Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew

What is it about 450-horse F-150s lately? First Saleen comes out with the new S331 Sport Truck, then Roush announces the Stage 3 Nitemare, and finally Ford is giving Chip Foose a chance to paint on the F-150 canvas with his own 450-horse version. Maybe there's something in the water in Dearborn.

Take the newest version of the Ford Harley-Davidson F-150, for example, which will be the quickest and most powerful Harley F-truck truck to date, in large part due to the Saleen-developed inverted twin-screw supercharger and intercooler, reported to make 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. If those numbers look familiar, it's because the same system is used on Saleen's S331 Sport Truck. The supercharger option adds about $6500 to the total price and requires the truck be rear drive only (all-wheel drive is still available on nonsupercharged models). The suspension's unique shock absorbers deal with the 22-inch aluminum wheels and monster high-performance tires. Contributing to the aggressive look are body-colored bumpers and trim pieces and several Bar & Shield badges (larger than the Ford logo). Inside, the Harley uses King Ranch-quality leather, in black. A special gauge cluster sits atop the center stack so driver and passenger can keep track of boost pressures and core temperatures. The interior features new glossless black paint that's somehow dull and shiny at the same time.

The 2007.5 S/C Harley will weigh in just under 5600 pounds, with towing 1000 pounds down from stock (meaning 600), and it'll carry about 1100 pounds of payload (about 300 down from stock). The vehicle's most defining characteristic is the smooth ramp-up of power that pulls longer and harder than you expect. This makes sense since the system runs on less than six pounds of boost; as a consequence, the stock four-speed shifts without the harsh slams typical of supercharged project trucks. Of note, the unique supercharger allows the engine bay to look unmodified (the air filter is even in the stock location).

Base nonsupercharged versions likely will stay similar in price to the current models at $38,135, but expect supercharged versions to start at $44,635 and climb from there. Not a bad price, regardless, for a 450-horsepower predator. Look for Ford to release a new Super Duty Harley Edition, as well.