Ford F150 Truck Blog

The F-150 is truly the king of trucks. Ford put on a webcast recently with regards to the new engines in the 2011 F150, and we wanted to bring to you some of the highlights of the presentation.

First off, the F-Series has been the #1 selling truck for 33 years now, and is on track to take the title again in 2010. Sales from January through July of 2010 are more than double the sales in the same period of 2009. Super Duty (retail) sales are up 65% this year. The SVT Raptor 6.2L is the hottest selling truck on the market, it’s selling in about 12 days. And truck sales overall are up, up, up this year. Truck sales momentum is great!

Fuel economy is the #1 unmet need right now, 70% of pickup owners that Ford surveyed said they wanted improved fuel economy. And many of them were willing to switch brands to get it.

In 62 years of F-Series production, this is the most extensive powertrain overhaul ever. The F-Series get new engines, plus all new F-150′s will get the new 6 speed transmission.

The entry level powertrain is the 3.7L V6. This is so much stronger than the older 4.2L V6, that it will be available on a broader range of cab styles, including the SuperCrew cab.

The EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine will be available from XL through Platinum level trucks, and is the max towing engine, up to 11,000 lbs towing capability. In fact, Ford has best-in-class trailer tow capability across the board, as seen by this slide here:

The new engine lineup is about 20% more fuel efficient over 2010 engine choices. In part, that’s thanks to the deceleration fuel shut-off feature that’s made it’s way into all of the new engines.

Three key changes on the 5.0L V8 truck engine as compared to the 5.0L V8 found in the 2011 Mustang:

• Retuned intake camshafts (for lower RPM torque)
• Cast iron exhaust manifolds (for durability)
• Compression ratio down to 10.5:1 in F-150 versus 11:1 in Mustang

The premium engine in the 2011 Ford F150 is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo direct-injection engine based off the similar engine in the Ford Taurus SHO and EcoBoost Ford Flex. The cams have a longer duration, the intake manifold is changed, different cylinder heads, etc. So the 3.5L EcoBoost engine is not the same as found in the other Ford cars. Ford isn’t giving an exact figure on power and torque, expect that information within 4-6 weeks’ time. Of course, the folks here at FordF150.net will update the 2011 F150 page when we have the information.

• The base 3.7L V6 is rated at 300 hp, 275 lb-ft torque
• The EcoBoost 3.5L V6 is currently unrated
• The popular 5.0L V8 is rated at 360 hp, 380 lb-ft torque
• The bad-ass 6.2L V8 is rated at 411 hp, 434 lb-ft torque

Oil change intervals will be 10,000 miles (5W20 oil). If your 2011 F-150 is equipped with the in-dash productivity screen, you will have an oil life monitor in that display.

So no matter what your needs and wants are, the 2011 F-Series trucks are the answer. If you want better fuel economy, just pick your V6 engine. If you need unmatched towing capability, choose the EcoBoost V6 or 6.2L V8. If your truck is a daily driver, perhaps the 300hp 3.7L V6 will suit you just fine. If not, upgrade to the 5.0L V8.

Other great 2011 F-150 details can be found at the following resources:

• 2011 Ford F150
• 2011 Ford F150 Engine Lineup
• 2011 Ford F150 Forum
• New V6 Engine Forum
• New V8 Engine Forum

The 2011 Ford F-150 pickup will get three replacement powertrains. Ford Motor Co. will offer a 3.7-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 F-150 pickup when it goes on sale early next year, sources say. Those engines are in the 2011 Ford Mustang.

Also, Ford has announced it will offer a 3.5-liter V6 engine with EcoBoost turbocharging and direct injection in the 2011 F-150.

All engines will offer 6-speed automatic transmissions, sources say. The 3.7-liter V6 will be the standard base engine for the 2011 F-150, sources say. That engine will have improved horsepower and torque compared with the outgoing 4.6-liter 2-valve V8 engine that is standard on the 2010 F-150, they say.

AutoWeek is reporting the above.

Ford’s current 2010 F-150 lineup includes a 4.6L 2V V8 (248 hp), a 4.6L 3V V8 (292 hp), and the 5.4L 3V V8 (310 hp). The Raptor F150 also has the 6.2L V8. So the 2011 Ford F-150 engines with more power and newer technology definitely helps Ford stay on top of the competitors.

Although we’re not going to see a Diesel F150, Ford is hoping the EcoBoost turbo-V6 will satisfy the fans who want the oil burner. However, the V6 F150 fans should be happy with the 2011 F150 engine lineup because there will be TWO V6 options.

As an aside, there’s no word on a hybrid F150 powertrain, but anything is possible in the future.

Now if only we could get Ford to give us the dirt on the next generation Ranger (F-100?), life would be great

Source(s): [AutoWeek]

Car and Driver is reporting that Ford is confirming we will see a SuperCrew cab option for the 2011 F-150 Raptor truck.

Aside from the new cab option, Ford has added Silver as a color choice for the 2011 Raptor. As well, we expect to see the in-dash computer, the Productivity Screen, that’s available on the 2011 Super Duty. Ford has not announced whether that screen will make it in the F-150 for sure in 2011, I guess we’ll just wait and see.

Sources: [Car&Driver] [PickupTrucks]

The folks over at LeftLaneNews have spotted what appears to be a 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat Limited edition. Here’s a quote from them:

Our spies have caught a half-dressed engineering mule of what’s believed to be the 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat Limited… By the time we see the production version of the 2011 Lariat Limited, we expect the lower front air dam will be body color. The wheels may change to a different style or they’ll be painted with body color accents. The diamond mesh grille is likely to stay the same as shown, to differentiate it from the Harley F-150. It’s identical to the 2010 Ford F-150 Lariat’s grille. What else is the Lariat Limited package likely to come with? Though the pictures show a single awkward looking exhaust tip, the side view shows it’s really two pipes merged into one. Based on that and the loud exhaust note, we expect the Lariat Limited will feature Ford’s all-new 6.2-liter premium V-8 engine, as Ford rolls that engine out to high-end F-150 models.

Check out the article @ http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-f-150-lariat-limited.html

Want custom graphics for your F-150? AutoBlog has posted news about Ford’s new custom graphics coming soon to Ford vehicles near you.

The generically-named Ford Custom Graphics are a series of vinyls that can be used to add a little extra something to your blue oval beauty. Ford says the graphics are scratch-resistant and weatherproof, and retain the car’s 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty. They will be sold exclusively through Ford dealers.

Check out FordCustomGraphics.com for details, or see this post at AutoBlog.

And in other news, information was leaked that the 2011 Mustang GT will get a 5.0 engine with 412hp. We suspect you’ll see a 5.0 V8 engine return to the F-150 as well. Expect the 6.2L V8 engine to be available on the Raptor and Super Duty only. More 5.0 info, again, at AutoBlog.

That’s right, starting in about a week you’ll be able to order a 6.2L 411-hp F150 Raptor. Initially Ford had said the order start date for 6.2L equipped trucks was December 1, but that’s been pushed back.

The bigger engine will cost $3,000 more than the standard engine. “The order bank for 6.2-liter Raptors is estimated to open around Dec. 25 [at Ford dealers nationwide],” said Mark Grueber, marketing manager for Ford.

Thanks to PickupTrucks.com for the news story.

A 2009 Ford F-150 customized crew cab truck honoring the men and women of our armed forces – the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard – was unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Convention, Nov. 3-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Freedom Truck, a dark navy blue Ford F-150 Super Crew Lariat, is highlighted by a series of murals painted over the past three months by internationally renowned airbrush artist Mickey Harris.

The truck will be showcased on military events, displayed at NASCAR races and car shows after which it will be sold at auction. The proceeds will then be donated to the Fisher House, a non-profit organization dedicated to injured and recovering servicemen’s family members and loved ones.

Base Vehicle
2009 Ford F-150 4X2 Supercrew Lariat
5.4 liter V-8
6 Speed automatic transmission

Powertrain
Borla cat-back exhaust
ProCharger Intercooled Super Charger System
K&N Air Filter

Chassis
McGaughys 2″/4″ Lower Kit

Wheels & Tires
Giovanna Caracas 24X10 wheels
Cooper Tires Sport Truck Tires XSTA 295/35/R24

Exterior
Mickey Harris Art-Custom Airbrush
Dupont-Paint & Materials

Malibu Customz-Prep & Finish

Malibu Customz-Carbon fiber bed rail covers, front bumper valance, stone guards and door apertures
Phantasmic Entertainment Inc/ProVision-3-D Holographic imagery
SnugTop Tonneau Cover
BedRug Bed Liner
Carriageworks Billet Grill

Interior
Classic Soft Trim-Leather Interior
Advance Performance-Design & install of interior
Kicker Audio-Amps, speakers & subs
SuperCrew Sound-Sub box enclosure (a sponsor here at FordF150.net)

Created By: Malibu Customz, Knoxville, TN

For full details see http://malibucustomz.com/ford_f-150_freedom_truck.html

Ford has announced the official power figures of the new 6.2L V8 engine that will be available in the 2010 Raptor. It boasts 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making it the most powerful engine available in any half ton pickup truck.

Way to go Ford, this is the icing on the cake. The ultra-capable Raptor benefits from an even more impressive engine, available for order December 1, with an MSRP of $41,995.

Ford has also announced a FR Raptor XT off-road-only truck will have a production run of 50 units, priced at $99,950. It features:

• 500-hp (est.) 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Electronically selectable 4×4; 4.56 gear sets; front and rear e-lockers
• A-arm with uni-ball front; four-link RR suspension
• 15-inch front/18-inch rear wheel travel
• Coil-over with bypass shocks front and rear
• Chromoly “4130” rollcage; extensive skid plating
• Full featured interior, including power windows/windshield and air conditioning
• Factory seating with five-point restraints
• Off-road beadlock wheel/tires
• Unique appearance package including tubular front and rear bumper and integral lighting

Sean Hyland Motorsports is taking the incredible 2010 Raptor F150 and making it better. They’ve announced they are building the baddest Ford 4×4 ever. They start with the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor edition and install a supercharged engine boasting a whopping 750 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque.

Behind that is an available 6-speed manual (SWEET!) or 4-speed automatic. The package is also rounded out upgrades in the areas of  fuel system, cooling, exhaust, suspension, wheels, and tires.

According to the SHM web site, this unbelievable truck will be available for fall 2009 delivery. That’s all the info we have right now but as we hear more, we’ll let you know.

The 2010 F-150, powered by the all-new SVT Raptor, was named 2009 “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), the seventh consecutive time a Ford F-Series truck has won the award. Additionally, F-150 SVT Raptor was named best “Full-size Pickup Truck.”

Ford trucks also took the “Truck Line of Texas,” a distinguished honor recognizing the best-in-class capability and durability of Ford’s lineup.

Another top honor, “Outstanding Feature,” went to Ford Work Solutions, a suite of productivity technologies developed for the commercial truck owner. The system includes an in-dash computer that connects with the home office; Tool Link that keeps track of costly tools and equipment; Cable Lock, which locks up tools in the open truck box; and Crew Chief, a telematics system, giving the fleet manager more control of his/her fleet of vehicles.

For information on the 2010 F150, check out http://www.fordf150.net/2010/