The bestselling Ford F-150 pickup truck has been redesigned for 2015, and the company is betting heavily on the number 13—as in aluminum, the 13th element.
It's a big gamble for the company, which is transitioning to significant use of lightweight aluminum in order to reduce weight in major structural components of the truck. Unlike some automakers that are focusing efforts on powertrain as the key to weight savings, aluminum will be offered across the board on all models—from a turbocharged six-cylinder engine to a big V-8. Ford claims benefits in fuel economy, longevity, and cost of maintenance, although we're waiting patiently to see for ourselves.
We recently had a short stint behind the wheel of most of the models in the 2015 F-150 lineup, and came away with six new conclusions.
The F-150 can be pretty quick off the line and quick on an autocross.
We had the unusual fortune to try out the F-150 in its different engine/transmission configurations on an unofficial dragstrip in a New Jersey parking lot. Unladen, the 2015 model is no slouch. Against similarly muscled competition from Chevrolet and Ram, each model held its own. Our favorite of the day was the 325-hp EcoBoost 2.7-liter V-6, which felt like a Lightning special. The V-8, by comparison, made the truck heavy for the sake of feeling a big pickup.
Even its tailgate bed is advanced.
The F-150's bed is as trick as the engine technology. A fold-out step with a handle (shown above) folds neatly into the tailgate, which can be lowered by the optional push of a button.
It offers on-the-job massages and a 360 view of the world.
In addition to being a strong tow vehicle and an exceptional hauler, the F-150 was designed to help its occupants relax. A 360-degree camera helps with maneuverability, while optional massaging seats—yes, really—rival those in a Bentley or Mercedes-Benz.
All this can add up to a hefty pricetag.
Thought all of this refinement came cheap? Not exactly. While the 2015 F-150 starts around a reasonable $26,000, the sticker jumps astronomically to nearly twice that much for a fully loaded King Ranch 4X4 SuperCrew model. That's as much as a new Chevrolet Corvette, or three Mazda Miatas.
Stay tuned for more on the 2015 F-150 when we take it out for a proper road test.
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