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2012 Ford F-150 gets driveline upgrades, 750-mile range, new graphics

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Old 09-29-11, 08:23 PM
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Default 2012 Ford F-150 gets driveline upgrades, 750-mile range, new graphics

2012 Ford F-150 gets driveline upgrades, 750-mile range, new graphics



Ford's F-Series is one of the brightest jewels in the Blue Oval crown, and the 2012 Ford F-150 has been given more sizzle with new appearance options and more meat on the bones underneath it all with expanded driveline features and options. We've posted the full press release after the jump, but here are some highlights:

Down where tall blades of grass tickle the underbits, Ford has equipped every 2012 F-150 with Hill Start Assist to make starting off on grades less stressful. Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum F-150s are given a new four-wheel drive system that includes an automatic mode to augment its four modes in each range. All 2012 F-150 4X4 models have the ability to be flat-towed in neutral, and an electronic-locking rear differential is available for EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 F-150s. Wheelbase and payload tweaks are made, as well, and your bladder will certainly notice the 756-mile range of the 2012 F-150 EcoBoost 4X4, made possible by a new 36-gallon fuel tank.

The most visible addition for 2012 is the available FX appearance package that adds visual badassery to F-150's exterior with flat black stripes, red badging, unique head- and tail-lamps, chrome exhaust tip, and a black grille. Wheels for the FX package are flat black 20-inchers, too. The FX package also tarts up the interior with black leather on the seats set off by red piping and perforations. The steering wheel continues the theme with red stitching. Black and satin-metallic accents complete the FX package's interior high points. There's also a new FX Luxury package that adds heated and cooled front seats.

Ford has also launched a new Head to Head Pickup Comparison tool to help buyers figure out which configuration and powertrain best suits their needs. The tool also shows how the F-150 compares to its competition.

2012 Ford F-150 Adds New FX Appearance Package, More Capabilities and Technologies to Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

• 2012 Ford F-150 delivers even more of what customers are looking for with a new FX appearance package, and several new technologies and driveline upgrades. They include the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4x4 system for Lariat trim level and above, and greatly expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines

• Debuting stealthy, flat-black accents, the FX appearance package offers a unique 20-inch flat-black wheel, a stylized bodyside graphic and black badges with red lettering. Customized interior touches include black leather seating surfaces with red trim, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel

• All of the upgrades complement the fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain offerings that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy, with each engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission


DALLAS, Sept. 29, 2011 – Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient and capable full-size pickup on the market – is getting fine-tuned for 2012, with a new FX appearance package and several driveline updates and new technologies to further improve and refine the driving experience.

"The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150's rugged qualities," said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager. "It expands our range of specialty vehicles with custom elements that customers previously could find only in the aftermarket."

The new FX appearance package is available on both FX4 and FX2 trucks and delivers a unique look with stealthy, flat-black accents. The look is set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering, which is carried into the interior with a red-stitched steering wheel.

The FX's interior also features black leather seating surfaces with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter ****, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all FX colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX luxury package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

New 20-inch six-spoke wheels with a flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique bodyside decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.
Enhanced capability
Upgrades on the 2012 F-150's drivetrain include replacing last year's electronic shift-on-the-fly with a two-speed automatic 4x4 system for Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. The system still offers four high and four low modes, but now also offers a 4x4 auto mode. If the truck senses a loss of traction, it immediately transfers torque to the front wheels, making the system more seamless for the customer.

A new feature, Hill Start Assist, helps keep the truck from rolling backward at a stop, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill, especially when towing. With the brake pedal pressed, if sensors detect the vehicle is on a slope, the system is automatically activated. Brake pressure is held in the braking system, and the truck remains stationary on the slope for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal.

The addition of neutral tow capability on all 4x4 trucks means customers can now flat-tow their F-150, making the truck even more usable. An available electronic locking rear axle replaces most of the limited-slip offerings on the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® and 5.0-liter engines. It is now available in a range of axle ratios, and is even offered on 4x2 models, delivering a new level of traction capability across most of the F-150 lineup.

"These changes are centered around making F-150 an even more useful tool for our customers," said Jackie DiMarco, F-150 chief engineer. "We're continuously raising the bar when it comes to capability, and these upgrades and new technologies push us even further."

Additional updates include:
• Light-duty SuperCab 163-inch-wheelbase option on XL and XLT
• Heavy-duty payload CrewCab 157-inch-wheelbase option on XL, XLT and Lariat
• Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4 now standard on XL to FX4 trim levels

Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings
All of the changes for 2012 complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy. Each new engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard.

Here are the highlights of the engines:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6
• Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
• Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
• Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2)
• Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors
5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8
• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
• Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
• 21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)
• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors


6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8
• Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
• Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
• 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2)
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost
• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
• Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
• Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/2...range-new-gra/
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Old 09-29-11, 08:26 PM
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Default Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes

Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes



It's no secret that we're big fans of the Ford Raptor pickup. After all, there aren't many vehicles you can drive straight off the showroom floor, over and through harsh desert terrain at high speed and then back again. But Ford decided its off-road-ready truck needed a few updates for the 2012 model year.

While the 2011 Raptor was quite adept at handling varied terrain, from rutted washboard surfaces to the occasional jump (within reason...), it's four-wheel-drive system wasn't really designed with hardcore rock climbing in mind. For the new model year, though, Ford's extreme pickup gets a new Torsen front differential that features a helical gearset that promises to send torque to whichever front wheel has the most traction.

Another intriguing update for '12 is a front-mounted camera that can be ordered alongside the navigation system. This feature ought to help the driver figure out where best to steer the truck's front wheels so as to avoid otherwise unseen obstacles. The eight-inch screen in the center of the dash will be used to display what the camera sees at speeds of 15 miles per hour or less. Oh, and there's a dedicated washer for the camera to help keep it clean.

Besides those functional upgrades, the 2012 Raptor also gets a new optional side graphic that sports two diagonal stripes and is accented in matte, gloss and textured black. On the inside, a matte anodized blue treatment is now available on every color but Race Red (also new for '12). Rounding out the notable changes are optional cooled seats and new Euroflange wheels that keep their weights on the inside for better protection from off-road hazards.

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Expands Off-Road Prowess with New Torsen Front Differential and Off-Road Front Camera

- 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor demonstrates Ford's focus on raising the bar for off-road capabilities in a production truck, offering customers more of the tools they need to tackle everything off the beaten track
- New Torsen front differential is one such technology that increases grip significantly on the front end of the truck and improves its capabilities in handling obstacles, slippery conditions and steep grades
- Class-exclusive and patent-pending new front camera system makes its debut on F-150 SVT Raptor, enabling drivers in off-road terrain to see what's directly in front of the vehicle, even when their view from the driver's seat might be blocked
- 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor also adds style upgrades with a new wheel design, unique bodyside graphic and upgraded optional interior package with aluminum accents

DALLAS, Sept. 29, 2011 – The 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor is set to deliver a new level of the no-compromise off-road performance the truck is famed for and, with a variety of new technologies and interior and exterior updates, it won't disappoint.

"A major element of the SVT Raptor program is our work to continuously expand the capabilities it offers to customers. We want to cover all dimensions of off-roading – from desert running to rock climbing," said Raj Sarkar, Ford F-150 Marketing manager. "We always aim to keep the product fresh and exciting, and all of our changes for 2012 reflect that."

Additional capability for the 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor comes from a new Torsen front differential. The system increases grip significantly for the front end of the truck and allows it to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades, even when the traction is split between the front tires.

An internal helical gearset is used to help force torque from the wheel that is losing traction to the wheel with traction. The system is set with a torque bias ratio of 2.5:1 to help multiply torque from wheel to wheel and the preload is set to zero to help minimize steering feedback.

"This system is key for letting Raptor customers tackle new ground in their truck," said Kerry Baldori, Ford SVT Global Performance Vehicle chief functional engineer. "Its extreme capability lends itself well to rock climbing situations."

SVT and Torsen worked with the traction control team to further enhance the brake traction control system to improve the Torsen's capabilities. It was put to the test both in Ford's powertrain labs and in real vehicle durability testing, where it had no issues coping with SVT's unique off-road 1,000-mile torture test.

Special modifications were made for the differential's use on F-150 SVT Raptor, with a redesigned case created specifically for the truck's high-torque application.

Looking ahead

A new class-exclusive and patent-pending off-road front camera system also makes its debut on F-150 SVT Raptor, giving customers a new and unique view of what's happening in front of their truck. Activated through the 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, the system uses the 8-inch navigation display and helps drivers see what's directly in front of the vehicle, even when their view from the driver's seat might be blocked.

"It's a surprise and delight feature that works during low-speed crawling, and it's particularly useful for seeing in front of the vehicle when tackling large inclines," said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer. "We found the system particularly useful for avoiding large rocks or placing a tire on a rock. It can even take the place of the spotter at times, which is a great feature when the truck is in one foot of mud."

The front camera can be ordered with the Navigation System and is designed to aid at speeds of less than 15 mph in challenging off-road environments. The display from the camera will appear on the navigation screen on the center stack and includes dynamic and static overlays to help drivers determine where their wheels will go.

The camera is mounted in the front grille and includes a dedicated washer function that is activated by pressing a lever on the left steering column stalk.

Exterior and interior upgrades

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will offer owners new ways to add a customized touch to their truck with a fresh bodyside graphic.

Similar to the hood graphic, it now features the distinctive Raptor logo. The graphic is based around two diagonal stripes, with jagged lines and shapes that give it both a racing and off-road feel.

The graphic uses gloss, matte and textured black finishes to give it a one-of-a-kind look. The textured finish complements the other black-grained exterior parts, such as the hood vents, fender air extractors and running boards.

Additionally, a new matte anodized blue interior color accent package will replace the existing one, which will be available with every paint color except for the newly offered Race Red. The package includes accent leather-trimmed front seats with unique leather inserts and accents on the center stack, rear seat inserts and door panels. Aluminum trim also is used on the instrument panel and flow-through center console.

Also new for 2012 is the addition of cooled seats to the optional luxury package and a new Euroflange wheel, which has weights on the inside to better protect from off-road debris and obstacles.

Hot seller

The 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor is proving to be incredibly popular. Ford is seeing a significant increase in overall volume, as well as increased interest in the new SuperCrew option, with take rates at more than 80 percent.

High-performance off-roading

The F-150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 34 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F-150's Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering.

Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, the Raptor has comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.

The F-150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance.

Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Raptor also has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich®
All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel on either SuperCab or SuperCrew.

The 145-inch-wheelbase SuperCrew adds to the extensive list of F-150 SVT Raptor features. While contributing additional space and flexibility for the customer, the SuperCrew still delivers outstanding performance as well.

The standard 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, makes F-150 SVT Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

Bringing this all together in a comprehensively engineered factory offering adds up to a Built Ford Tough truck that is truly in a class of its own.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/f...package-among/
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