Ford's game-changing 2015 F-150 revealed to world

(September 30, 2015) Ford's much discussed and ballyhooed F-150 truck was revealed to the world this week. Ford calls the 2015 F-150 "the reinvention of America’s favorite pickup" and the Blue Oval company is betting big time that the world's best selling vehicle will remain at the top of the heap with the new pickup, which uses an unprecedented amount of aluminum for a vehicle with nearly three-quarter million sales a year.

Ford says its pickup is winning early praise as it sets the standard for the future of tough, thanks to the all-new vehicle’s impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency.

This month, the first of 10,000 dealer sales consultants began test driving the new truck in 26 cities nationwide. Performance driving and competitive towing exercises are underscoring the industry’s best towing and payload capability among full-size pickups — the all-new F-150 can tow 12,200 pounds and haul 3,300 pounds.

"Overall, the 2015 F-150 is the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every truck customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings the new truck delivers," Ford says.

"The all-new F-150 can tow up to 1,100 more pounds, haul up to 530 more pounds and is projected to have fuel economy ratings in the range of at least 5 percent and as much as 20 percent better gas mileage than today’s truck, depending on the model. (Specific gas mileage numbers for the entire lineup will be certified by the U.S. EPA, likely in November, and announced at that time.)"

“Once again, Ford F-150 establishes new standards in durability, capability, technology and efficiency,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “We keep raising the bar on America’s favorite truck to help F-150 owners be more productive 24/7 – whether for work or weekend fun.”

Through December, dealer sales consultants will put the all-new F-150 through its paces in 26 cities, testing the truck’s speed and towing capability while experiencing its smart new features.

These early drives are meant to help sales professionals understand the truck’s strengths from the best perspective — the driver’s seat.

Consumers also can test drive the all-new F-150 ahead of the truck’s arrival in dealer showrooms. From Oct. 11 to Dec. 21, consumers in 38 U.S. cities can participate in up to 20,000 test drives of the new truck nationwide, with product experts along for the ride explaining smart new innovations and answering questions.

Consumers can preregister for events at F150drive.com. If no stops are yet planned near a customer’s location, he or she will be notified of future tour visits. Walk-up participation is encouraged.

The new truck’s improved performance is enabled by reducing up to 700 pounds of weight through the use of high-strength steel in the frame and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body.

Before the new F-150 goes on sale, it will have been torture-tested for more than 10 million miles in a range of temperatures and terrain – in labs, at Ford proving grounds, in the hands of some of the most demanding truck customers and even in the grueling Baja 1000 off-road race.

Several groundbreaking features debut in the all-new F-150, including 11 available class-exclusives:

    • 360-degree camera view uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help drivers park, maneuver in tight spots, and navigate narrow roads and trails

    • Integrated loading ramps enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers

    • BoxLink combines metal brackets and custom cleats to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box — from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers

    • LED headlamps; LED taillamps provide excellent nighttime visibility

    • Trailer hitch assist adds a new rearview camera feature that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up their truck and trailer with no spotter or need to exit the vehicle

    • Remote tailgate allows for tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob

The all-new F-150 lineup includes four engine options for more power, and to meet most any customer need:

    • 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with standard Auto Start-Stop: New engine design produces 325 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost 4x2 has a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds and maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds – ideal for meeting mid-range capability requirements and the needs of more than 90 percent of light-duty truck customers

    • 3.5-liter EcoBoost: This twin-turbo EcoBoost engine delivers V8-like 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 365 horsepower to enable towing of up to 12,200 pounds – more than enough to handle a fully loaded, three-horse trailer or large boat. It has earned an industry-leading maximum payload rating of 3,180 pounds

    • 5.0-liter V8 with twin independent variable camshaft timing: Improved power and efficiency, delivering 385 horsepower and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. Smart engineering enhancements such as a new long-runner intake manifold, revised intake cam duration and new pulse-separated exhaust manifolds help raise towing capability by 1,100 pounds to a maximum 11,100 pounds, and payload to 3,300 pounds

    • 3.5-liter V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing: This engine produces 283 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a maximum payload of 1,910 pounds and maximum tow rating of 7,600 pounds – unsurpassed for standard V6 light-duty pickup trucks

When it arrives in showrooms late this year, the all-new Ford F-150 will continue offering the broadest selection of trim levels in the full-size pickup segment. Five primary trims are available, and include XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch. Chrome appearance packages are available with XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch. Monochromatic sport appearance packages are available with XL, XLT and Lariat.

The FX4 off-road package can be added to most four-wheel-drive models, improving trail capability with an electronic locking rear axle, skid plates and off-road-tuned shocks.

F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series truck lineup, America’s best-selling truck for 37 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for 32 years.

F-150 continues to be manufactured at Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Mich., and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.