Tuesday, January 14, 2014

2015 Ford F-150--Tougher, Smarter, more Capable!

Yesterday Ford introduced the new 2015 Ford F-150...today let's dig deeper into the new truck!

Even Tougher
The 2015 Ford F-150 is the strongest and most durable F-150 ever.  Before it goes on sale, it will have been torture-tested in labs, at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of some of Ford's most demanding truck customers for more than 10 million miles.

The grueling testing simulated the demands Ford's customers will subject the truck to throughout its average lifetime.  The tests include crisscrossing the country pulling heavy trailers and hefty loads through the desert valleys and over high-altitude mountain passes-in temperatures from 20 degrees below zero to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Customer using the F-150 for construction, mining and utilities have tested and helped prove out its high-strength aluminum-alloy cargo box.

A disguised new Ford F-150 even raced in the Baja 1000, where it earned the distinction of completeing all 883 grueling miles while some other purpose-built race vehicles could not.

To perform in these challenging conditions, the frame uses high-strength steel rated up to 70,000 psi--stronger than the steel found in some competitors' heavy-duty pickup truck frames.  Eight through-welded crossmembers provide increased stiffness, while staggered rear outboard shocks provide greater stability.

Even Smarter
Several groundbreaking new productivity features debut in the all-new F-150, including many class-exclusives.  They include:

*360-degree camera view, using exterior cameras to create a bird's-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow roads and trails.

*Integrated loading ramps, which enable easy loading of ATV's, motorcycles and mowers.

*BoxLink, which is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box, from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers.

*LED headlamps and taillamps, which provide excellent nighttime visibility.

*Trailer hitch assist, a new rear view camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle.

*Smart trailer tow module, using an all-new smart trailer tow wiring harness that helps identify and inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues, burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults.

*Remote tailgate, allowing for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob--eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security.  The tailgate is also damped, dropping down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened.

*High-wattage power outlets (400 watts, 110 volts) in the cab, allowing drivers to easily charge corded tools, battery chargers or or mobile devices on-site or while driving.

*LED spotlights on sideview mirrors, which provide powerful, durable and bright lighting around the truck exterior.

*Latest EcoBoost technology in an all-new, even more efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design.

*Next-generation tailgate step, which is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use.

Other smart innovations include:
*New 8-inch LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel, which includes updated truck apps--from fuel economy to towing tips--and the ability to create a customized home screen for customers to access their most frequently used apps in one place.

*LED lighting embedded in the walls of the cargo box, which brightly illuminates the box interior to help customers quickly find tools or other items.

*Rear under-seat storage in F-150 Super and Crew cabs, providing hidden storage for valuables.  Two storage bins are also located underneath the rear seats.

*Boxside step, no available for the short 5.5-foot box.

They join available driver aids, including SYNC with MyFord Touch, hill start assist, MyKey, rear view camera, reverse sensing, trailer brake controller and extendable tailgate step.

More Capable
In addition to helping customers work smarter, F-150 features segment-first technologies that automatically assist drivers.  They include: 

*Second-row inflatable safety belts, which work like a traditional belt but include a tubular airbag that inflates in the event of a crash and distributes the force of the impact across a wider area of the pasenger's chest.

*Curve Control, which automatically provides more aggressive four-wheel braking when the truck is going into a corner too fast.

*Adaptive cruise control, allowing drivers to set a cruising speed and use radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

*Lane-Keeping System, which is designed to help avert unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside the intended driving lane by automatically detecting the left-or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror.

*Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, which uses radar hidden in the taillamps to detect a vehicle entering a driver's blind spot while driving or backing up.

A range of four engines provides more power to meet almost any customer need.

A new 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing join the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8.  The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine features lightweight, compact design to deliver the same power as some mid-range V8s.

Auto Start-Stop technology helps save fuel.  Unlike start-stop solutions in other vehicles, this technology--specially tuned for truck customers--shuts off the engine to save fuel when the vehicle is stopped, except when towing or in four-wheel drive.  The engine restarts in milliseconds when the brake is released.

Ford F-150 trucks equipped with EcoBoost engines also will benefit from standard Active Grille Shutters.  Active Grille Shutters stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather.  They automatically close to reduce aerodynamic drag at cruising speed.

Check back soon for information regarding availability of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150!

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