The next-generation FORD F150 pick-up on test
05-04-07, 06:30 PM
#1
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The next-generation FORD F150 pick-up on test
Ford F150: the lowdown
It can be difficult for Europeans to comprehend the importance of full-size trucks to the health of the big American manufacturers. Cars like the F150 are some of the biggest sellers in the US - and the big three are reliant on continuing sales of these pick-ups to keep their meagre fortunes intact.
They're under attack as never before, especially from Asian manufacturers. If you saw Toyota unveil the new Tundra at this year's Detroit Auto Show, you'd have thought they ruled the roost in the full-size truck sector. Which is very much what they want to do.
It can be difficult for Europeans to comprehend the importance of full-size trucks to the health of the big American manufacturers. Cars like the F150 are some of the biggest sellers in the US - and the big three are reliant on continuing sales of these pick-ups to keep their meagre fortunes intact.
They're under attack as never before, especially from Asian manufacturers. If you saw Toyota unveil the new Tundra at this year's Detroit Auto Show, you'd have thought they ruled the roost in the full-size truck sector. Which is very much what they want to do.
So what's Ford's response ?
The new F150, that's what. It hopes that a revised, fettled and improved pick-up will claw back sales from its competitors. CAR Online was on hand when a trio of final confirmation prototypes were out on test near Ford's global HQ at Dearborn.
Although the cars were still wearing heavy disguise, you can make out a lot of detail that spills the beans on this, one of the Blue Oval's most important new cars in years.
The new F150, that's what. It hopes that a revised, fettled and improved pick-up will claw back sales from its competitors. CAR Online was on hand when a trio of final confirmation prototypes were out on test near Ford's global HQ at Dearborn.
Although the cars were still wearing heavy disguise, you can make out a lot of detail that spills the beans on this, one of the Blue Oval's most important new cars in years.
So what's it like inside ?
Mention the words 'truck' or 'pick-up' to your typical European motorist and they'll look aghast, expecting shiny plastics and as much refinement as you get in a seedy student nightclub. The F150, and rival trucks, are slowly changing that belief, though, with a steady improvement in quality. Whereas the last model represented a huge leap forward, this time the improvements will be more incremental.
It might not have the ambience of Europe's latest Mondeo, but it does share that car's classy, chrome-ringed, round air vents, and we can make out some pretty upmarket equipment on these prototypes: cruise control, electric gadgets galore, a column-mounted automatic gearlever and (naturally) a flurry of super-sized cupholders. Very neat.
Mention the words 'truck' or 'pick-up' to your typical European motorist and they'll look aghast, expecting shiny plastics and as much refinement as you get in a seedy student nightclub. The F150, and rival trucks, are slowly changing that belief, though, with a steady improvement in quality. Whereas the last model represented a huge leap forward, this time the improvements will be more incremental.
It might not have the ambience of Europe's latest Mondeo, but it does share that car's classy, chrome-ringed, round air vents, and we can make out some pretty upmarket equipment on these prototypes: cruise control, electric gadgets galore, a column-mounted automatic gearlever and (naturally) a flurry of super-sized cupholders. Very neat.
But will the F150 lug and carry and be tough as nails still? I don't want it too comfy
You bet. These cars had some cunning disguise in the loadbay to make the flatbed look less capacious than it really is; rest assured, with the foam padding removed it will offer a vast capacity.
Short cab, extended cab and four-door double cab bodystyles will be offered and under that disguise you'll see a traditional Ford, three-bar grille, a kinked waistline and many tips from the classic F150s of the past, according to our sources.
You bet. These cars had some cunning disguise in the loadbay to make the flatbed look less capacious than it really is; rest assured, with the foam padding removed it will offer a vast capacity.
Short cab, extended cab and four-door double cab bodystyles will be offered and under that disguise you'll see a traditional Ford, three-bar grille, a kinked waistline and many tips from the classic F150s of the past, according to our sources.
So when can I finally see the new F150 ?
We hear the latest F150 truck will be saved for America's biggest auto show - the Detroit show at the Cobo Arena, just down the road from the Blue Oval's main offices.
Words: Tim Pollard
We hear the latest F150 truck will be saved for America's biggest auto show - the Detroit show at the Cobo Arena, just down the road from the Blue Oval's main offices.
Words: Tim Pollard
05-04-07, 07:35 PM
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05-04-07, 08:01 PM
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Yeah it is a handsome truck but the "ALL NEW" Expedition and Escape, the aging Explorer, and the ugly Freestyle aren't really winning over hearts. Considering their lackluster execution lately, if they restyle the F150 with a similarly half-a$$ed effort then I think it's going to be a problem.
They need to get it together.
They need to get it together.
05-04-07, 10:35 PM
#6
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It gained many things over prior Explorers - a 6 speed auto with the V8, vastly quieter interior, upgraded engines, finally a decent nav system, etc.How do I know? I own one.
It's not a Lexus but then it didn't cost anywhere near as much. I've had mine a year. Zero problems.I own one of those too and it's been excellent. Super filthy right now (cuz it's my wife's and we rarely clean it and she hauls all kinds of crap in it.
05-05-07, 04:25 AM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
I am strongly opposed to this practice of hiding new vehicles under bras and covers. IMO, it is childish, unnecessary, and an personal insult to those, like us here at CL, who steadfastly follow the new car and truck market.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-05-07 at 04:33 AM.
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05-05-07, 08:26 AM
#8
MPLexus301 - the Explorer was all new for 2006. It gained many things over prior Explorers - a 6 speed auto with the V8, vastly quieter interior, upgraded engines, finally a decent nav system, etc.
How do I know? I own one. It's not a Lexus but then it didn't cost anywhere near as much. I've had mine a year. Zero problems.
I own one of those too and it's been excellent. Super filthy right now (cuz it's my wife's and we rarely clean it and she hauls all kinds of crap in it.
It gained many things over prior Explorers - a 6 speed auto with the V8, vastly quieter interior, upgraded engines, finally a decent nav system, etc.How do I know? I own one.
It's not a Lexus but then it didn't cost anywhere near as much. I've had mine a year. Zero problems.I own one of those too and it's been excellent. Super filthy right now (cuz it's my wife's and we rarely clean it and she hauls all kinds of crap in it.
Just my .02.
05-05-07, 08:51 AM
#9
Out of Warranty
With half-ton trucks accounting for a major portion of US vehicle sales, this is probably the most hotly contested sector of the domestic market. Even though the real market is for the lower end "work trucks", manufacturers are putting more content in the price leaders than they did even ten years ago. Safety and practicality are available even in the lowest price ranges, while the standard bearers now range upwards of $35K in the top of the line models.
In the half-ton range, Chevy has gone to a sleek, more sophisticated look, while Dodge still wallows in the half-conceived "big rig" styling it began some years ago. Chevy looks expensive while Dodge manages to still look cheap. Toyota has done a great job on its first outing, but needs street cred to be a hit. That I-Force powerplant is a nice, if pricey start.
Ford OTOH has put all three on the trailer with the latest iteration of the F 150 that follows the "Super Chief" show truck they unveiled a couple years ago. The current model is, simply put, BRUTAL in appearance. If testosterone sells trucks, Ford will peddle everything they can paint.
In the half-ton range, Chevy has gone to a sleek, more sophisticated look, while Dodge still wallows in the half-conceived "big rig" styling it began some years ago. Chevy looks expensive while Dodge manages to still look cheap. Toyota has done a great job on its first outing, but needs street cred to be a hit. That I-Force powerplant is a nice, if pricey start.
Ford OTOH has put all three on the trailer with the latest iteration of the F 150 that follows the "Super Chief" show truck they unveiled a couple years ago. The current model is, simply put, BRUTAL in appearance. If testosterone sells trucks, Ford will peddle everything they can paint.
05-05-07, 11:28 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
but I don't feel like Ford's styling is keeping up with the competition, who all seems to pull off more dramatic and noticeable redesigns. The "new" Escape, Explorer, and Expedition look only marginally different than the old ones and I doubt that the untrained eye could really tell the difference.
Toyota has really started to create a unique design language with Trucks and SUVs,
GM has done a nice job with it's new trucks and SUVs,
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