Ford has announced today more details about the all-new 2009 F-150 and the new F-150 SFE.
Everything is all about fuel economy now and in order for Ford to stay ahead of the competition Ford has made certain improvements to the range to improve the F-150's fuel economy. The new F-150 offers a fuel economy improvement of about 8 percent over the last-gen. The improvement is as high as 12 percent on models equipped with the 5.4L V8.
Ford has also announced the addition of the new F-150 SFE "superior fuel economy” edition that delivers up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway while still being able to tow up to 7,500 lbs. This is model is obviously in response to GM's new XFE edition Silverado and Sierra pickups. The SFE model's fuel economy is unsurpassed in its class. The F-150 SFE is powered by a 4.6L V8 that is only available on F-150 SuperCrew XL and XLT 4X2 mated with the 5.5 foot bed.
Ford achieved the "unsurpassed" rating by using six-speed automatic transmissions, aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off and aerodynamic improvements.
The all-new F-150 will be in showrooms next month.
Related Stories:
Ford is Considering a Four-Cylinder F150
GM Unveils "Xtra Fuel Economy" Versions of its Full Size Trucks and SUVs
PRESS RELEASE:
2009 FORD F-150 UNSURPASSED IN FUEL ECONOMY, CAPABILITY
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 18, 2008 – America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, is raising the bar once again – this time with unsurpassed fuel efficiency on the new 2009 F-150, thanks to significant miles per gallon improvement across the entire F-150 lineup.
On sale in October, the new F-150 offers fuel economy that has improved an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup as a result of a wide-range of engineering enhancements. The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume 3-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. At the same time, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.
In addition, Ford is announcing the introduction of the new F-150 SFE “superior fuel economy” edition delivering up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway while still providing 7,500 pounds of towing capability – fuel economy that is unsurpassed in the full-size pickup segment.
“Ford has committed to have the best or equal to the best fuel economy with every new product we introduce, and we are delivering with the new F-150,” said Matt O’Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “Fuel economy has moved from 10th to third place among pickup buyers’ top purchase considerations – right behind durability and value. The new F-150 delivers on all three as the industry leader.”
F-150 SFE
The new SFE package will be available on F-150 SuperCrew XL and XLT 4X2 vehicles with 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 engines and 5.5-foot beds. The SFE pickup will achieve 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
The SFE package trucks also feature a new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission, a 3.15:1 rear axle and 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels with low rolling resistance P265/60R18 all-season tires.
“Earning the trust of so many truck customers during the past 31 years has taught us a lot about what they want and value from their F-150,” O’Leary said. “In the past, there was a tradeoff – more fuel economy meant less capability and vice versa. With the new F-150, we didn’t accept tradeoffs. We delivered capability and fuel economy.”
The SFE package will be a no-cost option on XLT SuperCrew pickups with the chrome package and will cost $1,095 when ordered on XL SuperCrew pickups with the decor package.
Fuel Economy throughout the Lineup
The 8 percent improvement in fuel economy across the entire lineup of V-8 F-150s is the result of using lightweight ultra-high-strength steel to lighten the truck up to 100 pounds versus the current model and aerodynamic refinements.
The new F-150 is now best-in-class for aerodynamics. The new F-150 SuperCrew 4X2 with a 5.5-foot box has the lowest coefficient of drag – 0.403 – in the segment. That’s 6 percent lower than a comparable 2008 F-150.
Key aero improvements for the new F-150 include:
- A new chamfered shape to the rear of the cab, which incorporated the center-high-mount stop lamp. This shape helps direct aerodynamic wake over the pickup box efficiently.
- The top of the tailgate, which angles outward to create a bold lip. This wider surface at the top of the tailgate works with the cab chamfering to direct airflow over the box efficiently.
- The front bumper valence and spoiler design, which has been improved to better manage airflow underneath the truck without compromising off-roading.
In addition, as part of the fuel economy improvements, Ford’s powertrain team delivered technology upgrades to make the F-150 powertrains more efficient.
The new six-speed automatic transmission offers a wider gear ratio span than four-speed transmissions, allowing engineers the flexibility to have responsiveness in low gears and better fuel economy in the taller gears. The new double-overdrive gearbox is designed to contribute a 4 to 6 percent fuel economy improvement.
Both the 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engines utilize open valve injection. This unique feature improves the air/fuel charge conditions in the combustion chamber, allowing greater spark advance at higher loads and engine speeds. This delivers increased horsepower during towing and higher rpm operations, lower emissions and more efficient use of fuel.
The F-150 also regulates gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off. The fuel shut-off is automatic and requires no unusual actions from the driver. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system temporarily turns off the fuel. The flow of fuel seamlessly resumes when the truck reaches a low speed or the driver accelerates again.
To prevent engine hesitation normally associated with fuel interruption, Ford’s powertrain team developed proprietary software to integrate the technology with the F-150’s powertrains.
| « Previous | Next » |
Comments (21)
First :)
nice truck
Posted by macer1 | September 18, 2008 11:30 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 11:30
Don't know if I would want to drive around with "SFE" on my truck, but maybe that's just me.
Not too bad, I guess, but nothing worth an "SFE" badge.
Posted by Joan of Arc | September 18, 2008 11:32 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 11:32
Personally I don't care for the grill but the rest of the truck looks nice. I'm glad the auto makes are focusing on fuel economy and actually looking into ways to make their products more fuel-efficient.
Posted by CS | September 18, 2008 11:50 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 11:50
Nice truck, the grille design is mediocre IMO. I am glad that fuel economy numbers are improving (albeit slightly) but not bad considering that the inherent blocky aerodynamics and weight works against these vehicles. This is still a large market for these vehicle as many contractors, ranchers, farmers, small businesses need these vehicles. The market has slowed dramatically for the casual large truck buyer.
Posted by longdxcommuter | September 18, 2008 2:31 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 14:31
Good looking truck, but if they would of just make it alittle more aerodynamics they prolly would of pull off 1-2mpg more.
Posted by Rozz | September 18, 2008 3:58 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 15:58
5.5 foot bed? WTF would I need a truck for at that point? I doubt I could even fit my quad in there. Otherwise, I agree, it's nice to see fuel economy coming into play, I just hope it continues.
Posted by JoePDX | September 18, 2008 4:13 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 16:13
Looks nice. I'd opt for a smaller sticker on the back of the truck instead of that giant sticker on the side though. Glad to see an improvement of fuel economy.
Posted by Mathew | September 18, 2008 10:20 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 22:20
Now that's what I’m talking about. Finally someone that gets it and that was Ford. Ford factored with efficiency fuel towing instead of just saying that we can get 21mpg highway minus towing like Dodge and GM. What is the damn point to say that a truck can get 21mpg highway but you can’t tow anything in the process? You miles well not even say your truck is fuel efficient. I mean, who cares if you can get 21mpg highway if you can’t utilize the truck for what it’s made for.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | September 18, 2008 10:59 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 22:59
Now that's what I’m talking about. Finally someone that gets it and that was Ford. Ford factored in fuel efficiency with towing, instead of just saying that we can get up to 21mpg highway minus towing like Dodge and GM. I mean, what is the damn point to say that a truck can get 21mpg highway but you can’t tow anything in the process? You miles well not even say your truck is even fuel efficient. I mean, who cares if you can get 21mpg highway if you can’t utilize the truck for what it’s made for.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | September 18, 2008 11:01 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 23:01
great economy as long as you dont use it.
Posted by lowest iq | September 19, 2008 4:35 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 04:35
Just like the rest of the new trucks and suv's, it'll get awesome mileage sitting on dealer lots.
Posted by Dave K | September 19, 2008 4:44 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 04:44
It only tows 3400 kilo's, yes?
We do this im Europe mit a 2,0 litre diesel mit a kompressor.
Posted by Rolf | September 19, 2008 5:35 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 05:35
I've been to Europe and I have seen what people are towing with their little vehicles.. My old 2.0L gas Jetta could tow my 28' trailer, but I wouldn't exactly call it safe. It's not the size of the engine that determines safety but rather the ability of your tow vehicle to stay in control in adverse driving conditions... like say your trailer breaks suddenly stopped working. Good luck stopping safely with your small car and it's wonderful 2.0l diesel engine.
Posted by Greg | September 19, 2008 6:10 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 06:10
Physical looks=ok
but 8-12% improvement in fuel economy! whats the big deal? Remember you still have to be coasting to achieve that figure. And it'll fail, simply because, wheres the HP and TQ figure? Trucks aren't going to get great MPG numbers, they are work vehicles. I need them to do their job. So what if you get 12% better in fuel usage, it'll take you 25secs to merge in the freeway or go uphill. For trucks, I would sacrifice a couple MPG for HP and TQ anyday.
If they can increase MPG while increasing HP and TQ, then they're heading in the right direction.
Posted by NoDos | September 19, 2008 7:57 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 07:57
Put a diesel in it..........
Ford has a very good international market 3.0L TDCI (380nm of torque@1800rpm/115kw towing mass 1800kg) diesel motor that outperforms their 4.0L (323nm of torque@3000 rpm/154kw towing mass 1600kg) petrol motor.
If you really need a vehicle for towing capacity and want fuel economy, then diesel is the way to go.
Posted by niall | September 19, 2008 8:19 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 08:19
It only tows 3400 kilo's, yes?
We do this im Europe mit a 2,0 litre diesel mit a kompressor.
That is 7500 lbs while still getting 21 mpg. It will tow much much more than that, just not getting 21 mpg.
Posted by therooster | September 19, 2008 10:01 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 10:01
My 1991 Yamaha VMAX 1.2l motorcycle at 145HP and 140+ lbs torque could also pull that 28' trailer too. But I labor the point to being ridicules, as is the Jetta too.
Let's do some calculations assuming you want to trade in your older truck on this one for the improvement of MPG. I had a 2004 Ford F-150 2WD at 18.75 mpg. Say I wanted to trade up,(I sold it for $9600 in great shape)...
So, 12% better fuel economy; my 18.75 mpg + new improvement of 12% (= 21 mpg). If I buy this truck (assuming a $10k difference in a trade in cost not including tax, registrations, etc) @ $3.60/gal would take 2778 gallons of gas worth of driving; 52K miles at 18.75mpg or 58.4k miles at 21 mpg.
First, it would pay for about 2 years of driving my old truck to just make up the cost of trading it in. Since my older truck would not loose as much value as the brand new truck, It is even more expensive.
Second, for the difference of 6000 miles in fuel savings, the cost is $10k/6000 or $.1.60 a mile more to own for the first two years (assuming 25k per year of driving)!
So trading in a similar truck with this improvement is not enough MPG to make it worth while. What Ford needs to do is make it about 25 mpg (about 25%) more efficient to make sense for me. I don't think 25mpg would be unreasonable for this truck (assuming no load of course and 2WD).
But I agree, it is a nice truck!
Posted by sparky | September 19, 2008 1:00 PM
Posted on September 19, 2008 13:00
It is unbelievable, that you still build gasoline powered trucks in the states. Diesel should have replaced them a long time ago.
If you need a performance diesel to manage extreme loads you simply put in a 4L or larget one. It will outtow any gas powered similar displacement gasoline engine with up to 50% lower consumption.
Posted by Diesel | September 21, 2008 4:36 AM
Posted on September 21, 2008 04:36
Every reliability study I read indicates that GM has started producing high quality cars.
I also keep hearing that the new German diesels do not smoke, smell, or emit unpleasant noises.
After a lifetime of witnessing crappy GM cars and soot-stained Mercedes cars, it will be a few more years before I jump on either bandwagon.
Posted by bubba551 | September 21, 2008 6:22 AM
Posted on September 21, 2008 06:22
"It is unbelievable, that you still build gasoline powered trucks in the states. Diesel should have replaced them a long time ago."
This is true, but the bleeding hearts at the EPA killed the small diesel motor for the US. Now it only makes sense on the larger engines that can absorb the cost of all the EPA emssions control crap they are required to put in.
Posted by therooster | September 23, 2008 8:47 AM
Posted on September 23, 2008 08:47
Great looking truck, great idea... but that 4.6 liter engine has NO BALLS [I own 1]. Plus anyway, if your going to buy a truck, use it for what its made for, not for ure daily-driver. All these teenagers and guys getting them just because of the 'status' it gives. 4 a gallon gas was fixing that problem.
Get a Focus or something, tho the Focus is ball-less too [this is my every day car]. Takes 12 seconds to get from 0-60. Yea its a compact, but when you need to get onto the freeway quickly after getting off work at 5 in Dallas.... yikes.
I love Ford and fave never owned ANYTHING else, but now ya'll at the blue oval need to do this to a 5.4.
Posted by Ford#1!! | October 22, 2008 2:59 PM
Posted on October 22, 2008 14:59