Earlier this week Ford officially unveiled the new 2009 Ford F-150.
Now that I am finally back from all the festivities in Detroit I can finally post more of the stuff from the show.
The new 2009 F-150, which more than 1,000 Ford employees helped develop, receives a new exterior that is highlighted by a dramatic three-bar grille. A new more spacious interior is also part of the changes for the new truck.
Underneath the new skin engineers developed a new fully boxed frame constructed with hydro-formed and high strength steel side rails. The new lightweight frame helps improve torsional rigidity by 10 percent. Under the hood there are three available V8 engines that have been reworked to improve gas mileage and horsepower.
A new Platinum series is available for 2009. The Platinum series is the most luxurious of all the F-150 models and features 10-way captain’s chairs upholstered with top-quality leather, tuxedo stitching and embroidered logos on the seatbacks. Wood grain accents and aluminum panels in the interior add to the luxuriousness of the truck. Lastly standard 20-inch rims and a unique satin chrome grille with fine mesh inserts let other drivers on the road now that this F-150 is different.
In 2010 Ford will release diesel and EcoBoost gas turbo direct injection engines for the F-150.
The new F-150 and Dodge Ram were two of the biggest releases at the show. Do you think that Ford made enough changes to the new F-150 and more importantly how does it compare to the new Ram?
Related Stories:
Detroit 2008: 2009 Dodge Ram Pickup Unveiled...Better Than the New F-150?
2009 Ford F-150 Exposed...Is Ford Being too Cautious?
PRESS RELEASE:
NEW 2009 FORD F-150: MORE CAPABILITY, MORE CHOICE, MORE ‘SMART’ FEATURES FOR AMERICA’S TRUCK
The vision for Ford’s truck team was clear: Redesign America’s favorite truck inside and out to give customers unrivaled capability, unprecedented choice and a host of smart, game-changing features.
The result is the new 2009 Ford F-150, the new benchmark in the full-size pickup segment from the industry’s truck leader – which has built more than 33 million F-Series pickups since 1948.
The Ford truck team adopted a holistic, 360-degree approach to revamping the new 2009 F-150 – from its segment-first features to the tough new exterior highlighted by a dramatic three-bar grille and more spacious, flexible and refined interior, to the unparalleled choice of cab styles and trim levels – including a new Platinum series that redefines truck luxury.
The improvements are just as dramatic beneath the sheet metal. A new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis is the backbone that allows this tough truck to deliver more horsepower, better fuel economy and safety, and additional towing and payload capacity.
“The Ford F-150 is an American icon,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ford is the truck leader, and F-150 customers expect and demand the best truck on the market.
“Our team not only met those expectations, they exceeded them with the new 2009 F-150,” Fields added. “With Ford’s product-led transformation in full swing, the new F-150 could not have come at a better time – for Ford and for our customers.”
In all, more than 1,000 Ford engineers, designers, researchers and others worked together to develop the new 2009 F-150. The team drew inspiration by listening to Ford’s large customer base.
“Before we started working on the new truck, we continued the conversation with people who use these trucks every day for work and play,” said Matt O’Leary, chief engineer of the 2009 F-150. “We went to their ranches, their job sites and their homes, making sure we crafted features that would improve their ownership experiences and, really, their lives.”
The results will be clear to customers when the new 2009 F-150 rolls off assembly lines at Ford’s Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo. – and as the new F-150 goes on sale in dealer showrooms this fall.
Most Capable
Ford F-150 customers tackle tough jobs when they work and play, and they need a full-size truck that rises to the challenge. The current F-150 is already the most capable truck on the market, but Ford’s truck team drove capability to new levels with the 2009 model.
The improvement starts with the 2009 F-150’s fully boxed frame constructed with hydro-formed and high strength steel side rails. The lightweight frame delivers 10 percent more torsional rigidity, which delivers increased durability and safety. The sturdy chassis also paved the way for the new 2009 F-150 to improve upon the current model’s class-leading towing and hauling capability across all cab configurations.
“The new, improved chassis helps deliver additional payload and towing capacity as well as improved fuel economy, which we know is top of mind for customers,” O’Leary said.
Thanks to the strength of the frame and comprehensive package of standard safety equipment, including side-curtain air bags, the new F-150 is engineered to earn top safety ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Complementing the modern frame is a high-tech suite of features that ensures the F-150 is sure-footed and safe in all driving and load conditions. The new F-150 offers segment-first standard AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) and Trailer Sway Control plus available Rearview Camera Assist as well as Integrated Trailer Brake Controller a segment-first on light-duty pickups.
The interior of the new 2009 F-150 SuperCrew offers more usable space for moving more people and gear thanks to a 6-inch stretch that improves rear seat legroom and cargo capacity. A mechanically articulated second-row seat flips up and out of the way. Combined with a truly flat load floor, the feature gives the new SuperCrew class leading 57.6 cubic feet of space behind the front seats and can accommodate items up to 47.9 inches tall, such as flat-screen TV that needs to be hauled from the electronics store to home.
Most Choice
Ford’s F-Series may be America’s best-selling vehicle, but one-size-fits-all does not apply to today’s truck buyer. From the Texas rancher to the general contractor in Florida, F-150 customers have different needs and tastes.
In response, Ford’s truck team designed a truck that offers more choice than any full-size truck on the market. With three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels, the F-150 comes in 35 different configurations to meet the widest range of customer needs and wants – all delivered with quality.
Customers can choose from the no-fuss XL workhorse, to the sporty STX and off-road capable FX4, to the mid-range XLT. For those looking for tough luxury, Ford offers the high-end Lariat and King Ranch F-150 models.
New for the 2009 F-150 is the Platinum series, the most luxurious F-150 ever and the answer to a perennial question: Just how high-end do truck customers want to go?
The striking F-150 Platinum features a satin chrome grille with fine mesh inserts, 10-way captain’s chairs upholstered with top-quality leather, tuxedo stitching and embroidered logos on the seatbacks. Satin gloss Lacrosse Ash wood grain accents and real brushed aluminum panels give the dash, center console and doors an upscale look and feel. Standard 20-inch, 16-spoke polished aluminum wheels give the truck a commanding presence on the road.
With more customers interested in personalizing their trucks, Ford is offering the largest selection of wheels in the segment with 13 offerings across the F-150 lineup.
Under the hood, the new F-150 will be powered by three modern V-8 engines, mated to either a 4-speed or a new fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic transmission. The engines include:
- 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V-8, which has been optimized for better performance with improved horsepower and torque, and is capable of running on E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), regular unleaded gasoline or any blend in between.
- 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8, which is new for F-150. Both the 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8’s utilize open valve injection. This unique feature improves the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber, which results in an increase in horsepower during towing and reduced emissions.
- 4.6-liter, 2-valve V-8, a third V-8 choice in the line-up that delivers more horsepower with the same fuel economy performance as the outgoing truck’s V-6.
This all-V-8 engine lineup delivers a fleet-average 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy versus the outgoing F-150.
Diesel and EcoBoost gas turbo direct injection engines are planned for F-150 in 2010 as well.
Most ‘Smart’ Features
Ford’s researchers spent thousands of hours listening to truck buyers to gain inspiration for a host of smart new features for the new 2009 Ford F-150.
It starts with the clever interior, which features a flow-through console that has been lengthened by approximately 2 inches and is large enough to stow two or more laptop computers. Special ridges are molded into the edges of the bin to accommodate file folders. The console also has a multi-tiered, removable tray and locks to protect valuables.
More than 30 storage areas are built into the interior, ranging from a bin on the top of the instrument panel to a number of small spaces designed to accommodate tools like cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs and gate access cards.
A redesigned, more ergonomic shifter remains on the console. New, larger buttons and switches are ergonomically designed and within easy reach and view of the driver. A USB port and auxiliary MP3 player input are conveniently mounted on the dash. Two 12-volt outlets are located on the dash and center console.
Even the pickup box on the new F-150 breaks the mold with clever and capable features the competition cannot match. The class-leading cargo capacity of 65.5 cubic feet is only the beginning of the story.
The F-150’s pickup box is made easier to use, more flexible and accessible with such new features as Ford’s industry-exclusive Tailgate and Box Side Steps, Stowable Bed Extender and Cargo Management System.
“These features are impressive on their own. For the customer who uses their pickup box five, six or seven times a day, these innovations together make a huge difference,” O’Leary said.
That same kind of logic drove the team to include other clever features on the truck, including Ford’s Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System. When fueling is completed and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut, reducing emissions.
The new 2009 Ford-150 also will allow truck customers to be connected to the world like never before. Ford has been working with Microsoft, Sony and SIRIUS to offer customers leading technologies to help them stay connected with their lives while on the road including:
- Industry-exclusive Ford SYNC™, a voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system offers even more functionality for the 2009 model year, with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report.
- SIRIUS Travel Link™ that when combined with voice activated navigation will provide users with a suite of data services including real-time traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations.
- Voice-activated navigation that integrates several functions, including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch screen display.
- Sony audio system that features 700 watts of power, 5.1 surround sound and 10 Sony speakers and amps and is certified by Sony to deliver a unique, rich listening experience.
“We know how important the F-150 is to our customers,” said O’Leary. “With the new 2009 F-150, we are delivering a top-quality truck lineup that is second-to-none in capability, features and a range of choices that will continue to make Ford America’s favorite truck.”
Comments (57)
Wow, now Ford and Dodge went from sweet to sucky. Not what the 2 of the Big Three need to do. I just don't see how this and the Ram are supposed to be better looking. Almost looks like they wanted to tone down the tough looks of them a little.
Posted by Gary | January 17, 2008 12:34 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 00:34
Seriously, what's the deal with the ridiculously huge grills on American cars and trucks these days? Have they decided to outsource grill design to some land of giants? Do their designers all suffer from some sort of vision problems? What? Someone, please tell me.
.
Posted by 0r0d | January 17, 2008 1:16 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 01:16
Is it me or does the new F-150's front look smashed? Maybe it's because of that ugly looking chrome grill that's wrapped around the front that makes it look smahed.
Enough with the chrome Ford, this isn't the 1950's. Chrome looks good in moderation, but too much chrome makes an automobile look ugly. A prime example of that is the 3rd generation Navigator. What works on some cars doesn't always mean it will work on others.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | January 17, 2008 1:46 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 01:46
@0r0d
Makes the vehicles shorter and look better too, the huge grills on cars these days make them look more like the old muscle cars. And besides, do we really need another Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid?
Posted by Mathew | January 17, 2008 1:48 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 01:48
Wow, now that is a face only a mother could love!
Posted by Mark | January 17, 2008 6:51 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 06:51
soo nasty!!
why even bother with the headlights?? make the whole front end chrome than you can shine a light source on that to illuminate the whole road!!
Posted by CtK | January 17, 2008 7:09 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 07:09
The Big 3 = FTL
Posted by Dan | January 17, 2008 7:23 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 07:23
Its a truck people, take a look at some Peterbuilts lately notice something that looks like a grill there?
Get over it. All that matters is how much it can haul and thats it, the other stuff means absolutely nothing, it can have egg crates for sheets, and all my family silverware pasted to the front, it makes not difference as long as it can haul my 27 foot bayliner.
Posted by don | January 17, 2008 8:57 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 08:57
Its a truck people, take a look at some Peterbuilts lately notice something that looks like a grill there?
Get over it. All that matters is how much it can haul and thats it, the other stuff means absolutely nothing, it can have egg crates for seats, and all my family silverware pasted to the front, it makes not difference as long as it can haul my 27 foot bayliner.
Posted by don | January 17, 2008 8:58 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 08:58
Its a truck people, who gives a shit how the grill looks, most real truck have big grills, its not a rice burner honda civic with a loud muffler.
It can have egg crates for seats and the entire vehicle can be built of chrome for gods sake, all that matters is if it can haul my 27 foot Bayliner, period.
Posted by d | January 17, 2008 8:58 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 08:58
I'm about to pick up a new Tundra. It's sad that the big 3 aren't listening to consumers needs and wants. Cadillac did the large grill already guys, where's the originality. 1000 people helped design it? Perhaps that's the problem. It only takes 1 to get it right, but 1000 just fugg it up.
Posted by mike | January 17, 2008 8:59 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 08:59
I'm sort of inclined to agree about the grill. I don't like it that big and flush at the same time. Once it's flush, they've lost that big-rig appeal (that dodge started anyway). There are like three different grills in those pictures though. Three row chrome, two row chrome and three row painted (blue/black). The painted version doesn't look too bad.
Posted by Rod | January 17, 2008 9:01 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 09:01
There are a few folks that need and use trucks and then everyone else who just want to sit high. Wonder how many Nano's would fit in the bed? LOL
Posted by harryo | January 17, 2008 9:58 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 09:58
These are trucks. Does anyone that is commenting on this drive a truck? As for the guy that is getting ready to buy a Tundra, welcome to the I drive a boring truck club...Congratulations you have chosen poorly. The Ford is flat normal and ugly. I am sure it is a very capable truck but it looks very bland. The new Dodge is a huge step in the right direction, classy yet tough. Watch the truck wars this fall...it should be a great day for the new Chrysler Corp.
Posted by Karl Behnken | January 17, 2008 10:17 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 10:17
As someone that has bought only well cars/trucks in the last 20 years (jap), I have been restricted to medium/small trucks. Then came the new Tundra. Problem is, they have had their share of problems and are made by American workers/managers. But I was overlooking that when I shoped for them recently. However, the interiors can only be described as cheap! Cheap plastic, wall to wall, that is ill fitting. Could not believe I was in a Toyota.
Now I am seriously considering American (can't believe I am even saying it). Ford was off my list because they have been relying on the same underperforming engines for the since the early nineties. Now that they might be offering more power, I will have to give them a look. The F150 interoir and ride has always been decent, so it seriously looks like an F150 is in my future...
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 10:18 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 10:18
As someone that has bought only well cars/trucks in the last 20 years (jap), I have been restricted to medium/small trucks. Then came the new Tundra. Problem is, they have had their share of problems and are made by American workers/managers. But I was overlooking that when I shoped for them recently. However, the interiors can only be described as cheap! Cheap plastic, wall to wall, that is ill fitting. Could not believe I was in a Toyota.
Now I am seriously considering American (can't believe I am even saying it). Ford was off my list because they have been relying on the same underperforming engines for the since the early nineties. Now that they might be offering more power, I will have to give them a look. The F150 interoir and ride has always been decent, so it seriously looks like an F150 is in my future...
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 10:20 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 10:20
As someone that has bought only well cars/trucks in the last 20 years (jap), I have been restricted to medium/small trucks. Then came the new Tundra. Problem is, they have had their share of problems and are made by American workers/managers. But I was overlooking that when I shoped for them recently. However, the interiors can only be described as cheap! Cheap plastic, wall to wall, that is ill fitting. Could not believe I was in a Toyota.
Now I am seriously considering American (can't believe I am even saying it). Ford was off my list because they have been relying on the same underperforming engines for the since the early nineties. Now that they might be offering more power, I will have to give them a look. The F150 interoir and ride has always been decent, so it seriously looks like an F150 is in my future...
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 10:22 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 10:22
As someone that has bought only well cars/trucks in the last 20 years (jap), I have been restricted to medium/small trucks. Then came the new Tundra. Problem is, they have had their share of problems and are made by American workers/managers. But I was overlooking that when I shoped for them recently. However, the interiors can only be described as cheap! Cheap plastic, wall to wall, that is ill fitting. Could not believe I was in a Toyota.
Now I am seriously considering American (can't believe I am even saying it). Ford was off my list because they have been relying on the same underperforming engines for the since the early nineties. Now that they might be offering more power, I will have to give them a look. The F150 interoir and ride has always been decent, so it seriously looks like an F150 is in my future...
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 10:27 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 10:27
As someone that has bought only well cars/trucks in the last 20 years (jap), I have been restricted to medium/small trucks. Then came the new Tundra. Problem is, they have had their share of problems and are made by American workers/managers. But I was overlooking that when I shoped for them recently. However, the interiors can only be described as cheap! Cheap plastic, wall to wall, that is ill fitting. Could not believe I was in a Toyota.
Now I am seriously considering American (can't believe I am even saying it). Ford was off my list because they have been relying on the same underperforming engines for the since the early nineties. Now that they might be offering more power, I will have to give them a look. The F150 interoir and ride has always been decent, so it seriously looks like an F150 is in my future...
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 10:27 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 10:27
The engine is probably the same as the ones in the 90's, the modular motor. I believe the biggest motor is the 5.4L. My brother has a 98 F-150 with the 5.4L and it has 280k miles on the clock thus far without having to touch the engine, with plenty of power. Now that I think about it im sure they are stepping up to the 3V heads, first released in the 05 mustang.
I cant say I see much of a difference between this new redesign and the last version, I dont really study trucks but normally would think I could spot a brand new truck from an older model driving down the street. Cant say I could with this one...
Posted by Alex | January 17, 2008 11:31 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 11:31
Can't tell from the pictures or the advertisement of an article following, but until Ford fixes the following, stay away:
Power - Several people have mentioned it above,
but as the owner of a 2007 F-150 (5.4), I
got to tell you, it stinks. This is the most
under powered and underperforming truck
I have ever owned.
Gas Mileage - To go with the huge lack of power, I
am greeted with approximatel 11.5
mpg in town. And no, I don't drive it
hard or beat on it. I gave up on that
long ago cus it just makes noise and
still doesn't perform. My Hummer
H2 with a 6.0 liter motor got 12 to 13
in town consistenty. Ford MUST do
better, alot better.
Quality - Used to be Ford used the slogan "Quality
is Job 1," its good that they dropped it,
cus they weren't practicing it. While their
trucks are getting better all the time, the use of cheap hard
plastic throughout the interior is mind
boggling. My truck has 4,700 miles on it
and already rattles like crazy.
Everywhere you look and touch, its hard
plastic. The fit and finish is horrible by
todays standards. Also, I have never seen
cheaper carpeting in any vehicle,
regardless of price, ever. This stuff will
stain if you so much as look at it the
wrong way. Oh, but Ford was generous
enough to give me four postage stamp
sized floor mats, which cover maybe 20%
of the carpeted area that your feet will
encounter. All of this for the bargain
asking price of $41,750.00!
Which brings me to my next point, PRICE!
Ford, are you kidding me? Almost $42,000 for a new truck (I am sure the Platinum model will close the gap on $50k)? Rebates here in the Southwest are $5k and/or 0% interest, plus the dealers are selling at invoice just to be competitive. Your not selling them at a loss, so try dropping the price to a reasonable level, and watch the consumers come back your way. Currently you are selling an inferior truck at the highest option to option price of any manufacturer. My truck should be in the $33k range. Average Joe consumer should be able to purchase a mid-line XLT 4x4 with a 5.4 and 4 real doors for $30k or less. You make that happen and you will see an explosion of interest in your vehicles. You will also see brand loyalty go way up, because people won't be "buried" in their vehicle when they leave the lot with it, thereby building confidence and trust in the Ford brand.
I will not be buying a 2009 F-150 myself, I am some $11k upside down on mine, thanks to Ford's "aggressive" marketing strategy, which seems to be, "Screw the customer now, then screw them some more later." Well done Ford, good day.
Posted by 07_F-150_Owner | January 17, 2008 12:27 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:27
The grill shown in the last few pictures looks substantially better than the one at the auto show. Whoever added the extra two vertical bars and rounded the edges should have their position re-examined within the company.
Posted by Praeses | January 17, 2008 12:29 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:29
Man that looks good. I'll be the first in line. Tundra blows. Toyota won't provide consumers with what they want (quality, innovative features, and style). Ford is simply way more progressive and enlightened in their thinking about trucks.
Posted by Alysandra | January 17, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:31
The grill shown in the last few pictures looks substantially better than the one at the auto show. Whoever added the extra two vertical bars and rounded the edges should have their position re-examined within the company.
Posted by Praeses | January 17, 2008 12:32 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:32
They did not get much out of the 3v for the 5.4L, as it makes less torque and HP than all other competitors, is slowest to 60, etc. Ford does not even publish torque curves like all the rest - apparanlty out of shame. The reliability of the modular motor does appear good however.
Still, I want more HP and torque than they offer. I was not interested in the 4.6L 3v new offering so much as the turbo direct inject and the diseal.
The fact that they have not updated their motor in so long is a function of the American industry mentality. Instead of investing in the future, cut costs so the quarterly report looks better. Between the American worker on the left, and the American stock market on the right, Detroit does not have a prayer against the longer term thinking of the japs. Too bad, because it is only a matter of time before GM and Ford are finance companies instead of manufactuers.
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 12:37 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:37
They did not get much out of the 3v for the 5.4L, as it makes less torque and HP than all other competitors, is slowest to 60, etc. Ford does not even publish torque curves like all the rest - apparanlty out of shame. The reliability of the modular motor does appear good however.
Still, I want more HP and torque than they offer. I was not interested in the 4.6L 3v new offering so much as the turbo direct inject and the diseal.
The fact that they have not updated their motor in so long is a function of the American industry mentality. Instead of investing in the future, cut costs so the quarterly report looks better. Between the American worker on the left, and the American stock market on the right, Detroit does not have a prayer against the longer term thinking of the japs. Too bad, because it is only a matter of time before GM and Ford are finance companies instead of manufactuers.
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 12:37 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:37
People, have some patience,
Just hit the post button once. That way, we don't have to read the same post thirteen times.
As for the truck, I personally like the Dodge Ram better. Its just a better evolution of the previous look.
I was thinking of getting the Tundra, but the Ram's looks (both exterior and interior) won me over
Posted by Dave | January 17, 2008 12:38 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:38
To the guy who said he wanted to haul his 27 foot bayliner: ummm, how is tuxedo stitching and leather interior helping you do that?
I call the current truck market what it is: with the exception of the Tundra and some lower-end Silverados, trucks are the new "luxury car" circa 2003. They are big, have leather and wood, show off powerful engines for straight lines.
Modern luxury cars go a step futher and add technology, which these trucks do not use (sans the EcoBoost Fords, which I am still chomping at the bit to see). But for those who just wanted wood and leather and space, thats what trucks are now.
Take last summer in my buddies Tacoma: he has a 26.5 foot Chaparral SSi 255 which weighs 5540 lbs (from Chaparrals website). A small pickup easily pulls that. The 27 foot Bayliner doesn't weigh much more at 5750 lbs (its the 265 right? I'm reading this off their website, again).
Posted by Allen | January 17, 2008 12:40 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:40
They did not get much out of the 3v for the 5.4L, as it makes less torque and HP than all other competitors, is slowest to 60, etc. Ford does not even publish torque curves like all the rest - apparanlty out of shame. The reliability of the modular motor does appear good however.
Still, I want more HP and torque than they offer. I was not interested in the 4.6L 3v new offering so much as the turbo direct inject and the diseal.
The fact that they have not updated their motor in so long is a function of the American industry mentality. Instead of investing in the future, cut costs so the quarterly report looks better. Between the American worker on the left, and the American stock market on the right, Detroit does not have a prayer against the longer term thinking of the japs. Too bad, because it is only a matter of time before GM and Ford are finance companies instead of manufactuers.
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 12:40 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:40
They did not get much out of the 3v for the 5.4L, as it makes less torque and HP than all other competitors, is slowest to 60, etc. Ford does not even publish torque curves like all the rest - apparanlty out of shame. The reliability of the modular motor does appear good however.
Still, I want more HP and torque than they offer. I was not interested in the 4.6L 3v new offering so much as the turbo direct inject and the diseal.
The fact that they have not updated their motor in so long is a function of the American industry mentality. Instead of investing in the future, cut costs so the quarterly report looks better. Between the American worker on the left, and the American stock market on the right, Detroit does not have a prayer against the longer term thinking of the japs. Too bad, because it is only a matter of time before GM and Ford are finance companies instead of manufactuers.
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 12:41 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:41
To the guy who said he wanted to haul his 27 foot bayliner: ummm, how is tuxedo stitching and leather interior helping you do that?
I call the current truck market what it is: with the exception of the Tundra and some lower-end Silverados, trucks are the new "luxury car" circa 2003. They are big, have leather and wood, show off powerful engines for straight lines.
Modern luxury cars go a step futher and add technology, which these trucks do not use (sans the EcoBoost Fords, which I am still chomping at the bit to see). But for those who just wanted wood and leather and space, thats what trucks are now.
Take last summer in my buddies Tacoma: he has a 26.5 foot Chaparral SSi 255 which weighs 5540 lbs (from Chaparrals website). A small pickup easily pulls that. The 27 foot Bayliner doesn't weigh much more at 5750 lbs (its the 265 right? I'm reading this off their website, again).
Posted by Allen | January 17, 2008 12:47 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:47
Ford is trying to hide the fact that they have no engines by throwing around these window-dressing features, side steps, and bed-extenders.
Lipstick on a pig.
This truck ain't towin' 10k, and they know it.
Saying and doing are two different things.
The grille is too big, and it's ugly.
Silvy is the most comfortable
Ram is the most ruggedly handsome
Tundra is most macho
Ford.....can accessorize nicely.
DrFill
Posted by DrFill | January 17, 2008 2:42 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 14:42
Besides a big, ugly grille, and non-competitive engines, the truck is decent.
Silvy: most sedan-like
Ram: most handsome
Tundra: most macho
Ford: most lipstick
This from a man who spent 3 years selling Fords
DrFill
Posted by DrFill | January 17, 2008 2:48 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 14:48
Besides a big, ugly grille, and non-competitive engines, the truck is decent.
Silvy: most sedan-like
Ram: most handsome
Tundra: most macho
Ford: most lipstick
This from a man who spent 3 years selling Fords
DrFill
Posted by DrFill | January 17, 2008 2:57 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 14:57
The reality is that when you buy an American truck or SUV, no one but the suckers pay full price. Many don't even pay the invoice price thanks to incentives. We bought our loaded to the gills 03 Expedition Eddie Bauer for $29,500, from a sticker near $50k. It's all about how you negotiate and your timing.
Ford's have been out hp for a long time, but the reality is they aren't sports cars. Our 260hp Expy is fine on the highway and the interior was nicer than any of its competition at the time.
The current 5.4 has 300hp and gets something like 16/19 or something like that mileage. It isn't great but it isn't below average either. I'm not sure what the other engines they're talking about. 4.6? and maybe the ecoBoost turbo 6?
And about the grill- American car companies have been struggling to regain an identity and brand awareness. Nobody mistakes the BMW double kidneys for anything else on the road. 20 years ago, those kidneys were fairly pronounced, chromed out, and the whole grill was blacked out. It created an identity which today can be massaged for better looks. If the big 3 can figure out something that they like and stick to it (I personally kinda like the 3 bar razor blade look of the fusion and the edge and the in your face bowtie of the malibu, equinox et al) long enough for people to start ti identify with it, they will have greater freedom to stylize later on. Subaru has been having problems in this regard the last 5 years or so- notice how the front keeps changing?
Posted by bliq | January 17, 2008 3:51 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 15:51
I don't give a shit about trucks, but please people, learn how to use this thing we have here called the interweb. Click the post button once and then wait until the page loads. Its not a big deal. Go get a beer while you wait or something. Good god, 50% of the posts on this page are doubles, triples, quadruples, and yes even a quintuple.
Posted by gm0n3y | January 17, 2008 4:08 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 16:08
I want everyone to know that Torque Report has put me in charge of banning people who cannot use the post button correctly.
I am starting with Drfill and then Christopher who somehow managed a quad post with someone else's post imbetween????
Chris, you broke the interweb and the powers that be are not pleased. Prepare for max bannage.
Posted by zippy | January 17, 2008 4:31 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 16:31
The torque report seems to be exceptionally slow today, maybe thats why there's so many multi-posts.
This ford looks pretty silly. I can't imagine how ford sells so many trucks, I'd buy any of the other 3 first. Looks, probably the dodge. Quality, probably the GM. Green appeal, Toyota... even though it's just as much of a gas hog. Nissan actually makes a decent truck, I don't know why no one considers it.
Ford is going out of business if they don't make something worthwhile soon.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | January 17, 2008 4:42 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 16:42
The torque report seems to be exceptionally slow today, maybe thats why there's so many multi-posts.
This ford looks pretty silly. I can't imagine how ford sells so many trucks, I'd buy any of the other 3 first. Looks, probably the dodge. Quality, probably the GM. Green appeal, Toyota... even though it's just as much of a gas hog. Nissan actually makes a decent truck, I don't know why no one considers it.
Ford is going out of business if they don't make something worthwhile soon.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | January 17, 2008 4:47 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 16:47
My question is.. why do we need a luxury F-150. Whats next? An optional hot tub accessory in the bed? What ever happened to pickup trucks being used for actual work like construction?
Posted by Garret | January 17, 2008 5:22 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 17:22
This site is to blame
I only have problems blogging here
Damn near crashes my computer
Think they need a new operating system?
Are they on Vista?
DrFill
Posted by DrFill | January 17, 2008 5:48 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 17:48
I think zippy might be Dr. Vista...:)
When your product does not work, threaten folks - no doubt coming to an American dealer near you...:)
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 7:00 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 19:00
I think zippy might be Dr. Vista...:)
When your product does not work, threaten folks - no doubt coming to an American dealer near you...:)
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 7:42 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 19:42
I think zippy might be Dr. Vista...:)
When your product does not work, threaten folks - no doubt coming to an American dealer near you...:)
Posted by Christopher | January 17, 2008 9:24 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 21:24
LOL!
You had to say it three times!
Here comes beetlejuice.
Posted by zippy | January 17, 2008 9:37 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 21:37