Manufacturer Ford Motor Company Model years 2015–present | Also called Ford Lobo (Mexico) | |
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Production Nov 11, 2014–present (Dearborn) Assembly Kansas City, Missouri, United States (Kansas City Assembly)
Dearborn, Michigan, United States (Dearborn Truck Plant) Designer Gordon Platto (chief designer)
Brad Richards (lead exterior: 2011)
Jon Fontaine (Sport appearance grille: 2012)
Ryan Niemiec (lead interior: 2011)
Thomas Marminc (interior: 2011)
Aileen Barazza (interior color & materials) | ||
The thirteenth-generation Ford F-Series was unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show on January 13, 2014. Based on an all-new platform, the 2015 Ford F-150 marked the adoption of aluminum body construction for the F-Series.
Contents
Using an exterior design previewed by the 2013 Ford Atlas concept vehicle, the 2015 F-150 introduced a number of driver assistance and safety technologies to the vehicle, including a 360-Degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane-Keeping System.
For the 2017 model year, the Ford Super Duty truck line was completely redesigned for the first time. For the first time since the 1999 model year, all models of the F-Series from the F-150 through the F-550 utilized a common cab design, though the Super Duty utilizes its own front bodywork and unique bed, as well as two separate platforms (depending on GVWR).
Design overview
Although not the first vehicle developed by Ford with an aluminum body (in 1993, the company developed aluminum Mercury Sable prototypes, reducing nearly 400 pounds of curb weight), it was the first full-production vehicle built of aluminum from the company; the change also included the best-selling vehicle in North America. As of 2016, 85% of the F-150 is made in USA.
Chassis
While nearly all body panels of the F-150 were converted from steel to aluminum construction (the only significant sheetmetal component constructed of steel is the firewall), the frame remained of steel construction, the use of high-strength steel in the frame was increased from 23% to 77%. To showcase the durability of the aluminum-intensive design, Ford entered prototypes of the model disguised as 12th generation F150s in the Baja 1000.
In an effort to offer a wider range of fuel-efficient engines for the F-150, a 3.5L version of the Ti-VCT V6 replaced the 3.7L version as the entry-level engine. In place of the 3.7L V6, an all-new 2.7L EcoBoost V6 made its debut, with the 3.5L EcoBoost continuing. With the 6.2L V8 again exclusive to the Super Duty line, the 5.0L V8 was retuned for additional horsepower and torque output. As with its predecessor, no manual transmission is available, with a 6-speed automatic paired with all drivelines.
Body
The 2015 Ford F-150 makes a number of design departures from previous F-Series trucks. In a major redesign of the headlights, the rectangular headlight units were replaced with C-shaped units bracketing a trapezoidal grille. The LED headlights were originally planned to use glass for the optics to focus the beam, but it could not achieve the needed clarity, so Ford designers instead used polycarbonate thermoplastic. Each lamp uses one LED for the high beam, a second one for the low beam and one for the orange thermoplastic light pipe. The two beams, along with the light pipe, are then housed within one module.
On the tailgate, the area between the taillamps became partially recessed (as on 1980s versions), with the option of chrome trim. The taillamp assembly also houses the blind spot monitor; these systems were not typically included on pickup trucks because the system could not be packaged inside steel bumpers typically found on pickup trucks.
Trim
As part of the redesign, several changes were made to the trim lineup for the Ford F-Series. In an effort to consolidate models, the STX and FX2/FX4 trims were discontinued; the Tremor and Harley-Davidson special editions were not included in the redesign either. To make up for the loss of the previous trims, the features of the STX became a stand-alone option package, as did the FX4. To complete engineering work on the model, the SVT Raptor submodel went out of production, returning for the 2017 model year.
The thirteenth-generation F-Series follows traditional Ford truck nomenclature with XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, joined with King Ranch and Platinum trims (shared with the Super Duty line). For 2016, the Limited trim level was revived (slotted above the Platinum trim).
2017 Ford Raptor
Following a two-year hiatus, the F-150 Raptor sub-model makes its return for the 2017 model year, with the loss of its previous SVT prefix. As with its predecessor, the 2017 Raptor is an offroad-oriented vehicle produced in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations with a model-exclusive 5.5' pickup bed. The model continues its lack of a Ford Blue Oval grille badge, with "F-O-R-D" spelled across the center of the grille.
As with a standard Ford F-150, the Raptor is an aluminum-intensive vehicle; though built upon a steel frame, nearly all its body panels are built using aluminum (reducing curb weight by nearly 500 pounds over an equivalent 2014 SVT Raptor). In place of the 411 hp 6.2L V8, the new Raptor features a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 paired with an industry-first 10-speed automatic transmission.
To improve its off-road ability over a standard F-150, the Raptor is fitted with a torque-on-demand transfer case, racing shock absorbers, and all-terrain tires and wheels.
Facelift
In 2018 the Ford F-150 gets a updated grill, new head and taillights, and F-150 gets stamped in tailgate. The new F-150 introduces an all-new standard 3.3L V6 engine, with direct-injection for increased efficiency and is expected to offer the output in power as the previous standard V6. An all-new second-generation 2.7L EcoBoost engine features advanced dual port and direct injection technology, reduced internal friction and improved robustness; all for improved levels of output, efficiency, quality and durability. Like the 3.5L EcoBoost, the 2.7L EcoBoost will be paired to the segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission for 2018. The 5.0L V8 also sees improvements, as the naturally aspirated engine features significant upgrades for increased power and torque. It's also paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission for the first time.