2014 Detroit Auto Show: 2015 Ford F-150
Ford’s biggest seller goes on a big diet
By Imthishan Giado
Pity the poor engineers who had to work on this new Ford F-150. You are looking at the best-selling car in American and next to the Mustang, the most iconic vehicle in the blue oval range. For this thirteenth generation, Ford has decided to cut out the chub and flab that characterised its predecessor.
Nearly 317kg has been shaved from its body through the use of clever aluminium alloys that comprise 93% of the body of the new F-150. Going lighter has only benefits: less mass to shift means better fuel economy, better agility and better braking. It’s a win-win-win situation.
Lesser weight doesn’t mean less strong, though. The fully-boxed ladder frame that makes up the base of the F-150 is all-new and Ford claims, even stronger through the use of what it calls ‘military grade’ alloys, which also happen to improve dent and ding resistance. Take that, absent-minded mall parkers.
The engine line-up has received a minor juggle: the 5.0-litre V8 and the wondrous 3.5-litre twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 remain, but the base engine is now an all-new 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 with an intriguing 2.7-litre Ecoboost V6 slotting in the range above it. A sad day for V8 fans, as the top-dog 6.2-litre V8 is consigned to the history books. Power and economy figures have yet to be revealed .
This is no big dumb pickup – there is a ton of tech on the F-150. 360-degree bird’s eye view cameras for easier parking? Check. LED headlamps and tail lights, and complete optional LED lighting for the bed and interior? Check. Trailer hitch assist, a rear view camera that allows for lining up truck and trailer without getting out of the vehicle? Check. Smart trailer tow, that warns of burnt out lights from the dash? Check. 8-inch central screen? You bet. Inflatable second row seat belts, a tubular airbag that provides better chest protection in the event of an accident? Uh huh. Curve Control? I don’t even know what that does, but it apparently provides ‘better braking’ when you go too hot into a bend. And of course, the usual smorgasboard of safety acronyms, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, automatic Start-Stop and all the rest.
For those who will use the F-150 as an actual work vehicle, plenty has been done to make it more user friendly. Ford has added integrated loading ramps that extend out of the bed, making it easier to load up ATVs and motorcycles. The rear seats now have hidden storage bins, the tailgate can be unlocked and lowered in one damped motion from the driver’s keyfob and there are now two 400W power outlets in the cabin for your laptops, iPhones and whatever else needs juice on the go.
And that’s not en exhaustive list, just the highlights. For more, check back after the new F-150 is formally revealed at the Detroit Auto Show.
