Ford Super Chief Concept Truck

The Ford Super Chief concept truck was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. With its unique V10 “tri-flex” engine that accommodates three different kinds of fuel, it was designed to offer the traditional truck buyer a luxury option that was also environmentally friendly. Rumors circulated that the Super Chief would finally be put into production in 2017, then in 2018. Truck enthusiasts continue to hold their breath, now hoping that 2020 might be the year that the Super Chief finally hits the showroom floors. If so, the following is what buyers can expect to see, based on the 2006 design.

01
of 14

Futuristic Design

super chief truck
Ford Super Chief Truck. &;copy Dale Wickell

The inspiration for the truck’s design, and hence its name, came from the legendary Super Chief trains that ran from Chicago to Los Angeles from the 1930s to 1960s. If put into production, the Super Chief would look unlike any truck currently on the market.

02
of 14

Tough but Luxurious Styling

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Truck. &;copy Ford Media

The goal was to mix the traditional look of a tough and durable work truck with luxury styling and state-of-the-art features. The end result might be described as retro-futuristic.

03
of 14

Durability

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Concept Truck. © Dale Wickell

Aluminum framework and parts contribute to the Super Chief’s lightweight durability. The truck also comes standard with a host of safety features, including front and side airbags, safety belt reminders, and BlockerBeam technology, which is designed to reduce impact and serious injury in the case of a collision with a car.

04
of 14

Four-Door Ease

Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Truck. &;copy Dale Wickell

All four doors open fully and independently of each other, which makes for easy entry and exit. This view shows off a roomy interior in keeping with the truck's emphasis on luxury amenities and comfortable ride.

05
of 14

Muscle

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Truck. © Dale Wickell

With 79 inches of ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, the Super Chief is a super beast in the heavy-duty truck department.

06
of 14

Light-filled interior

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Concept Truck. © Dale Wickell

Large front, rear, and side windows ensure plenty of light reaches the interior while offering the safety of nearly unobstructed views. Another unique feature that melds form and function is the truck's all-glass coffered roof.

07
of 14

Redesigned Front

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Concept Truck. © Dale Wickell

Buyers can expect a completely redesigned chrome grille and bumper, along with the latest in LED technology for the lighting, both front and back. Fog lights and towing hooks come standard as well.

08
of 14

Redesigned Rear

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Concept Truck. © Dale Wickell

With another nod toward the work-truck buyer, the Super Chief features a heavy-duty tailgate that opens up to an eight-foot-long bed. The bed also comes with a stock bed cover, liner, and under-bed storage tray.

09
of 14

Luxury Interior

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Truck. © Dale Wickell

The roomy, comfortable interior seats four. All leather seats, a wooden floor, eight-inch touchscreen dashboard, and brushed aluminum and walnut wood accents are just some of the upscale interior features.

10
of 14

Roominess

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford F-250 Super Chief Truck. © Ford Media

Truck buyers are picky about head and leg room, and the Super Chief offers plenty of both. Think of it as riding in first class, rather than coach. And the handling will probably impress even the most avowed luxury sedan drivers.

11
of 14

Passenger Amenities

Ford Super Chief
Ford F-250 Super Chief Truck. © Dale Wickell

Rear-seat passengers will enjoy plush, lounge-chair-style leather seating with automatic ottomans, two feet of legroom, and a center console for drinks and snacks. Passengers can also view their favorite movies and television shows on two large LCD screens. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, satellite navigation, and USB ports come standard.

12
of 14

Attractive Wheels and Custom Tires

Ford Super Chief Truck
Ford Super Chief Truck. &;copy Dale Wickell

Another flashy exterior feature that caught the eye of auto show attendees were the truck’s 24-inch wheels and custom Goodyear tires. More than just decorative, they help to ensure the Super Chief’s smooth ride.

13
of 14

Impressive Size

Ford Super Chief
© Ford Media

At 6.5 feet tall, nearly 8 feet wide, and 22 feet long, the Super Chief is sure to dominate the market for full-sized luxury trucks. But how much would it cost? Hard to say. The most luxurious Ford truck currently in production, the F-250 Platinum, retails for around $62,000. The Super Chief will likely top that.

14
of 14

State-of-the-Art V10 Engine

Ford Super Chief, V10 Engine
© Ford Media

The most cutting-edge feature of the Super Chief concept truck is its unique “tri-flex” supercharged V10 engine, which is intended to run on gasoline, ethanol, and hydrogen, with separate tanks for each all located under the back bed. But fuel efficiency doesn’t mean less muscle. The Super Chief is reported to boast 550 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. torque, with a top speed of 180 miles per hour.