US: Six-cylinder engines dropped as new Ford F-150 pick-up debuts at Detroit show
Monday, January 14, 2008, AutomotiveWorld.com
A new version of the world's best selling vehicle, the Ford F-150 pick-up, has had its global premiere at the North American International Auto Show.
The 2009 F-150 has been revised with styling changes and a rethink for the engine line-up, which includes the surprise decision to drop V6 variants.
This rival for the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan has been restyled with a less rugged, more sophisticated look, emphasised by the creation of an extra trim level, Platinum Series, which is aimed at wealthier buyers. As Ford is to discontinue the Lincoln LT, pick-up the latter is a logical move.
Although the new model has not changed as dramatically as the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, also unveiled at the Detroit motor show, the update does include a new, lighter frame and a thoroughly updated interior. Like the new Ram, however, production of this new model will not start until the third quarter, with build at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan as well as at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri. Sales are due to begin in all three North American markets in October/November.
As well as the new hydroformed frame, the 2009 F-150 will offer segment-first standard AdvanceTrac (tractiom control) with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and Trailer Sway Control. Rearview Camera Assist is to be an option, while another extra cost feature, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller will be a segment-first on light-duty pick-ups, Ford says.
In all, there will be three cab styles, four box options, seven trim levels and 35 different configuration possibilities. As well as the new Platinum Series, trim levels will continue to be as follows: XL (base), STX (sports), FX4 (off-road), XLT (mid-range) Lariat (luxury) and King Ranch (extra luxury).
Ford notes that many customers complained that they couldn't reach into the bed of the current F-Series, so the company's engineers have added a side step between the cab and the rear wheel. The feature, which opens with the touch of a shoe, allows the climber to step up and reach into the bed. A further innovation is a pull out step found in the tailgate of Super Duty trucks.
The interior of the new SuperCrew variants will offer more usable space thanks to a six-inch stretch that improves rear seat legroom and cargo capacity. A mechanically articulated second-row seat flips up and out of the way. Combined with a flat load floor, this new feature gives the new SuperCrew class leading 57.6 cubic feet of space behind the front seats and can accommodate items up to 47.9 inches tall, the OEM states, naming a flat-screen TV as a likely item that owners might wish to transport from shop to home.
Under the bonnet, the new F-150 will be powered by three engines, mated to either a four- or six-speed automatic transmission:
- 18v 5.4-litre Triton V8 which can run on E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), regular unleaded gasoline or any blend in between
- 18v 4.6-litre V8, new for the F-150
- 16v 4.6-litre V8 which Ford claims delivers more horsepower with the same fuel economy performance as the outgoing truck's V6.
Although the company is yet to announce power outputs for any engine, it claims the all-V8 lineup delivers a fleet-average 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy versus the outgoing F-150.
Finally, diesel and EcoBoost direct injection turbocharged engines are planned for 2010, Ford says.
Published on Monday, January 14, 2008
Free e-newsletters
Our free E-Newsletter service is an excellent way of staying up to date with news and features from around the global auto industry.
