Ford F-150 – Page 4 – Automobiles Review

2015 Ford F-150: Toughest and Most Aerodynamic

The designers of the new 2015 Ford F-150 made a challenging goal when they decided to reimagine the iconic pickup. They had to create an aerodynamic and efficient design that at the same time did not compromise the tough looks of the Ford truck. And we must say that the team definitely succeeded. Just take a look at F-150’s structured look features such as squared-off edges, shapes and surfaces. The vehicle expresses confidence, capability and work readiness. What is more, these elements are made in such way that they allow the truck to slip through the air more efficiently.

What balances strength and efficiency is the incorporation of sharp edges into the overall design. They not only convey toughness, but also enable airflow to hug the surfaces at the front portion of the truck. In fact, thee rear corners are designed to minimize turbulence and swirling air that can cause drag and reduce efficiency.

In addition, the vertical grille includes angled outer portions, which lead to the headlamps and bumper corners. The latter are swept back to smoothly direct airflow down the sides, reducing drag. The design of the hood allows the air to smoothly flow to the windshield and roof.

The tests lead in the wind tunnel enabled designers to see the benefits of the aerodynamic efficiencies. First, the flush-mounted windshield eliminates the need for molding that would disrupt smooth airflow. Next, the tailgate top act as a spoiler, reducing turbulence behind the truck.

The cargo box is narrower than the cab, however – the box volume was not reduced. This improves airflow, while a trim piece prevents air from getting trapped between cab and box. The rear corners with the taillamps are angled so the air breaks off cleanly and reduces turbulence behind the truck. At last, the duct under the headlamp channels air through to the wheel housing and reduces the wake generated from the wheel.

Source: Ford

August 27, 2014

New Ford F-150 features advanced technology and more

2015-Ford-F-150-front_thumb 2015-Ford-F-150-front_651

Every new car model strives to bring the best features and the latest technologies to the market in order to shine when compared against the competition. You can easily see newer, more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines, better equipment, improved handling and a bunch of other smart things that make your life a bit easier and a bit more enjoyable.

The new 2015 Ford F-150 is no different. While most of the tech specs of the vehicle are already known, there are a few more that have remained in the shadow and Ford wants to draw some more attention to them to make the new vehicle more appealing. For example the famous US company is proud to announce that the 2015 Ford F-150 comes with a new seamless sliding rear window design – a first for the brand.

The new technology, designed by Magna International, is unique because it hides window seams, which sets a new trend for power sliders by improving looks and functionality; at the same time the new approach reduces components and manufacturing complexity. The overall result is a smooth opening when viewed from outside.

“Delivering the latest in innovation and technology to our customer is a top priority for Ford,” said Noah Mass, Ford body mechanisms manager. “The seamless sliding rear window is another great example of the intricate detail that goes into producing the next-generation F-150, setting it apart from any pickup on the market today.”

Standard sliding rear windows typically contain three pieces of glass – left and right panes that don’t move plus the sliding portion in the middle, all held together by a support structure that requires numerous components. The seamless sliding rear window uses only two pieces of glass – the exterior surround and the sliding portion, reducing build componentry and complexity. The window’s opening is the same size as the outgoing design. In addition to its streamlined looks, the window’s two-piece design enables continuous uninterrupted defrost capability for the larger surrounding glass.

Perhaps the best part of the new technology implementation is that the new design helps save weight, because the seamless power slider uses a lighter window control module. All this results in lower fuel consumption, better acceleration, shorter stops, improved towing capacity and much more.

“We designed the seamless sliding rear window to deliver not only a new look and improved functionality, but also to start a trend in the truck sliding window market,” said Troy Tooker, design engineering manager for Magna International. “With pickup sliders being one of our core products, we wanted to show our leadership and raise the bar on the new F-150.”

Ford is also proud to announce that the new 2015 Ford F-150 is the company’s most capable, smartest and toughest F-150 ever. The vehicle uses more high-strength steel than ever and the military-grade aluminum used in the F-150 body improves dent and ding resistance and saves weight. In addition to that when the new F-150 arrives in stores it will have endured more than 10 million miles (16 million kilometers) of torture testing.

The new vehicle is based on a number of engines that includes an all-new 2.7-liter Ecoboost engine, another 3.5-liter Ecoboost engine, an all-new normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and an improved 5.0-liter V8 unit.

Source: Ford

August 14, 2014

Ford Has Two New Engines For 2015 F-150 [VIDEO]

2015 Ford F-150 will be powered by two new engines: the 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop and the 3.5-liter V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing. They will contribute for more efficiency, performance and capability. The twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 unit includes new design, and can deliver up to 325 horsepower (239 kW) and 510 Nm (375 lb.-ft.). It also enhances the power-to-weight ratio of the truck by 15 percent.

This powertrain also has a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds and maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds. On the other hand, the standard Auto Start-Stop technology for F-150 delivers optimum efficiency. It has been specifically developed for the F-150. It shuts off the engine when the vehicle stops and when the brake is released, the unit restarts. This technology not only helps save fuel but also minimizes CO2 emissions.

2.7-liter EcoBoost uses for the first time the graphite iron cylinder block in a gasoline engine. This material can be seen utilized in the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 in Super Duty trucks. The composite CGI/aluminum cylinder block reduce weight but at the same time deliver more strength.

The next new engine developed for the F-150 range is the 3.5-liter V6 unit. It delivers up to 5 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio and also enhanced fuel efficiency and performance. This V6 produces 283 horsepower (208 kW) and 345 Nm (255 lb.-ft.) of torque and has a maximum payload of 1,910 pounds and a maximum tow rating of 7,600 pounds.

Furthermore, the engine has 24-valves and a valvetrain with direct-acting polished mechanical buckets with twin independent variable camshaft timing. In this way it delivers more torque across a wide rpm range. There are also upper and lower intake manifolds that are composite-formed to minimize weight.

What is more, for the new 2015 F-150 Ford has used advanced materials in order to save weight. For instance, the military-grade aluminum alloys contribute to the minimization of body’s weight and at the same time make it stronger and more resistant to dents.

All in all, the when compared to the previous model year, the 2015 F-150 is up to 700 pounds lighter. This not only helps the truck tow and haul more, but also to accelerate and stop faster, and operate more efficiently.

Next, to the new engines, Ford is keeping the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and the 5.0-liter V8 with Ti-VCT for the F-150 range.

Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb.-ft.)	Payload (lbs.)	Towing (lbs.)
2015 Ford F-150 4×4 2.7-liter EcoBoost	325	375	2,250	8,500
2014 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 2.7-liter four-cylinder	159	180	1,335	3,500
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4 5.3-liter V8	355	383	2,007	11,200
2014 Ram 1500 4×4 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel	240	420	1,620	9,050

httpv://youtu.be/j7SFE0dE9kM

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

July 23, 2014

Ford Unveils Ultra-Lightweight Concept Fusion

Ford Lightweight Concept is a vehicle, which represents Ford’s ongoing research for future light-weight materials. The know-how is based on the experienced gained via the building of the new Ford F-150, which has shed up to 700 pounds through use of high-strength steel and aluminum alloys. In fact, for Ford Motor Company, light-weighting is a key component its Blueprint for Sustainability. The mixed-materials might be applied for future high-volume vehicles for better performance and efficiency as well as CO2 emissions.

Ford Lightweight Concept has reduced the weight of a 2013 Fusion to that of a Ford Fiesta. This means a 25 percent off the weight of the production car. The introduction and incorporation of lightweight materials into vehicle construction has helped reducing the weight of the car. In addition, this also contributes towards better fuel economy and less greenhouse gas emissions.

Along with other fuel-efficiency technologies, light-weighting is fundamental to Ford’s efforts to stabilize carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million. Ford’s Lightweight Concept utilizes many of the same advanced materials found in today’s lightweight electronic devices, including aluminum, chemically toughened glass and advanced lightweight plastics.

Advanced materials – aluminum, ultra-high-strength steels, magnesium and carbon fiber, were used for the entire design of the vehicle. This includes the powertrain, chassis, body, battery and interior elements, seats.

This program was lead together with Cosma International, which is a subsidiary of Magna International. Magna’s design and development of the multi-material body-in-white, closures and chassis components are a great contribution in the weight reduction of this concept vehicle. For more details take a look at the video below:

Source: Ford

June 4, 2014

2014 Roush Off-Road Ford F-150 SVT Raptor With Custom Graphics

2014-Roush-Off-Road-Ford-F-150-SVT-Raptor-shadow Thunderous rumble, kids cry, car alarms go off. Is it the end of days? Nope, more like a Roush Off-Road Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with custom graphics. It’s good, it’s bad, it’s ugly. Go ahead, make our day…

Okay, so we got our Clint Eastwood movies mixed up but in our defence, those patterns on the paint job are very confusing. Where in the natural world do you find such red hues? Nowhere you say? Why go camo then? And why only one third of the vehicle? Don’t get us wrong, we like the plain red bits; but the rest is just for show, and we here are all about efficiency.

And speaking of efficiency (or the lack of it), let;s take a minute and discuss the massive TVS-tech R2300 Supercharger that sits on top of the F-150’s 6.2-liter V8. It’s part of the Roush Phase 2 performance upgrade that also includes a big intercooler and high-flow fuel injectors. Add to that some engine calibration and you have yourself a 590 hp monstrosity that starts a fuel crisis every time you start it up.

Can’t leave it at that. Roush engineers have also added a dual tip performance tuned, cat back exhaust system. It’s all throaty and noisy and is made of stainless steel (the expensive type). The tips are chrome flashed which, apparently, is better than being chrome plated. Something about resistance to heat and durability. We are bad at physics.

This Raptor right here, is almost finished. All it’s left are the approximately aggressive wheels and some LED lightning works.

2014-Roush-Off-Road-Ford-F-150-SVT-Raptor-medium-2

Source: Roush

January 17, 2014

2015 Ford F-150 [video]

Ford has finally unveiled the new tougher, smarter and more capable 2015 F-150. The pick-up truck is set to debut at the North American International Auto Show. It boasts a super lightweight, four engines in the range and 11 new class-exclusive features.

The exterior features include new front fascia with prominent grille and revised headlights. There is also a rounded fender flares and a tailgate with an integrated spoiler. It draws styling cues from 2015 F-Series Super Duty.

The interior comes with better materials and new technologies. It can be offered with SYNC, MyFord Touch and an 8” “productivity screen” in the instrument cluster as well as a rear view camera, trailer brake controller, a 360-degree camera system and high-wattage power outlets.

Some of the useful extras include a bed with integrated loading ramps and a “smart trailer tow module” which can “inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues including burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults.” There is also a trailer hitch assist, LED bed lights, a remote tailgate and a BoxLink system with metal brackets and custom cottagers for securing cargo.

The 2015 F-150 adopts a fully boxed ladder frame with more high-strength steel. The result is epic weight saving of up to 700 lbs (317 kg), which means that the new F-150 is more agile, faster and more economical.

The engine range includes a 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6, a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6, a 3.5 liter V6 and a 5.0 liter Ti-VCT V8.

2015 Ford F-150 is expected to hit the market later this year. It will be available in five trim levels – XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch. Other upgrades are a chrome appearance package, a sport appearance package and an FX4 off-road package.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRs-WIalD7w

Source: Ford

January 13, 2014

Honda Release A Sketchy Teaser For The Brand-new Ridgeline

Honda-Ridgeline-teaser-shadow Honda-Ridgeline-teaser-medium

In mid 2014, the production of the exclusively made in Lincoln, Alabama Honda Ridgeline will be coming to an end. In “less then two years”, however, there’s going to be a successor and today we get to have a glimpse at its styling direction. Despite being a Honda, the Ridgeline has always been thoroughly American. The new one is the brainchild of the company’s Los Angeles and Ohio R&D centres. Looking at the “sketch” provided, we can safely conclude: it’s a pickup truck, no surprises then.

To be fair, the current one, with its flaring C-pillars, tries too hard to differentiate itself from the mainstream. That might have something to do with the Ridgeline’s unique closed-box unibody platform. Our guess is that they are going to stick to that structure, but at least the new one seems to have a nice vertical cut where the cabin ends and the bed begins. In fact, if nobody told had us that this silhouette belonged to a Honda, we might have dismissed it for an F-150.

Honda might have been encouraged to update the model due to the success of the current one. There has been a 29 percent increase in sales for the first eleven months of this year.

Source: Honda

December 11, 2013

2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SE Named Off-Road Truck Of Texas

2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition was revealed in the beginning of April this year and only several months later it is receiving one of its numerous-to-come-awards. This special edition Ford was named by Texas Auto Writers Association as the “Off-Road Truck of Texas.”

From Thursday through Saturday, TAWA members put trucks through rigorous testing at Knibbe Ranch near San Antonio, where they have pushed the Raptor to the limit on one of the most rugged off-road courses in Texas. Of course, the Raptor showed that it was the most capable off-road pickup in America, as well as America’s favorite.

The vehicle was introduced back in 2009. Since then the F-150 SVT Raptor continues to find new fans and achieve sales success, ad more importantly an evidence for this is that it has an increased sale rate of up 14 percent only for this year.

The Special Edition –of the model was the latest variant of the truck which has exclusive interior and exterior upgrades which additionally differentiate its appearance. One of the highlights featured in the Raptor are its functional design cues and segment-exclusive suspension technology.

In addition, the Raptor SE is seven inches wider than a base F-150. The length was added in order to make room for the additional suspension components that enable its off-road capabilities. To be more precise, what gives the vehicle 11.2 inches of front suspension and 12.1 inches at the rear are the internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox.

Moreover, an electronic locking rear differential and Torsen limited-slip front differential provide excellent capability for rock crawling and other low-speed off-road activities. Industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels come as an option, however they help increase grip in low-traction conditions, along with high-intensity discharge headlamps for improved visibility. SYNC with MyFord Touch is another available feature which delivers more connectivity.

SVT Raptor is powered by the 6.2-liter V8 engine which is capable of generating 411 horsepower (325 kW) and 588 Nm (434 lb.-ft.) of torque. The unit is coupled with an electronic six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with tow/haul mode.

Source: Ford

October 15, 2013

2014 Ford F-150 Tremor To Pace NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

2014 Ford F-150 Tremor is the first EcoBoost®-powered sport truck which has been chosen to pace the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Michigan National Guard 200 on 17th of August. In fact, the Michigan International Speedway is one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit. This made the choice for the vehicle pacing the field very easy because it also needs to be fast.

F-150 Tremor not only will deliver high speeds when needed, but also thanks to its light-weight configuration, EcoBoost engine and launch-optimized performance, is perfect for this task. The new truck will feature the style of the FX Appearance Package and launch-optimized 4.10 rear axle in order to deliver customers with fast acceleration.

To be more precise, the FX Appearance Package includes stealthy, flat-black accents with unique 20-inch wheels, stylized bodyside graphics and black badges with red lettering. In addition, the Tremor will also offer flow-through center console and bucket seats.

The interior of this Ford model include black leather seating surfaces with red piping, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel. There are also featured Alcantara seat inserts which add texture and style.

More importantly, the F-150 Tremor is powered by the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. The latter delivers 365 horsepower (268 kW) at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel and generates 570 Nm (420 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2,500 rpm. The engine also includes twin independent variable camshaft timing for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.

The vehicle will be offered in two- or four-wheel-drive versions, both of which will include an electronic locking rear differential. The F-150 Tremor also comes standard with SYNC® with MyFord Touch, which comprises of a large 8-inch LCD color touch screen, media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.

2014 F-150 Tremor will go on sale this autumn.

Source: Ford

August 13, 2013

Ford F-150 Crimefighter Bat Truck Customized By Galpin Auto Sports

Since Comic-Con has just started we have already seen some unique vehicles made for this event. An example from yesterday is the Kia Sorento Justice League Car. Now it is time for more aggressive vehicle to take our attention – the Ford F-150 Crime Fighter Bat Truck.

This magnificently tuned Ford pays tribute to the original Batmobile. The reason for its existence is the work of the specialists at Galpin Auto Sports, who have built it after the design of Jared Barris.

As a matter of fact, Jared is a grandson of George Barris, who designed and built the iconic first Batmobile back in 1965. George used parts found at a hardware store and the body of a Ford Futura Concept Car.

The result was stunning and made Barris a legend among custom car designers. The original Batmobile was auctioned in January this year for the amount of $4.2 million.

Now Jared Barris is debuting his own version of the Batmobile which is built on the emblematic Ford F-150 and pays tribute to his grandfather’s Batmobile. He envisioned the new version of the superhero’s vehicle as a Bat Truck and has given it the name “The Crimefighter”.

The Ford was customized by Galpin Auto Sports with a tuxedo black paint job and Ferrari red accents, thanks to which the resemblance with the original Batmobile is stunning. In addition, the bed of the Crimefighter has even been adorned with fins. The vehicle is powered by a Ford 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Source: Galpin Auto Sports

July 19, 2013

2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch

Ford has announced the new 2013 F-150 King Ranch at the State Fair of Texas Auto Show. The pick-up truck comes with more luxury, technology and capability than ever before. In fact, it boasts “S-class” luxury in pick-up variant.

“While others are just starting to understand the appeal of Texas innovation and luxury, we’re proud to have worked with our longtime partners at King Ranch who helped define both,” said Ford General Marketing Manager Dave Mondragon.

“The latest F-150 King Ranch extends this honor and tradition.”, he added.

The exterior highlights include a thee-bar grille and special badging. There is also a monotone exterior, a chrome package and a set of big 20” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires for the vehicle.

The interior is sensational – the seats are wrapped in rich, timeless Chaparral leather. An all-new black interior environment is available (in addition to traditional Adobe), plus smart technology like standard MyFord Touch® optimized for truck owners, standard ambient interior lighting and available class-exclusive HID headlamps.

The truck is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365HP (272 kW) and 569Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. There is a less powerful variant coming with a 5.0 liter V8 with 360HP (268 kW) and 515Nm (380 lb-ft).

King Ranch covers more than 1,300 square miles of Texas land, making it one of the largest ranches in the world.

The 2013 F-150 King Ranch is one of 10 updated models in the F-Series lineup that includes changes to XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum, SVT Raptor and the introduction of the all-new F-150 Limited.

Source: Ford

October 1, 2012

Ford F-150 Special Service Vehicle Package

Ford have now released a package suitable for those who are planning to use the Ford F-150 as a fleet/utility vehicle. Think in terms of the fire or police department. Besides making the F-150 look pretty bad…posterior, the Special Service Vehicle (SSV) package includes a high-capacity 220-amp alternator and an interior fit for various needs.

“Our fleet customers have been asking us to create this option for F-Series trucks,” said Ford Government Sales Manager Tony Gratson. “We’re confident the current and updated 2013 F-150 equipped with the SSV Package will be of particular interest to our government customers with rugged jobs such as law enforcement, firefighting, and national and state park patrols.”

The Ford F-150 underneath the package can be either a SuperCab or a SuperCrew, a 4×2 or 4×4 and a 5.0liter V8 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost – the combinations are pretty much endless.

The SSV seating package omits the 20 percent or the original 40/20/40 cabin setup and makes use of the mid-space for task-specific accessories. To provide even more space, the center console is missing as well.

Individual driver and first-row passenger seating surfaces are upholstered in easily cleaned cloth for

comfort over the long haul. There are virtually no boundaries however in terms of customization so that government or commercial needs are met. The SSV buyers can specifically order heavy-duty tires, 4×4 skid plates and a range of interior equipment.

Regardless of the choice you make – the 360 hp, 5.0-liter V8 or the 365 hp, 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 – you’ll always get the clever, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Ford

June 12, 2012

Tag: Ford F-150