The shooters at KGP Photography have conclusive proof that Ford is doubling down on its aluminum trucks, going the F-150 route on its all-new ’17 Super Duty pickups.

Will It Magnet?

A slew of Super Duty prototypes have been testing in the Rocky Mountains, and an F-350 Dually pulling a fifth wheel parked for the day, leaving its truck bed uncovered and exposed. The shooters decided that it was time to make a little introduction: "Magnet, meet Super Duty. Super Duty, say hello to Magnet. Let's see if you two are attracted to each other." The end result is captured on video, and shows that the magnet exhibits zero attraction to the prototype surfaces—even its exposed metal—suggesting that the next Super Duty is following the F-150's lead and going aluminum.

A textual breakdown of the video is below. The shooters caught the Super Duty prototypes testing in a wide variety of body configurations, including Crew Cab, Super Cab, Regular Cab and Crew Cab Chassis Cab.

Video Breakdown

The Super Duty prototype subjected to the magnet was 80% covered, with its bed uncovered due to the fifth-wheel trailer that remained attached while the test truck was parked. The shooters placed the magnet over various sections of the covered truck, and then reached an uncovered portion, clad only in marine vinyl camouflage near the rear wheel arch. The magnet showed no attraction to the prototype, but since portions of the prototype were covered with a car cover, the video is not 100% conclusive. The shooters did some tests after the fact, applying the magnet to a current, steel-bodied F-250, and found that the magnet would still show attraction even when a 1/4-inch piece of foam core board was placed between the truck and the magnet. This helps alleviate some concerns over the covered portion of the prototype and its reaction to the magnet.

In another test, the shooters placed some marine vinyl similar to automotive camouflage between the magnet and a current F-250. Here, it stuck like glue. On a portion of the Super Duty prototype that wasn't obscured by the car cover, the section covered only in vinyl camouflage exhibited no magnetism, which is highly suggestive of aluminum body panels.

Finally, they placed the magnet against that truck bed's bare metal, and still, there was absolutely no magnetic effect. It's here that they can say conclusively that Ford is using aluminum in a large portion of their next-generation Super Duty prototypes. If they're using aluminum here, in the key punishment point of a heavy-duty work truck, it stands to reason that aluminum is being used throughout the rest of the Super Duty prototypes—just as they have on the ’15 Ford F-150.

Two Versions of the Video

The shooters have supplied two versions of the video proving the aluminum makeup of the Super Duty prototype. A shorter, raw version contains only the video of the magnet's interplay with the Super Duty prototype. A second video edit includes portions of their tests of the magnet's reaction to various materials and a current, steel-bodied F-250. The added material helps put the raw "prototype" video in a proper context.

A New Super Duty So Soon?

When the shooters caught the first Super Duty prototypes, testing back in mid-March, many analysts expressed surprise that prototypes had appeared so early, and out of nowhere. Their analysis suggests that Ford has accelerated development on the next-generation Super Duty to make the most of their "aluminum edge"—technology that Ford executives were touting as "game changing" at the F-150 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) debut. If competitors are planning to counter Ford with aluminum-intensive trucks of their own, Ford's decisive move to create an aluminum Super Duty will help them leverage their current advantage as much as possible before their competitors' can react.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have conclusive proof that Ford is doubling down on its aluminum trucks, going the F-150 route on its all-new ’17 Super Duty pickups.

Will It Magnet?

A slew of Super Duty prototypes have been testing in the Rocky Mountains, and an F-350 Dually pulling a fifth wheel parked for the day, leaving its truck bed uncovered and exposed. The shooters decided that it was time to make a little introduction: "Magnet, meet Super Duty. Super Duty, say hello to Magnet. Let's see if you two are attracted to each other." The end result is captured on video, and shows that the magnet exhibits zero attraction to the prototype surfaces—even its exposed metal—suggesting that the next Super Duty is following the F-150's lead and going aluminum.

A textual breakdown of the video is below. The shooters caught the Super Duty prototypes testing in a wide variety of body configurations, including Crew Cab, Super Cab, Regular Cab and Crew Cab Chassis Cab.

Video Breakdown

The Super Duty prototype subjected to the magnet was 80% covered, with its bed uncovered due to the fifth-wheel trailer that remained attached while the test truck was parked. The shooters placed the magnet over various sections of the covered truck, and then reached an uncovered portion, clad only in marine vinyl camouflage near the rear wheel arch. The magnet showed no attraction to the prototype, but since portions of the prototype were covered with a car cover, the video is not 100% conclusive. The shooters did some tests after the fact, applying the magnet to a current, steel-bodied F-250, and found that the magnet would still show attraction even when a 1/4-inch piece of foam core board was placed between the truck and the magnet. This helps alleviate some concerns over the covered portion of the prototype and its reaction to the magnet.

In another test, the shooters placed some marine vinyl similar to automotive camouflage between the magnet and a current F-250. Here, it stuck like glue. On a portion of the Super Duty prototype that wasn't obscured by the car cover, the section covered only in vinyl camouflage exhibited no magnetism, which is highly suggestive of aluminum body panels.

Finally, they placed the magnet against that truck bed's bare metal, and still, there was absolutely no magnetic effect. It's here that they can say conclusively that Ford is using aluminum in a large portion of their next-generation Super Duty prototypes. If they're using aluminum here, in the key punishment point of a heavy-duty work truck, it stands to reason that aluminum is being used throughout the rest of the Super Duty prototypes—just as they have on the ’15 Ford F-150.

Two Versions of the Video

The shooters have supplied two versions of the video proving the aluminum makeup of the Super Duty prototype. A shorter, raw version contains only the video of the magnet's interplay with the Super Duty prototype. A second video edit includes portions of their tests of the magnet's reaction to various materials and a current, steel-bodied F-250. The added material helps put the raw "prototype" video in a proper context.

A New Super Duty So Soon?

When the shooters caught the first Super Duty prototypes, testing back in mid-March, many analysts expressed surprise that prototypes had appeared so early, and out of nowhere. Their analysis suggests that Ford has accelerated development on the next-generation Super Duty to make the most of their "aluminum edge"—technology that Ford executives were touting as "game changing" at the F-150 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) debut. If competitors are planning to counter Ford with aluminum-intensive trucks of their own, Ford's decisive move to create an aluminum Super Duty will help them leverage their current advantage as much as possible before their competitors' can react.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Patrik Sandell drives the Kobalt Tools/Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta ST to victory in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Olsbergs MSE)

Patrik Sandell Wins Red Bull Global Rallycross
Patrik Sandell from the Olsbergs MSE team scored the win in the Kobalt Tools Ford Fiesta ST last weekend at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Through two days of tough heat racing, Sandell never finished lower than second to bypass the Last Chance Qualifier and advance directly to the Final, where he had a front-row starting position. The Kobalt Tools driver held the lead position for all 10 laps to the checkered flag. Sandell is now tied for third in the championship standings.

The Olsbergs MSE team returns to Red Bull Global Rallycross, July 19–20, in New York. World RX drivers Andreas Bakkerud and Reinis Nitiss will appear next weekend in Kuovola, Finland, for the Finnish round of the World Rallycross Championship.

Doug Peterson Wins at Road America, Retains Championship Lead
Doug Peterson, in the No. 87 3Dimensional.com Chevrolet Corvette, emerged victorious from the VP Small Engine Fuels 100 Miles of Madness at Road America, Round 6 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship, outlasting Amy Ruman, Cliff Ebben and Tony Ave in the TA Class. Peterson now has a 14-point lead over Ruman, with 167 points to her 153. Simon Gregg continues to hold third with 143 points.

Trans Am will now enter a one-month mid-season break in preparation for THE 3Dimensional Services Next Dimension 100 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, August 17, for Round Seven of the 2014 Trans Am Championship.

	Team Falken's Justin Pawlak and Darren McNamara are in sixth and eighth position, respectively, in the overall championship.

Team Falken Departs Formula Drift's 'New Jersey Gauntlet' With Two Drivers in Top 10
Team Falken had a strong showing at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway for Round 4 of the 2014 Formula Drift series and maintains two drivers—Justin Pawlak and Darren McNamara in sixth and eighth position, respectively—in the overall championship.

It was also the strongest performance of the season for third Team Falken driver, Daijiro Yoshihara, who qualified fourth, and advanced to the top eight as did McNamara, who lost to eventual Gauntlet winner Fredric Aasbo. Team Falken will travel next to Monroe, Washington, for the “Throwdown,” when Formula D visits Evergreen Speedway, July 18–19.

Hawk Performance and CRP Racing Sweep the Weekend at Road America
Hawk Performance and the CRP Racing Team sweeps the Pirelli World Challenge weekend at Road America with Mike Skeen behind the wheel of the team’s Audi R8. Halfway through both Friday and Saturday races, Skeen made a move on the race-leading Cadillac, made the pass and never looked back as he raced toward the checkered flag.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Patrik Sandell drives the Kobalt Tools/Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta ST to victory in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Olsbergs MSE)

Patrik Sandell Wins Red Bull Global Rallycross
Patrik Sandell from the Olsbergs MSE team scored the win in the Kobalt Tools Ford Fiesta ST last weekend at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Through two days of tough heat racing, Sandell never finished lower than second to bypass the Last Chance Qualifier and advance directly to the Final, where he had a front-row starting position. The Kobalt Tools driver held the lead position for all 10 laps to the checkered flag. Sandell is now tied for third in the championship standings.

The Olsbergs MSE team returns to Red Bull Global Rallycross, July 19–20, in New York. World RX drivers Andreas Bakkerud and Reinis Nitiss will appear next weekend in Kuovola, Finland, for the Finnish round of the World Rallycross Championship.

Doug Peterson Wins at Road America, Retains Championship Lead
Doug Peterson, in the No. 87 3Dimensional.com Chevrolet Corvette, emerged victorious from the VP Small Engine Fuels 100 Miles of Madness at Road America, Round 6 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship, outlasting Amy Ruman, Cliff Ebben and Tony Ave in the TA Class. Peterson now has a 14-point lead over Ruman, with 167 points to her 153. Simon Gregg continues to hold third with 143 points.

Trans Am will now enter a one-month mid-season break in preparation for THE 3Dimensional Services Next Dimension 100 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, August 17, for Round Seven of the 2014 Trans Am Championship.

	Team Falken's Justin Pawlak and Darren McNamara are in sixth and eighth position, respectively, in the overall championship.

Team Falken Departs Formula Drift's 'New Jersey Gauntlet' With Two Drivers in Top 10
Team Falken had a strong showing at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway for Round 4 of the 2014 Formula Drift series and maintains two drivers—Justin Pawlak and Darren McNamara in sixth and eighth position, respectively—in the overall championship.

It was also the strongest performance of the season for third Team Falken driver, Daijiro Yoshihara, who qualified fourth, and advanced to the top eight as did McNamara, who lost to eventual Gauntlet winner Fredric Aasbo. Team Falken will travel next to Monroe, Washington, for the “Throwdown,” when Formula D visits Evergreen Speedway, July 18–19.

Hawk Performance and CRP Racing Sweep the Weekend at Road America
Hawk Performance and the CRP Racing Team sweeps the Pirelli World Challenge weekend at Road America with Mike Skeen behind the wheel of the team’s Audi R8. Halfway through both Friday and Saturday races, Skeen made a move on the race-leading Cadillac, made the pass and never looked back as he raced toward the checkered flag.

	About 2,000 tons of salt were deposited on the mud surface at the end of the access road to the Bonneville Salt Flats. The repairs demonstrate that it should be possible to repair and restore areas of the historic racing venue that have been depleted of salt.

An estimated 2,000 tons of salt were successfully deposited on the mud surface at the end of the access road to the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was graded and then dried to a hard, concrete-like racing surface. Although modest in scope, the project demonstrates that it should be possible to deposit dry salt in targeted areas so as to help preserve our national treasure—the site where land-speed records have been set over the past 100 years.  

The project took place over several days in mid-June. It was organized by the Save the Salt Coalition, which is comprised of SEMA and a number of other organizations and companies within the land-speed racing community with a shared mission of restoring the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Coalition coordinated the project with the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Shelton Construction. Shelton deposited the salt over the mud—an area once covered by salt. The company has decades of experience working in and around Bonneville.

“The dry salt laydown project marks a milestone event as we celebrate a century of racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats,” said Doug Evans, chairman of the Save the Salt Coalition. “There has been a significant loss of salt in the area since the ’40s. While millions of tons of salt brine have been pumped back in recent years, a supplemental dry salt program will focus on targeted areas, such as the race tracks.”    

The Bonneville Salt Flats is a National Landmark and a geologic phenomenon of international significance. For motorsports enthusiasts worldwide, it is hallowed ground. From the first speed record attempts in 1914 and through the present day, hundreds of records have been set and broken in a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes.

“SEMA’s roots are firmly planted at Bonneville,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “SEMA’s founding companies produced performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers that set land-speed records on the fabled salt. These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment.”

“The Coalition is now eager to take the next step this summer by laying down a two-mile strip of salt the width of a race track,” said Ron Main with the Speed Demon team (the world’s fastest piston-driven vehicle).  “Pending BLM approval, the test project will confirm that we can repair areas where it’s needed and help preserve and protect our national treasure—the Bonneville Salt Flats—for our future generations.”  

The Coalition has been fundraising to pay for equipment and transportation costs associated with dry salt laydown projects. 

For more information about the Coalition, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

	About 2,000 tons of salt were deposited on the mud surface at the end of the access road to the Bonneville Salt Flats. The repairs demonstrate that it should be possible to repair and restore areas of the historic racing venue that have been depleted of salt.

An estimated 2,000 tons of salt were successfully deposited on the mud surface at the end of the access road to the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was graded and then dried to a hard, concrete-like racing surface. Although modest in scope, the project demonstrates that it should be possible to deposit dry salt in targeted areas so as to help preserve our national treasure—the site where land-speed records have been set over the past 100 years.  

The project took place over several days in mid-June. It was organized by the Save the Salt Coalition, which is comprised of SEMA and a number of other organizations and companies within the land-speed racing community with a shared mission of restoring the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Coalition coordinated the project with the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Shelton Construction. Shelton deposited the salt over the mud—an area once covered by salt. The company has decades of experience working in and around Bonneville.

“The dry salt laydown project marks a milestone event as we celebrate a century of racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats,” said Doug Evans, chairman of the Save the Salt Coalition. “There has been a significant loss of salt in the area since the ’40s. While millions of tons of salt brine have been pumped back in recent years, a supplemental dry salt program will focus on targeted areas, such as the race tracks.”    

The Bonneville Salt Flats is a National Landmark and a geologic phenomenon of international significance. For motorsports enthusiasts worldwide, it is hallowed ground. From the first speed record attempts in 1914 and through the present day, hundreds of records have been set and broken in a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes.

“SEMA’s roots are firmly planted at Bonneville,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “SEMA’s founding companies produced performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers that set land-speed records on the fabled salt. These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment.”

“The Coalition is now eager to take the next step this summer by laying down a two-mile strip of salt the width of a race track,” said Ron Main with the Speed Demon team (the world’s fastest piston-driven vehicle).  “Pending BLM approval, the test project will confirm that we can repair areas where it’s needed and help preserve and protect our national treasure—the Bonneville Salt Flats—for our future generations.”  

The Coalition has been fundraising to pay for equipment and transportation costs associated with dry salt laydown projects. 

For more information about the Coalition, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

	About 2,000 tons of salt were deposited on the mud surface at the end of the access road to the Bonneville Salt Flats. The repairs demonstrate that it should be possible to repair and restore areas of the historic racing venue that have been depleted of salt.

An estimated 2,000 tons of salt were successfully deposited on the mud surface at the end of the access road to the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was graded and then dried to a hard, concrete-like racing surface. Although modest in scope, the project demonstrates that it should be possible to deposit dry salt in targeted areas so as to help preserve our national treasure—the site where land-speed records have been set over the past 100 years.  

The project took place over several days in mid-June. It was organized by the Save the Salt Coalition, which is comprised of SEMA and a number of other organizations and companies within the land-speed racing community with a shared mission of restoring the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Coalition coordinated the project with the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Shelton Construction. Shelton deposited the salt over the mud—an area once covered by salt. The company has decades of experience working in and around Bonneville.

“The dry salt laydown project marks a milestone event as we celebrate a century of racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats,” said Doug Evans, chairman of the Save the Salt Coalition. “There has been a significant loss of salt in the area since the ’40s. While millions of tons of salt brine have been pumped back in recent years, a supplemental dry salt program will focus on targeted areas, such as the race tracks.”    

The Bonneville Salt Flats is a National Landmark and a geologic phenomenon of international significance. For motorsports enthusiasts worldwide, it is hallowed ground. From the first speed record attempts in 1914 and through the present day, hundreds of records have been set and broken in a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes.

“SEMA’s roots are firmly planted at Bonneville,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “SEMA’s founding companies produced performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers that set land-speed records on the fabled salt. These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment.”

“The Coalition is now eager to take the next step this summer by laying down a two-mile strip of salt the width of a race track,” said Ron Main with the Speed Demon team (the world’s fastest piston-driven vehicle).  “Pending BLM approval, the test project will confirm that we can repair areas where it’s needed and help preserve and protect our national treasure—the Bonneville Salt Flats—for our future generations.”  

The Coalition has been fundraising to pay for equipment and transportation costs associated with dry salt laydown projects. 

For more information about the Coalition, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

	About 2,000 tons of salt were deposited on the mud surface at the end of the access road to the Bonneville Salt Flats. The repairs demonstrate that it should be possible to repair and restore areas of the historic racing venue that have been depleted of salt.

An estimated 2,000 tons of salt were successfully deposited on the mud surface at the end of the access road to the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was graded and then dried to a hard, concrete-like racing surface. Although modest in scope, the project demonstrates that it should be possible to deposit dry salt in targeted areas so as to help preserve our national treasure—the site where land-speed records have been set over the past 100 years.  

The project took place over several days in mid-June. It was organized by the Save the Salt Coalition, which is comprised of SEMA and a number of other organizations and companies within the land-speed racing community with a shared mission of restoring the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Coalition coordinated the project with the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Shelton Construction. Shelton deposited the salt over the mud—an area once covered by salt. The company has decades of experience working in and around Bonneville.

“The dry salt laydown project marks a milestone event as we celebrate a century of racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats,” said Doug Evans, chairman of the Save the Salt Coalition. “There has been a significant loss of salt in the area since the ’40s. While millions of tons of salt brine have been pumped back in recent years, a supplemental dry salt program will focus on targeted areas, such as the race tracks.”    

The Bonneville Salt Flats is a National Landmark and a geologic phenomenon of international significance. For motorsports enthusiasts worldwide, it is hallowed ground. From the first speed record attempts in 1914 and through the present day, hundreds of records have been set and broken in a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes.

“SEMA’s roots are firmly planted at Bonneville,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “SEMA’s founding companies produced performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers that set land-speed records on the fabled salt. These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment.”

“The Coalition is now eager to take the next step this summer by laying down a two-mile strip of salt the width of a race track,” said Ron Main with the Speed Demon team (the world’s fastest piston-driven vehicle).  “Pending BLM approval, the test project will confirm that we can repair areas where it’s needed and help preserve and protect our national treasure—the Bonneville Salt Flats—for our future generations.”  

The Coalition has been fundraising to pay for equipment and transportation costs associated with dry salt laydown projects. 

For more information about the Coalition, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.