14 Jan 08
Dodge has redesigned its Ram, and Ford has its new F-150: it's a battle of the big trucks.
The F-150, the latest in a hugely-popular model line-up dating back to 1948, has been thoroughly overhauled to take the truck into the 21st century. With an eye to delivering better fuel economy, it has a lighter-weight chassis, yet has better safety and towing/payload capacity. Diesel and EcoBoost turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engines will follow in 2010.
In the meantime, three petrol V8s are on offer with an average 1mpg improvement in fuel economy: an E85-compatible 5.4, and two versions of a new 4.6, with Ford's new six-speed automatic transmission optional as well as the old-school four-speed gearbox.
Safety equipment includes side curtain airbags, stability control, trailer sway control and optional rearview cameras and trailer brake control, and high-tech gadgets on offer include the Ford Sync voice-activated communications/entertainment system, SIRIUS sat nav with real-time traffic, weather and fuel price info, satellite radio, and a 700-watt, 10-speaker surround-sound Sony audio system. Range-topping Platinum versions get satin-chrome trim, 10-way adjustable seats, leather upholstery, ash woodgrain/brushed aluminium trim, and 20-inch polished aluminium wheels.
General in-cabin practicality is boosted by the addition of a longer, lockable central console, over 30 different cubby holes, bins and trays, a redesigned (console-mounted) gearshift, larger control buttons and switches, two 12-volt power outlets and in-dash MP3/USB input sockets. Load space behind the front seats has been improved, and further new features include a stowable load bed extender, tailgate and box side steps and capless refuelling system.
The F-150 range comprises three cab styles, four load-box options and seven trim levels, from the basic XL to sporty STX, off-road oriented F4X and luxury-spec Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum.
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