Ford has beefed-up the 2013 F-Series lineup for 2013, increasing the payload and towing capacities of its Super Duty pickups to 7,260 pounds and 18,500 pounds, respectively. Ford says the Super Duty’s towing capacity is 500 pounds more than its nearest competitor.

“Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs are the segment benchmarks, chosen by tradesmen more than any other heavy-duty truck to get the job done,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “To help our customers continue to become more productive and efficient, we’ve increased our towing and payload capability yet again.”

The Super Duty also received an improved brake system that increases brake rotor swept area by 16.4 percent in front and 14.5 percent in the rear for maximum braking and to help dissipate heat, important on long downhill grades. Ford also added improved brake pads and a retuned booster for better brake pedal feel.

There’s also a larger parking brake.

This is good news for those who use their trucks to the limit, but Toyota trumped all towing claims last week. From now on, the question will have to be: Can it pull a Space Shuttle?