Just in time for the 2014 Detroit Motor Show (NAIAS), Ford released the first images and details of the new 2015 F-150 pickup truck. Pitched as the toughest and smartest F-150 ever, the new model’s highlights include a high-strength steel frame with aluminum-alloy body, a 2.7 liter EcoBoost engine, and 11 new class-exclusive features.
As expected, the design of the 2015 Ford F-150 is heavily inspired by the Atlas Concept, which is a very good thing. You get the unique headlights with a sizable front grille that gives the truck its exclusive, instantly recognizable face. The construction of the new F-150 is a very high-tech affair, utilizing materials usually used in the military and aerospace industry. It features a fully boxed ladder frame made from high-strength steel with a military-grade, aluminum alloy body on top that is light and tough, and has better dent and ding resistance.
Ford engineers have thoroughly and rigorously tested the new truck for performance, toughness and durability. The tests included extreme scenarios, including crisscrossing the country pulling heavy trailers and hefty loads through desert valleys and over high-altitude mountain passes, and even entering Baja 1000 races!
2015 Ford F-150 is not all muscle and no brain, though. It is not called the smartest truck for nothing. You get many new features that are designed to make the truck easier to live with, including 360-degree camera view; Integrated loading ramps; BoxLink system for the cargo box; LED headlamps and taillamps; trailer hitch assist; Smart trailer tow module; remote lock and unlock for the tailgate; High-wattage power outlets (400 watts, 110 volts) in the cab; 8-inch LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel; and the a whole host of other features including Ford SYNC and MyKey systems.
The highlights of the engine lineup include the addition of a new 2.7 liter EcoBoost unit – specs yet to be revealed – joining the existing 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engines. The truck gets Curve Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot monitor as part of its safety features.
2015 Ford F-150 goes on sale later this year with five primary trim levels, including XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch.
