2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty Adds Platinum Model, MyFord Touch

2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty Adds Platinum Model, MyFord Touch:

For 2013, Ford will bestow Platinum status upon its Super Duty crew-cab lineup. The trim level, which will sit at the top of the range, was previously available only on F-150 pickups. Out of concern that the Super Duty King Ranch didn’t offer plush enough surroundings for the discriminating workingman, Ford has stirred in a bevy of convenience, styling, and luxury tweaks, as well as MyFord Touch, which also will be available on other Super Duty models.
In the appearance column, the Platinum scores its own satin-chrome grille with mesh inserts and an upsized Ford logo, shiny letters spelling out “Platinum” tacked onto the bed sides, a satin-chrome appliqué on the tailgate, and a chrome exhaust tip. The rest of the truck gets a monochrome effect, with painted bumpers. Twenty-inch polished aluminum wheels with black inserts are standard. The 2013 Platinum will be available in Ruby Red, Kodiak Brown, Tuxedo Black, Ingot Silver, and White Platinum. Another new exterior color, Blue Jean Metallic, will be available for non-Platinum Super Duty models.
A ten-way power-adjustable driver’s is included, and it and the other seating surfaces are covered in remarkably supple leather that Ford claims is as durable as it is soft. A heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel features real wood accents; the instrument panel, door trim, and center stack make do with Ford’s finest faux-grain finish yet. Interior color choices include Pecan and Midnight Black.

MyFord Grab
Perhaps the most significant development is the inclusion of a specially configured version of Sync with MyFord Touch that incorporates large tactile knobs and buttons on the center stack to ease operation for users wearing gloves. (Other MyFord Touch setups use touch-sensitive “buttons,” which aren’t glove-friendly.) The system, heretofore unavailable on Super Duty pickups, will be standard on the Platinum as well as 2013 King Ranch and Lariat trucks. Its 8.0-inch touch screen sits nearly vertical in the dash for better visibility in bright sunlight. A rearview camera, navigation, remote start, power-adjustable pedals and mirrors, and a universal garage-door opener all come standard on the Platinum. Atop the dash sits a “media bin” large enough to conceal two personal devices; it contains two USB inputs, RCA connections, a 12-volt outlet, and an SD-card slot for the nav data.
Engines choices for 2013 Super Duty trucks will again include the 6.2-liter gas V-8 and the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel. Ken Czubay, Ford’s vice president of U.S. marketing, sales, and service, hinted at some powertrain changes on the horizon: “We’ll be making an announcement in the near future,” he said. We think that could mean another volley in the ongoing diesel torque wars.
We can be sure any engine changes Ford comes up with will be responded to in kind by the other American truckmakers. At the very least, it looks like the Platinum will give GMC’s high-zoot Denali HD pickup and the new Ram Laramie Limited some company in the shiny truck arena.