Ford F-150: Leaner and Meaner

America’s best-selling vehicle was fully redesigned for the 2015-MY, and the new Ford F-150 is lighter, stronger and more powerful than the outgoing model. Full specs are not yet available, but the new truck has reportedly shed about 700 pounds (lbs.) — thanks to aluminum body panels and a new fully boxed steel ladder frame.

The lineup is expected to include five models (down from 10 in 2014) and four engines.

The F-150’s six-speed automatic transmission and 5.0-liter V-8 — currently rated at 360 horsepower (hp) and 380 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque — will carry over.

Those powerplants will join a slightly smaller base engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering 283 hp at 255 lb.-ft., as well as a 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 (325 hp at 375 lb.-ft.) and a 3.5-liter turbo V-6, which is expected to tow 8,500 lbs. with rear-wheel drive.

Fleet buyers will choose from Regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew models. Each will be equipped with a standard 6-foot, 7-inch bed; the SuperCab will offer an 8-foot, 1-inch bed and the SuperCrew will be available with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed. The SuperCab’s “suicide” rear doors carry over, and SuperCrew buyers can add a panoramic sunroof.

Auto show enthusiasts will recognize the new exterior, which is virtually unchanged from the Alpha concept vehicle unveiled in Detroit last year. The new front fascia features a chunky, three-tiered chrome grille and standard LED headlights; LED taillights and bed illumination also come standard.

The beds will also feature a revised tailgate step and integrated ramps that fold up against the bed-
rails, easing the loading and unloading of equipment and cargo. The available BoxLink in-bed storage system will include a variety of brackets and cleats to fit a range of applications and accessories.

The new interior features a passenger vehicle-worthy design and a long list of advanced safety features, including a “smart” trailer tow module that alerts drivers to burned-out bulbs and broken connections. The cabin includes a laptop-ready center console, under-seat storage compartments and a few extra inches of rear legroom.

The 2015 F-150 will be available later this year. MSRPs will start in the $26,000 range and top out somewhere north of $50,000 once the XLT, Lariat and King Ranch editions roll off the line.

Originally posted on Work Truck Online