Ford shows off new aluminum clad Super Duty pickups

DETROIT — Ford's Super Duty trucks are getting a new aluminum body, just like their smaller sibling, the Ford F-150 pickup.

The backbone of Ford's 2016 F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks is the all-new, fully boxed frame comprised of more than 95 percent high-strength steel that offers up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame. And for the first time, the Super Duty body uses high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy, which is more dent- and ding-resistant than the outgoing steel body and not subject to red rust corrosion.

The materials help shave up to 350 pounds off the vehicles' weight, making them more nimble and fuel efficient and increasing towing capacity.

Ford will offer three engines: a 6.7-litre V8 diesel, a 6.2-litre V8 gas engine and a 6.8-litre V10. Fuel economy hasn't been released.

Ford is also adding features, including blind spot detection, lane departure warning and LED lighting in the cargo box.

Super Duty work trucks make up about one-third of Ford's F-Series sales.

The 2016 Super Duty goes on sale early next year.