F-150 – Page 5 – Automobiles Review

2013 Ford F-150 Revealed

One of America’s favorite trucks is now entering the year 2013. It’s the latest Ford F-150 range now with an EcoBoost engine as well. Aside from that, the design has been moderately revised and a few pickup-friendly features have been added. For the high rollers, there are also F-150 special editions that peak in luxury and equipment.

The engine variety within the Ford F-150 is now bigger than ever. Right next to the baseline 3.7-liter V6, the 5.0-liter V8 and top of the line 411 hp, 6.2liter V8 Ti-VCT engines, now sits a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine which has approximately the economy of the of the baseline model (16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway) but the power (and more) of the 5.0-liter one and the towing capacity of the 6.2-liter one. In other words – 365 hp, 420 lb-ft. of torque as soon as 2,500 rpm and 11,300 pounds of maximum trailer tow. You also get electroincally locking diff on it and Hill Descent Control. Whichever you choose though, you’ll always end up with the same efficient six-speed automatic transmission.

The base model is called the XLT. On its outside, the grill is new and so are the headlights which now use HID technology – superior and better looking we’ve been told. Depending on your trim choice, you may get newly designed 18- or 20-inch wheels. Three new body colors are now also available. That is Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic.

Something particularly neat is the electronic telescoping function on the side-mirrors which can come in handy when towing a big caravan for example and from the inside you also get the SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report as standard on the XLT. As options you can also add-on to this other software such as Traffic Information, Turn-by-Turn Directions, Business Search, Send to SYNC from Google Maps and MapQuest, News, Sports, Weather and Horoscopes. That’s a lot of information for the 4.2-inch LCD display to take but hey, if you go for one of the special versions, the Ford F-150 Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum or Limited, that screen becomes a MyFord Touch 8-inch display with a few USB and SD slots added for personal multimedia.

2013 Ford F-150 XLT (left) and Lariat (right)

Source: Ford

June 5, 2012

Roush and the Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 truck is a cultural phenomenon with 584,917 units sold in the US during year 2011 alone. Now the company is anticipating four new engines and ROUSH tuning house is not willing to stand and watch. Instead, both new Ford 6.2L and 5.0L V-8s will get a full supercharger kit while the other two new comers will get enhancements as well, all for the greater grunt.

First lets talk about the juicy stuff: 2.3L TVS R2300 superchargers featuring Eaton’s new TVS Technology can be preordered and fitted to the V8 engines. Those massive turbos boast four-lobe rotors with high-flow inlet and outlet ports which basically allow more power at higher RPM. Other highlights include ROUSH’s new cold air induction system, a 100 mm MAF tube (mass airflow meter), twin 60mm throttle body, a high efficiency intercooler system that incorporates a dual-core low temp radiator, degas bottle and high capacity air-to-water intercooler. A non-calibrated 5.0 Tuner kit is now available for order with the calibrated ROUSH 5.0 kit coming this february. The 6.2 non-calibrated one will be available sometime this month while the 6.2 calibrated ROUSH edition can be shipped no sooner than April.

All four engines (that includes the 3.7 V6 and 3.5 V6) will get cold air induction system kits. In the V6 that translates into an open element upper air box, a washable high-flow air filter and a new MAF tube. V8 also get get that, plus a new clean air tube. Everything is carefully tuned and crafted with OE materials to meet F-150 factory standards. All kits are designed for easy installation requiring no drilling or cutting.

To wrap it up, ROUSH have thrown in a dual-tip, stainless steel, high performance cat back exhaust system. It fits virtually every engine/cabin/bed configuration. It allows air to go trough more smoothly and reduces back pressure which supposedly increases power and torque… and engine noise. The mufflers are made from high grade stainless steal smeared with specially applied (micro-porously) chrome that does not subdue to flaking or cracking under high temperatures.

By the time April comes around, all ROUSH performance parts should be ready for shipment so that newly acquired F-150 trucks wont have to roll the streets naked.

Source: Roush

January 16, 2012

2012 Ford F-150

Ford has introduced the all-new 2012 F-150 pick-up truck. It is available with a new FX appearance package and several driveline updates and new technologies to further improve and refine the driving experience

The FX appearance package includes set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering as well as a red-stitched steering wheel. There are also black leather seats with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all FX colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX luxury package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

The set of 20” six-spoke wheels with a flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique bodyside decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager.

“It expands our range of specialty vehicles with custom elements that customers previously could find only in the aftermarket.”, he added.

The new F-150 EcoBoost 4×4 is powered by a 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 with 370PS (272 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. It has a unique range of 756 miles (1200+ km) on a single tank of fuel (136 liters). It also has Best-in-class 11 300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors and Best-in-class 3 060 pounds payload vs. all competitors.

All of the changes for 2012 complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy. Each new engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmissions as standard.

Additional updates:

Light-duty SuperCab 163-inch-wheelbase option on XL and XLT
Heavy-duty payload CrewCab 157-inch-wheelbase option on XL, XLT and Lariat
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4 now standard on XL to FX4 trim levels
Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings

Engine range:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2)
Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4×2)
Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4×2)
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors

Source: Ford

October 1, 2011

2012 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

Ford has announced the 2012 F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition. The pick-up truck comes with staggering 6.2 liter V8 engine, snakeskin leather interior accents, a new stylized bodyside graphic and a new wheel and premium paint color.

“This is a great pairing of two icons of the open road: Ford and Harley-Davidson. Both brands appeal to truck owners and motorcycle enthusiasts alike,” said Marc Lapine, Ford F-150 marketing manager.

“For 2012 we worked with Harley-Davidson to continue to push the styling envelope while still delivering the durability and power that F-150 is known for and that our collective customers expect. It perfectly captures both brands.”, he added.

2012 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition is available two main colours – Tuxedo Black or White Platinum Tri-Coat. The vehicle also comes with a exterior graphics, huge 22” alloy wheels, darkened headlights and a six-bar grille.

The interior boasts superb heated leather seats, snakeskin leather interior accents, a Harley-Davidson badge on the center console and 8” touch-screen GPS SAT NAV system.

2012 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition Interior

The massive 6.2 liter V8 engine produces 417PS (306 kW) and 588Nm (434 lb-ft). It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The power is put on the road through RWD or an optional four-wheel-drive.

SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts: The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder head design results in a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in great low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better breathing
Dual-equal variable cam timing: Intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel efficiency and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions
Two spark plugs per cylinder: Due to the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help the engine maintain a smooth, stable idle
Dual knock sensors: A knock sensor on each bank of cylinders of the V8 engine allows the spark timing of each cylinder to be individually optimized real-time, throughout the engine speed range. The engine learns the optimum timing via an adaptive algorithm

2012 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition Side

2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150:

Power moonroof
Rear view camera
Second-row heated seats
Ambient lighting
Remote Start System
110-volt power inverter
Power-adjustable performance pedals

F-Series firsts:

20″ wheels
22″ wheels
Wet-on-wet paint
Superchargers
Badges as interior ornamentation
All-wheel drive
Power deployable running boards
High-gloss painted interior

Source: Ford

August 9, 2011

Ford F-150 and F-350 Super Duty at the 2010 SEMA Show

Ford will present an entire line of custom trucks at the SEMA show next month. The company has teamed up with a number of aftermarket specialists to create the models that can be viewed at the Auto Show.

The first is a Godfather Customs 2011 Ford F-150, which is based on the F-150 powered by a 3.5l EcoBoost engine. The truck features a 2.5-inch cowl induction hood, bumper cover, roll pan, handle relocator, tonneau bed cover and liner and halo taillamps.

The second F-150 is a creation of Mickey Thompson and includes 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC Radical tires, Fabtech 6-inch suspension, PIAA auxiliary lighting and Warn Industries winch recovery gear. (more…)

October 25, 2010

2011 SVT Raptor – The ultimate performance truck

Ford introduced the refreshened model of SVT Raptor. The performance truck now offers SuperCrew (four-door) model, new graphics, more colours and of course a more powerful engine as a standard.

Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. commented: “When we launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle,” (more…)

September 6, 2010

Ford expands its Custom Graphics site with Mustang and F-150 models

If you are a fan or a proud owner of the new Fiesta urban mini by Ford, you may already know the web place called – fordcustomgraphics, which allows you to take your ride on a new visual height by wrapping it in stunning vinyl designs. But if that web site doesn’t sounds familiar, you definitely have to check it as it is extended with more astonishing graphic designs and more Ford models – Mustang and F-150. (more…)

June 4, 2010

Shelby F-150 Super Snake Concept

Shelby Automobiles, Inc. is presenting tuning package for 2003-2008 Ford F150, based on Shelby GT500 Super Snake. The upgrades include improving of handling, exterior, interior and power unit of the truck. (more…)

November 17, 2009

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor titled as 2009 Truck of Texas

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor took the title “2009 Truck of Texas”. This is the 7th consecutive award for Ford. A jury of more than 40 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) members tested the F-150 SVT Raptor and named it for 2009 Truck of Texas. (more…)

October 20, 2009

Ford Offers Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience to Monster Jam Fans

Ford soon will make once-in-a-lifetime dreams come true for Monster Jam® fans, as the deadline draws near for the Built Ford Tough Monsters on Mainstreet Sweepstakes.

The winner of the sweepstakes will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access at an upcoming Monster Jam event, including an opportunity to interact with the drivers and ride the vehicles. It is an experience that only Ford can offer due to its long-standing relationship with Monster Jam, said Kevin Schebil, manager, Ford Truck Communications.

“More than 30 percent of Ford F-Series customers watch Monster Truck events on television,” he said. “Our long-standing partnerships with Monster Jam put us in a unique position to offer these fans incredible experiences they will never forget.”

The Blue Thunder Monster Truck

Fans who visit MonstersOnMainstreet between now and March 15, 2009, can enter for a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2009 Monster Jam World Finals in Las Vegas March 27 through March 30, 2009. Three finalists and three guests will receive credentials to see the Monster trucks and their drivers, plus special passes for a ride in Ford’s Blue Thunder monster truck.

While in Las Vegas, the three finalists will compete for the Grand Prize: an all-new 2009 Ford F-150, four tickets to the Monster Jam Awards Banquet on March 29, and a Blue Thunder Pit Party in their own backyard, including a catered barbecue dinner with 25 friends and family! The Blue Thunder Monster Truck driver – along with the Blue Thunder Monster Truck and the Blue Thunder Ride Truck – will be at the barbecue to visit with the guests.

The Blue Thunder Monster Truck

February 26, 2009

ROUSH Expands Propane Vehicle Lineup with F-250 Pickup

ROUSH® unveiled the next propane-powered vehicle in its lineup – the 2010 ROUSH® Liquid Propane Injected F-250.
The ROUSH® propane-powered F-250 immediately received considerable interest among the attendees, many of whom had been looking for a medium-duty truck that could offer both lower operating costs and lower greenhouse emissions for their fleet. (more…)

February 23, 2009

New 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150: Tough Truck With Cool Attitude

The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 delivers a new standard of “custom cool,” combining the smooth handling and legendary durability of America’s best-selling truck with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson, the industry leader in motorcycles.

This marks the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck and latest in a line of Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series models dating back to 2000, which aim to appeal to customers who appreciate quality and unique details only this kind of collaboration can bring.

“Our successful co-branding, unmatched in the industry, offers customers true specialized truck luxury,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “Just like with our other associations, we’ve linked with an industry leader to offer the best
of the best.”

The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced eight F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250, F-350, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is the first Harley-Davidson edition vehicle built off the award-winning new 2009 Ford F-150.

“This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that’s been the hallmark of the Ford F-Series brand,” said Matt O’Leary, chief engineer. “Now we’re giving customers more of everything they love with the best F-150 and the boldest Harley-Davidson F-150 ever – featuring a fully differentiated design, all-wheel-drive capability, 22-inch wheels and a knock-out interior.”

The exterior of the 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar shaped billet style grille and boasts specialized forged aluminum and Harley-Davidson® chrome badging. The truck will have a lowered appearance because of a fully integrated deployable running board.

Also standard are 22-inch low-profile performance tires – the largest in the F-Series lineup – and Euroflange forged wheels with a polished and painted center wheel cap. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson – Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake.

The interior is customized to appeal to the truck buyer who appreciates the attention to detail for which both Ford and Harley-Davidson are renowned.

“There’s a real tie-in between the truck’s interior and exterior designs,” said Patrick Schiavone, Design director. “It’s very much like how some customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a prominent theme that runs through them. That’s how we tie it in with custom bikes.”

Also impressive are the seats and console lid, which features hand-made cloisonné badges; the console has a limited-edition serialization plate.

“These handmade badges continue our theme of premium Harley-Davidson offerings,” said Schiavone. “Probably the only place that most people have seen hand-made cloisonné is on premium Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It’s really high craftsmanship, and people will recognize it as another connection between the two brands.”

Linkage is apparent even in the smallest details, such as adornments on the seats.

“The theme of the seat was designed to resemble a Harley® biker jacket,” Schiavone said. “We even used authentic materials you’d find on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes® brand apparel.”

The seat backs feature ribbed leather treatments, engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and even zippered map pockets featuring zippers from Harley jackets.

It is important to the Ford Design team that the truck remain genuine to enthusiasts of Harley-Davidson, customers who traditionally are as loyal to their motorcycles as F-150 owners are to their trucks.

That’s why the team meets regularly with Harley-Davidson designers and travels to motorcycle events throughout the year – including Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Harley-Davidson dealer meetings – to talk to current and potential customers. The team wants to be sure that when Harley-Davidson owners or enthusiasts need a truck, this is the truck they choose.

“We talk to everyone we can; we find out what the customer values,” O’Leary said. “We look at what they like, what they want, and what they wish they had, and we go from there.”

“No one understands their customers better than Harley-Davidson and Ford,” said Joanne Bischmann, vice president – Licensing, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “We’re proud to share the spirit of Harley-Davidson authenticity in a unique interpretation of America’s favorite truck, the F-Series.”

About the F-150
On the new F-150, there’s a wealth of content complementing its unique appearance. The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is equipped with a 5.4-liter three-valve engine, which is rated up to 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lbs. of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a sport-tuned exhaust and a top speed of 115 mph.

The truck is available with 4×2 or an optional all-wheel drive, which features settings of 4×2, AWD and 4×4 high, unique to the Harley-Davidson edition on the F-150 platform. All 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 models will be SuperCrews.

The F-150 is new inside and out. The Ford truck team adopted a holistic, 360-degree approach to revamping the vehicle – from its segment-first features to the tough new exterior, a more spacious, flexible and refined interior and an unparalleled choice of cab styles and trim levels.

The improvements are just as dramatic beneath the sheet metal. They include a new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers even more horsepower, unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading towing and payload capacity.

The new design has garnered an impressive array of awards:

* F-Series is the best selling vehicle in America for 27 consecutive years; best-selling truck for 32 consecutive years

* Motor Trend 2009 Truck of the Year Award™

* Top honors as “Truck of Texas” as well as “Best Luxury Pickup” for the 2009 F-150 King Ranch from Texas Auto Writers Association

* 2009 North American Truck of the Year

* “Best Overall Half-Ton Pickup” from PickupTrucks.com

* 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

* “Automotive Excellence” award in the Workhorse Category from Popular Mechanics

* Motor Trend’s Truck Trend Top 5 Trucks from Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept

* Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year

* Detroit News Truck of the Year

* Best Truck by Florida Monthly

* Playboy’s 2009 Best Pickup

* “Accessory-Friendly Truck” Design Award from SEMA

* America’s Safest Full-size Pickup with 5-star frontal and 5-star side-impact crash-test ratings, the highest possible scores, in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests.

* “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its standard safety technology: Safety Canopy side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control

* “Residual Value” award from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG) for retaining the highest percentage of its original price among 2009 full-size light duty pickups at the end of a conventional three-year lease, based on ALG projections

February 10, 2009

Tag: F-150