The new Ford F-150 is likely to be perhaps the most significant model presented at the Detroit show, and to stay on top, it comes armed with a series of technological arguments that again put it one step ahead of its rivals.
It's not so much talking about a model, but almost an institution. Ford F-Series has held the title of best-selling vehicle in the US for 32 years in absolute terms, and as the best-selling pick-up truck, it has gone on for 37 consecutive years. In 2013 it surpassed the mark of 700 thousand units sold, continuing to be one of the best-selling vehicles on the planet. It is unavoidable not to write about the Ford pick-up and resisting all sorts of advance information leaks, we had to wait practically for the doors of the Detroit Motor Show to get to know the new generation of the Ford F-150.
This new generation is having a lot to talk about. This is because, as in Europe, the USA is also attacking the consumption and emissions of the vehicles we drive. CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) dictates that, by 2025, the average fuel consumption in a manufacturer's range will only have to be 4.32 l/100km or 54.5 mpg. Not even the holy pick-ups are free from this reality.
In the world of giant American pick-ups we had already witnessed several steps towards the reduction of «appetite». Ford tested the market with the 3.5 V6 Ecoboost, proving a commercial success, becoming the best-selling engine, despite being the smallest and most efficient engine in the range, but competing with the V8 in pure strength.
Ram currently holds the title of most economical pick-up, using the Pentastar V6 3.6 complemented by a new 8-speed automatic transmission, and has recently introduced a new 3.0 V6 Diesel, already known from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which should make it possible to reinforce that title. The new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, in both V6 and V8 engines, already have direct injection, as well as variable valve opening and cylinder deactivation.
If the engines are increasingly efficient, it will be necessary even more to continue to reduce the consumption of these titans. The new Ford F-150 starts a new offensive in this war: the fight against weight. Up to 700 pounds less , is the large number that we see announced! It's like saying: a diet of up to 317 kg, when compared to the generation that this new Ford F-150 replaces. Ford achieved this weight reduction, above all by the aluminum introduction in the construction of the F-150.
Despite the newness of aluminum, we still find a steel frame at the base of the new Ford F-150. It is still a ladder chassis, a simple and robust solution. The steels that make it up are now mostly high-strength steels, which allowed the reduction of a few tens of kilos compared to the predecessor. But the big gains are even through the new aluminum bodywork. With lessons drawn from the time when Jaguar still belonged to the Ford universe, when it designed the Jaguar XJ with an aluminum unibody body, Ford announces that it uses the same type of alloys applied in the aerospace industry and military vehicles such as the HMMWV. The focus shifts to conveying the message to the market that this transition to a new material will not harm the strength of the F-150.
Underneath the giant hood of the Ford F-150 we also find many new features. Starting at the base, we find a new atmospheric 3.5 V6, which Ford refers to as superior in every respect to the previous 3.7 V6. One step up we find a unreleased 2.7 V6 Ecoboost , which, it is said (there is still a lot of information to be made available by Ford), is not related to the well-known 3.5 V6 Ecoboost. Going up a little further, we find the only V8 in the range, with 5 liters of capacity, which carries over from the current generation, the well-known Coyote. And I say unique, because the 6.2 liter V8 that was at the top of the range has been reformed, giving way to the 3.5 V6 Ecoboost. Coupled to all these engines we will find, for now, a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The new aluminum skin reveals an evolutionary style. With solutions provided for in the Ford Atlas concept, known at this same show for a year, we find a style that, naturally, does not fit in the rest of the “light” Ford family, such as the new Mustang or the Fusion/Mondeo, which are characterized by more fluid and slender appearance.
“Hard aspect” seems to be the name of the game and as you would expect, we found more straight solutions, tending towards rectangle and square, to define the different elements and surfaces. Naturally, we also have a massive and imposing grille, flanked by new C-shaped headlamps. A first for the market, is the option for all-LED front optics, complementing the rear optics with the same technology.
Part of the stylist options also reflect the aerodynamic optimization carried out. The windshield has a greater inclination, the rear window is now at the side of the bodywork, has a new and larger front spoiler, and the load box access cover has, we could say, a “plateau” with 15cm in its top. depth, which further helps in separating the air flow. As standard, on all versions, we also find movable fins on the front grille, which can prevent air from entering the engine compartment when it is not needed, contributing to less friction.
There are also a number of new features that enhance the practicality and functionality of the Ford F-150. The rear cover features an access step and it can now be opened remotely using the key command. The cargo box also features a new set of LED lighting, as well as a new hook system to hold the cargo. It might even have telescopic ramps to help load Quads or motorcycles.
A work vehicle that, increasingly, it is a place with a cozy interior and strong technological content . We witnessed changes in the interior, both in materials, presentation and technological solutions. A high definition screen presents the most varied type of information on the instrument panel, and in the generous center console, we find another screen with two possible sizes depending on the version and with the SYNC system from Ford.
The equipment list is extensive, at least in this top version presented, called Platinum, more similar to an executive car than a work vehicle, allowing for extensive customization. In the list of comfort and safety equipment, we find cameras for a 360º view, warning for changing the lane and another vehicle in blind spot, automatic parking and a panoramic mega roof, as well as inflatable seat belts. Many of the equipment are absolute firsts in this type of vehicle, so Ford stands out from the most direct competition.
Despite the generous sales slack for Chevrolet Silverado, the second best-selling pickup, it shouldn't be easy. The Ford F-150 is Ford's true golden egg, and this new generation has what it takes to continue its seemingly untouchable reign of leadership.
