America's favourite truck just reinvented itself. We just couldn't think of any other adjective to describe the F150, a big-seller in the F-Series range of trucks that has been the largest selling truck in USA for a whopping 37 years in a row and the country's largest selling vehicle for 32 years in a row. Not an easy feat that, we swear!
While the existing model is still in peak form, Ford debuted the all-new F150 at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this week. Based on the Atlas Concept that made waves on the show-floor last year, the new F150 is attractive and macho. A huge radiator grille with three horizontal slats sets the tone up front. Flanking the grille on either sides are the unique C-shaped LED headlights that are matched in shape and size by the LED taillights. The flared wheel arches and the small, upward kink in the front doors keep things interesting in profile while the metallic strip that runs between the taillights at the rear looks flashy.
On top of a fully-boxed ladder frame made of high-strength steel, Ford has used high-strength, military-grade aluminium alloys throughout the body of the new F150. Though the lightweight metal is already used extensively by luxury brands in their high-end cars, this is probably the first application of aluminium in trucks that are expected to be rugged and abuse-friendly. The result of this is that the new F150 is 700 pounds lighter which helps it tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker, stop shorter and sip lesser fuel while doing all these. A 3.5-liter V6 engine and 5.0-liter V8 engine are part of the power options for the new F150 as are two EcoBoost engines with displacements of 2.7 liters and 3.5 liters.
In keeping with the nature of the truck, the interiors are big, bold, practical and loaded with features. A host of segment-first features like a 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps, Trailer Hitch Assist system, LED lights, remote tailgate and a smart trailer tow module makes the new Ford F150 a segment benchmark. These features join the famous SYNC infotainment system with MyFord Touch and other safety and driver assistance systems that even include inflatable seat-belts with tubular airbags in the second row.
Despite being the last full year of production, 2013 was one of the best years in recent history for the Ford F-Series trucks. Let's not forget that next generation models of both Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra made their debut last year but the combined sales of both those models still fell short of the F-Series. The introduction of the new F150 in such a situation means that the competition should prepare themselves for a massacre.
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