to evaluate body and upfit options for their stripped chassis to suit individual business applications and task-specific needs.

For more information, specs, and details, visit www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/bodybuild.html.