Ford F250 and F150

Chinese F150 ?

2012-02-02T07:10:00.002+10:00

Chinese vehicles are not heading for world domination however JAC in china is producing a Ford F150 look alike.

It may look like a F150 but that's about where it will stop.

For many countries rigid safety checking may inhibit the import of this truck only to find it remain in China.
Do not fear Ford this will only fill a market that you don't want to go to hence the success of the JAC motor group.

Be flattered that its being made, As a truck it would be lucky to be 30% of a real F150. Safety, performance and technology doesn't go cheap and based on previous Chinese vehicles this vehicle will sadly lack what we consider is important.

Heres what
James Nelson

Austin Cars Examiner

Had to say recently:

The Ford F-150 is the leading selling pickup truck in the North America and has been the market leader for decades. In 2011, it was named as Texas Truck of the Year by the Texas Auto Writers and then confirmed again by Motor Trend magazine naming it the 2012 Truck of the Year.

Now the Chinese are knocking the Ford F-150 off. It is said that imitation is highest form of flattery and further that the Chinese can copy anything.We are all familiar with Chinese knock offs of electronics, fashions and even medical and related products that are sold around the world. But until now, at least in North America, we have not seen them copy a pickup truck.

In this case, this F-150 knock off, known as the JAC 4R3, will not be coming to the North America, but instead is going to be manufactured for sale in the domestic Chinese market and some export according to reports from Car News China this week.

Ford F150 Raptor in Australia. Order Now

2011-12-17T07:32:00.002+10:00

Well its taken some time but the news is good for the lucky few that may be able to buy a RHD Ford Raptor SVT now in Australia.

Like any imported vehicle the changes required to comply with Australian specifications are huge. The cost factor firstly to Ship, import and convert usually is beyond the means of the average vehicle user.
The Ford F150 svt raptor is a sports truck with a terrific off road capability.

Australian drivers now can have the opportunity to buy the Raptor in Australia by the leading importer and converter

Direct: 0418 240 837 (CONN SALOUMIDIS)
Phone: (61) 02 99798400
Fax: (61) 02 99798964
Email: SALSTRIP@SUV.NET.AU

91 Lane Cove Road Ingleside 2101 Sydney, NSW, Australia

Ford F250 Australia New vehicles

Truck Numbers 101

2011-11-23T07:01:00.001+10:00

Interesting question seen on Globe and mail by a reader asking what does the Numbers mean on a truck model? Confusing for some buying a pick up for the first time.
Eg F150, F250, Gm1500, Gm2500 etc etc.

If you are around pickup trucks its easy but to a new buyer into new or used it may be confusing.
Here is the answer again thanks to Globe and Mail.:

Ford F250 Australia

To begin, there is no relationship between the numbers on the sides of trucks and engine sizes. Those numbers are model numbers and back in the day, they actually stood for the approximate weight carrying capacity of the truck.

Typically full-size pickups come in three designations:

Half ton – approximately 1,000 pound capacity
Three-quarter ton – approximately 1,500 pound capacity
One ton – approximately 2,000 pound capacity

Ford has also been active in marketing a 1-½ ton version called an F-450.

Each rating comes with its own manufacturer’s numeric designation – those numbers you see on the sides and rear of these trucks.

For years it was assumed that the numeric values corresponded with the weight carrying capacity and that these numbers were very similar. As an example, half ton trucks used to be tagged with the number 1, 10, 100 or 1000. Some of the earlier half tons wore the numbers 15, 150. This “between number” usually denoted that this pickup was built with heavy duty parts to increase the payload slightly more than a regular half ton. three-quarter ton pickups displayed 2, 20, 250 or 2500 and 1 ton trucks wore 3, 30, 300, 350 or 3500.

These numbers came into common usage in the early 1960s as pickup trucks were built with a modern flair and modern suspensions. The idea was to get people to use them more as an everyday vehicle, than as a truck. Wendy, the marketing gurus were right on the money because pickups, on average, are used as pickup trucks only 5 per cent of the time. As the years went on and pickups became more comfortable, the manufacturers began settling on standardized numerical models. Nowadays, all but Ford uses a four digit numbering system. Ford stuck with their history and continue to use the three number system led by the letter “F”. This letter was used from about 1948 to differentiate the Ford product from the Canadian built Mercury trucks. These trucks used the letter “M” to signify the slightly upscale models coming from Windsor, Ontario.

As for engine sizes, I don’t have enough bandwidth to go into all the permeations of models – engines – transmissions – rear axle – two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive combinations.

And one last little note, lest you think these numbers are no big deal. Just ask Ferrari how big a deal the combination of “F”, “1”, “5” and “0” is when they are place in this order. Last year Ford Motor Company launched a lawsuit against Ferrari over the use of F150. The lawsuit has since been downplayed but you don’t mess around with the most popular and highest sales nameplate in North American history.

Send your auto maintenance and repair questions toglobedrive@globeandmail.com

Ford F150 Raptor "Stormchaser" SEMA Truck of the year

2011-11-17T10:17:00.001+10:00

SEMA awards go to some of the best in the world , and the hottest truck for 2011 was the Ford F150 SVT Raptor "Stormchaser". . You will see this in the us produced program stormchasers and there you will find the Ford F150 not only a awesome truck but well worthy of the SEMA award as the hottest truck of the year

Ford F150 Raptor 2012 A mighty Truck

2011-11-03T07:05:00.001+10:00

Ford F150 Raptor SVT for 2012 is getting some great press. Motoring writers have praised this Ford addition as being an all time classic vehicle. We have discussed the specs and performance but it seems the small things matter in a world where size is important. The Raptor has style, performance and is up to the minute in tech, Sat -nav, front and rear camera's, great sound system and much more. Motoring writer Mark Williams recently wrote for Pickups.com and he seemed mesmerized by the front grill camera. Now If its included I will take it it but as a option I would prefer the the more usable features. I like the idea and I can see its point and isn't it the little gimmicky (and features) that make all the differences. The Ford F150 Raptor pick up for 2012 is a nice truck in fact Ford world wide would have a market. The diesel option would be significant in some countries if this dream was ever to be realised. I enjoy Marks writing so here is a bit about the front Camera for you that appeared on Pickups.com. Thanks to for the pictures. Ford F150 2012

Mark Williams wrote: The other interesting feature on the 2012 model is Ford’s decision to include a grille-mounted front camera. That alone is cool, but the way Ford integrated the view into the steering-wheel toggles and information center display seems to make sure no one will accidently flip on the camera on the center console screen. In fact, the camera will go on only when in low range and you must be moving slower than 15 mph. If you go faster, the camera defaults to the previously chosen screen — nav, stereo, Sync, whatever you like — and then comes right back to the front view when you slow down for the next obstacle. The same depth and alignment lines that appear when you use the backup camera also appear on the front camera: Blue lines tell you how your vehicle will move forward, and yellow/orange lines tell you the distance and direction the vehicle is pointed. The system may sound complicated, but it gives drivers the very real ability of knowing exactly what is under each corner of the massive hood, something that had always been a mystery for Raptor drivers without a spotter. In effect, the camera negates the need for a spotter because you can see the approaching obstacles and see exactly where to place a tire to keep your sheet metal out of harm’s way. It’s a simple piece of technology, but it will definitely help you do less body damage to your truck. (Of course, the obvious question is how many Raptor owners are really doing that type of trail exploration.)

Eco-Boost and Ford F150 latest

2011-10-18T19:08:00.002+10:00

Ford F150 for 2012 and beyond may have been on a winner with Eco boost. Sales of the Ford F150 now expect to be up 5% on what was estimated Thanks to Daily tech..

EcoBoost is proving very popular

with truck buyers

With automakers focused on increased fuel efficiency these days, the move to smaller displacement engines with turbochargers is happening at a rapid pace. Ford was one of the first to head in that direction on the domestic market with its EcoBoost V6 engine that has so far been used in the Taurus, F-150, Flex and several other Lincoln vehicles.

The F-150 with the EcoBoost twin turbo V6 engine has proven to be very popular. In fact, the combination of the F-150 and the EcoBoost is so popular that Ford is raising the sales forecast for the truck. Ford says the reason for the forecast upgrade is that the market demand for the EcoBoost F-150 has been greater than expected.

Previously Ford had expected about 40% of the F-150 trucks sold to use the EcoBoost 3.5L engine. Ford is now predicting that about 45% of the F-150 trucks it sells to have the EcoBoost with a total retail sales number of about 100,000 in 2011. Ford full-size pickup sales -- including HD vehicles and fleet vehicles – are up almost 8% to 416,488 units through September 30.

Traditionally, the V8 is the engine of choice in the F-150 and truck market overall. Ford does provide a version of the 5.0-liter V8 used in the Mustang GT for F-150 buyers that still want eight cylinders on tap.

During the last few months, the WSJ reports that the EcoBoost has accounted for 42% of F-150 sales. This is in part thanks to the robust power and towing capacity mixed with fuel economy averaging 18 mpg compared to the 14-17 mpg for V8-equipped trucks.

Natural Gas engine Ford F250, Buy Westport stock

2011-10-01T15:05:00.001+10:00

Alternative fuel for trucks has been up and down for the last 2 years, Hybrid, electric or whatever. In a positive step forward especially for Ford F250 trucks Westport has the link to ( supply agreement) the natural gas engine and things look good for this clean technology to begin in one of the worlds most iconic vehicles the Ford F250.

* Engine will be available on heavy-duty Ford pickups

* Westport stock rises nearly 4 pct
Image via Wikipedia

* Westport, GM tied up on natgas technology in June

VANCOUVER, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Westport Innovations Inc (WPT.TO), a maker of natural gas-powered engines, said on Wednesday it has entered into a supply agreement with Ford Motor Co (F.N), its second tie-up with a big U.S. automaker.

Westport said its new bi-fuel natural gas power system, called WiNG, will be available on Ford's F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks, likely from the second quarter of 2012.

Westport's stock rose nearly 4 percent to C$32.71 on the Toronto Stock Exchange early on Wednesday.

"We're seeing strong customer interest ... as more and more owners understand the economic and operational benefits of a cleaner fuel that's sourced right here in North America," said Ian Scott, president of Westport's light duty engine unit.

No further details of the supply contract were given.

Vancouver-based Westport and General Motors (GM.N) announced in June that they plan to develop a natural gas engine technology for light vehicles, in a move to reduce dependence on conventional fuels. [ID:nL3E7HS27R]

($1=$1.02 Canadian) (Reporting by Nicole Mordant; editing by Rob Wilson)

Ford and Toyota Unite for Hybrid

2011-09-14T06:56:00.002+10:00

Ford and Toyota have joined forces for the purpose of good and hybrid development. Strange but true and as a business decision this is very smart. Ford has the worlds best selling truck the Ford F150 and Toyota is at the market edge with affordable technology with its hybrid engines. Combine the both and you have a struggling truck manufacturer (Toyota joining forces with a struggling Hybrid engine manufacturer (Ford).

What this means to the consumers is a fast track for the likely hood of hybrid Ford F150 trucks and other models in the not so distant future.

This type of corporate bed hopping is what we will expect and with the development of new and innovative products will serve the buying public in a positive way. The negative is that old timers patriotic to the brand will have to compromise the purity of the product.

"Ford man" will mean Ford (with a little Nissan, Toyota, Honda in it man) from now on.

Eco-boost for F150, Economy and Power

2011-08-13T07:34:00.000+10:00

Look at the future of Ford F series and what do you see. Eco-boost. The speculation is over on what will be the future of engines in this iconic motoring range of light trucks.
2012 Ford F150 is going to be exciting.
Twin turbo power and economy only a hybrid can come close to the eco-boost is a truly remarkable engine.
If you are like me the 6.2 L Raptor is the King at the moment and a V8 is the only engine but Bob Dylan did say the times there are a changin'
On road and off this 3.5 L engine develops enough power and torque to get the job done.

Here is what Patrick Rall from Torque News said after an 11 day test of this engine:

"The EcoBoost V6 is intended to go toe to toe with the biggest V8s in the class and with 360 horsepower, it is only slightly less powerful than the highest performance engines from Chevy, GMC and the Ram brand but with 420lb-ft of torque, the EcoBoost doesn’t need to make any apologies for that lack of horsepower. The Ford engineers did a fantastic job of developing the

EcoBoost technology to make this twin turbocharged power without the “turbo lag” that can often plague high performance turbocharged engines. However, to someone who is not specifically looking for that lag, it won’t be detectable at all. In fact, I gave rides to a few friends who mistakenly thought that it was a V8 so to the average consumer the EcoBoost F150 seems like any other pickup. Whether you are launching hard from a stoplight or putting the hammer down while cruising on the highway – the 3.5L twin turbo V6 provides instant acceleration. As an interesting point, when you are rolling along at low speed and put the pedal to the metal, the turbos spool quickly and send all that torque to the wheels – enough to bark the tires at a roll. I also happened to find out that the EcoBoost F150 will very easily handle a Nissan Titan in a short sprint…just in case you are looking to buy your next truck to do some drag racing."

Thieves just love the old F150

2011-08-03T19:06:00.001+10:00

Ford F150 in top 10 most stolen

Recently in the USA it was found only 2 non Japanese vehicles were in the top 10 most stolen.

Somewhere in the middle the pick up was mentions but more specifically the Ford F150 1997.
Now GM lovers don't get off that lightly as the 1999 GM was right with it.

here is what

CHRIS BRISTOL
YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC had to say:

In fact, according to the latest study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, all 10 models were made in the 1990s, including the 1997 Ford F150 series pickup truck and the 1994 Saturn SL, the only non-Japanese vehicles to crack the top 10

Nationwide, the most stolen car in the country last year was the 1994 Honda Accord, according to the NICB. The 1995 Honda Civic, second in Washington state, was also second nationally.

American pickups held their own, at least with thieves. The NICB said the 1999 Chevy pickup, 1997 Ford F150 and 2004 Dodge Ram were Nos. 4, 5 and 6, respectively, in 2010

Ford F250 Off road, Police work on the beach

2011-07-30T06:34:00.000+10:00

The Ford F250 truck has been an amazing vehicle for decades. Its versatility has outshone many of its competitors. Off road is a different story however in recent conflicts in the middle east the Ford F250, F350 military has been modified for army use under extreme conditions.

Interesting story about what a North Carolina PD had done to improve their versatility and visibility that included a F250

Here is the story from Petersens 4 wheel:

For nearly a decade now the Carolina Beach Police Department has been in charge of patrolling the beachfront wheeling area known as Freeman Park. Located at the northern end of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, Freeman Park is a year-round wheeling destination that attracts fishermen, surfers, and wheeling enthusiast of all types. Working within a limited state budget, the CBPD doesn’t have the luxury of outfitting its patrol fleet with high-end off-road pickups like the Ford SVT Raptor or Dodge Power Wagon. Instead, the department primarily uses a mostly stock ’08 Ford F-250 to patrol the island and coastal wheeling acreage. Outfitted with stock tires, a mild V-8, and a host of police gear, the truck can be a bit underequipped at times when traversing the ever-changing beach conditions. Since the officers are constantly working hard to keep one of the last beachfront wheeling areas open and safe, we thought we would lend them a hand and give their F-250 a much-needed performance upgrade.

Alternative to the Ford, Ram Electric WOW.

2011-05-28T06:19:00.001+10:00

Testing gets under way this week of the Plug in Electric Dodge Ram 1500. Now its not a ford however The manufacturer is fulfilling a commitment from 2008.
The first 10 of 140 will roll out in Arizona as part of the evaluation test of this alternative fuel vehicle.
Ford also have a commitment and for several years now have experimented with electric power.

It is hoped that the 140 Dodge rams will be tested in freezing to extreme heat conditions. My thoughts would be send a couple to Australia I don't think it would be too difficult to find some Ford F series enthusiasts to help the other team evaluate what seems like a good step in the right direction.
This Ram is similar to the Chevrolet Silverado 2 mode electric but the hopes here lie with the larger battery packs.

Its not so much the engines etc but the batteries that is restricting this technology currently . Battery life is still poor and expensive.

We as enthusiasts must understand that this technology is not set in concrete, The thoughts of plugging in your truck appeals to me as much as putting pineapple and an umbrella in my beer but the end results of this work will one day form the basis of the survival of what we love.

Ford Truck lovers don't despair what ford has currently is a great engine thats working towards answering the fuel question today for our little treasures.

Cheers mate...Colin Ford F250 Australia

The powertratin uses a 345-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, a modified two-mode hybrid transmission (manufactured by GM) and a 12.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.

Dodge Ram Long Hauler 2011

2011-05-14T15:29:00.000+10:00

Dodge Ram long hauler, for the long haul

Its a concept maybe a dream, but Dodge USA have produced from a humble 5500 Ram a 7.3 metre long 4220 kg giant .

This vehicles offers interior space, length and a towing capacity unseen in this grade of truck. Fuel wise tanks fitted amout to a huge 643 litre, the 6.7 ltr cumminns delivers 1085 NM of torque Now that a big truck.
Need to know more.... F250 sales Australia

You Know those Bollard things........

2011-04-29T18:20:00.000+10:00

Bollards, you put them in front of buildings and places where you dont want trucks and traffic.
They are usually concrete centered lumps of steel embedded deep into the earth so that what ever hits them will not in theory travel any further.. Here is a great video of a truck test on these bollards.
Even a F250 is not that tough.

Ford F250 Super Duty Features 2011

2011-04-09T03:39:00.003+10:00

The features for the 2011 Super duty demonstrates a much thought out vehicle. The demand from buyers now require manufacturers to supply not only a reliable vehicle but a feature full one as well.

The Ford f250 of 2011 in the super duty model shows that a work, recreation vehicle can offer just as much as any mid priced range vehicle for features and safety items.. Here is a list of features for the 2011 SuperDuty 2011.

Front 12V power outlet(s)

Fixed mast antenna

Anti-theft protection

Audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player (reads MP3 format)

Cargo area dimensions: length (inches): 98.0, front width (inches): 69.3, width between arches (inches): 50.9, height (inches): 20.0 and loading floor height (inches): 35.2

Trip computer: includes average fuel economy, current fuel economy and range for remaining fuel

Cruise control

Front cup holders

Floor covering: carpet in passenger compartment

Floor mats

Driver front airbag, passenger front airbag with occupant switch off

40/20/40 split driver seat, 40/20/40 split front passenger seat:, 40/20/40 split front center seat:

Height adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners for driver, height adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners for passenger, front seat belts for center

Front seat center armrest

Two front head restraints

Interior dimensions: 40.7 in. front headroom, 67.6 in. front hip room, 41.1 in. front leg room and 68.0 in. front shoulder room

Low tire pressure indicator

Remote power locks

Power steering

Power windows, express driver and passenger

Front reading lights

Rear view mirror

Front curtain airbag

Seating: three passengers

Cloth upholstery

Service interval indicator

Front side airbag

Four speakers

Tilt/ telescoping steering wheel

Tachometer

Driver and passenger vanity mirror

Ventilation system

One Million Miles in 4 years.Ford F250

2011-04-05T10:17:00.000+10:00

A million Miles, in todays disposable world, one tenth of that is good but for Phil Marsella and his ford F250 Betsy he has done this in 4 years.
Phil works in the USA delivering greyhounds to tracks and owners USA wide. His F250 is fitted with Gas covers 7-10,000 miles a week.

What about servicing? , well a second wife could be cheaper Phils bill for the four years touches on $67,000.
The Ford F250 particularly the 7.3 diesel is fairly common in Australia averaging 25-35000 KMs a year and its not uncommon to see them with a quarter million or 300,000 kms. Usually the drivers seat is the first to go with floor mats etc. As for the rest of the truck with regular servicing and care seem to do this no problems.

Currently there is a 4.2 6 cyl diesel doing the rounds that hit a quarter million about 4 years ago it would now have to be at least a half million or so.

Ford F350 6 l Power stroke Harley edition

2011-03-09T21:32:00.000+10:00

Ford F350 Harley Davidson Ltd edition RHD with only 90,000 KM. Located in western Australia this one owner boast plenty of extras check it out at Ford F350 Harley for sale
The last year of the 6 litre Power-stroke,

Ford F250 sales

Alternative to F150 , Toyota Tundra

2011-03-04T21:01:00.001+10:00

Toyota Tundra, since 2007 this vehicle is getting better and better. Size is important and this vehicle show that its big enough but still offers easy steering and maneuverability.
There are many styles and levels of the Toyota Tundra. In the US for this year prices start at $30,000 USD.
2012 Ford F150

RHD F250 XLT only 30,800KMs for sale

2011-02-06T15:44:00.001+10:00

Low KMs on a f 250 especially the 5.4 V8 is a must. Factory RHD delivered by Ford Australia in 2003. Rare Low km truck Available now. $60,000

Ford F series for Sale Australia

Modified and creative Ford F250 "WOW"

2011-02-03T20:32:00.001+10:00

Ford F250 and the passion some people have and creativity. This was displayed recently on a leading Truck web site. This is a highly modified Ford F250.
Owner and Ford F250 enthusiast Ricky Villarreal wanted more than just a F250 f series truck and from his ideas sprung this awesome one of a kind vehicle
This portion of the article has been lifted from:

(Thanks to) Truckinweb.com
The factory 6.4L PowerStroke diesel is so powerful and refined that the only thing Ricky had to add was a Bully Dog power programmer and a K&N performance intake. But the factory sound system was another story. Wanting his truck to look and sound incredible, Ricky had John Burgess, owner of Twisted Interiors, install a complete front to back, top to bottom sound system. Starting with a Pioneer 7-inch touch screen head unit, John installed two Rockford Fosgate amps, a Rockford equalizer, eight 6 1/2-inch Rockford separates, and a 15-inch Rockford Fosgate sub in a custom center console enclosure. To say this system bumps is an understatement. Having only one in-dash monitor was not going to cut it, so John installed six more 7-inch monitors; one in each door and two in the head rests of the front seats. This way, you can see whatever is being shown no matter where you're sitting. All of these electronics draw a lot of juice, so Ekstensive installed two Kinetik high current power cells under the bed.

F250 sales in Queensland

2011-01-15T21:43:00.003+10:00

Well Queensland has been awash, very frightening for many and the destruction in real life makes it hard to comprehend the enormity of the disaster. Things will take many months if not years to resemble what it was here.

Victoria too has had flooding as has Northern NSW and the knock on effect throughout the river system will effect many more.

Our wishes go out to all effected and the many readers of this site will no doubt be thinking the same.

Flood Damaged vehicles

Caution in the near future when purchasing vehicles, check for flood damage. Many vehicles from new cars to brand new B double trucks have been underwater and no doubt many will find themselves back into the market over the next 12 months or so.

Check carpets, Boot space and chassis rails. A good tip that has save me many poor purchases is to grab a torch and stick your head up under the dash and look for dirt and mud residue.

I am a firm believer to get a mate or a motoring body for a second opinion. Even if you mate would not know the difference between a dog collar and a dip stick it is amazing how critical they can be when viewing a vehicle.

Be cautious too of machinery there are many areas underwater with all types of machinery that has been submerged during this flood.

This week also we have had several new (used trucks) added for sale

Have a look. Link to my website

Pictured below Flooding industrial area. Yellow dots RHS near bottom of photo are new Cranes and heavy equipment that had been fully submerged. In the center what looks like match sticks are B double semi trailer trucks.

Ford Press release 2011 F150 Truck

2011-01-14T06:11:00.000+10:00

2011 FORD F-150 ALL-NEW POWERTRAIN LINEUP DELIVERS BEST-IN-CLASS CAPABILITY, PROJECTED TOP FUEL ECONOMY

2011 Ford F-150
The most extensive powertrain overhaul in the 62-year history of Ford F-Series highlights the 2011 Ford F-150. The engine lineup includes four new truck engines: a 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost™
Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only automaker to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard equipment

Each engine delivers best-in-class towing and horsepower. The 2011 F-150 is projected to be up to 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 2010 F-150
Class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), which improves steering feel and fuel economy, is now included on F-150

2011 Ford F-150 boasts new feature vehicles, including the Lariat Limited and the XLT Custom
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 16, 2010 – The signature class-leading capability and durability of the Ford F-150 are enhanced for 2011 with class-leading fuel economy and performance. Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 33 years running, now comes equipped with an all-new powertrain lineup that will deliver best-in-class horsepower, torque and fuel economy.

“For the past 33 years, the Ford F-150 has stood alone as the truck people really rely on,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “The class-leading capability of the F-150, combined with the durability that defines ‘Built Ford Tough,’ has made it the No. 1 choice of full-size pickup buyers. Now for 2011, that class-leading towing and payload capability is enhanced even further with engines that deliver class-leading fuel economy, allowing our customers to be more productive by maximizing their workload and their fuel economy.”

Including the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which will be available in early 2011, a total of four new powertrains are available in the 2011 F-150. 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

Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Additionally, EPAS enables several other driver convenience technologies and provides better steering feel. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks.

“The 2011 Ford F-150 lineup offers our customers the widest array of powertrain solutions,” said Bob Fascetti, director of large gas and diesel engine engineering. “From the entry-level to the high-end customer, each 2011 F-150 will deliver best-in-class capability, power and fuel economy along with features and conveniences our competition can’t match.”

What now for 2011, Ford , Chev or GM

2011-01-01T07:24:00.000+10:00

What now, all the hype of end of year has now come and gone. What now for the sale of iconic pickups for this year 2011.?

The economy is turning in most areas although slight in some however truck sales are moving forward. The big three? each have a quality product in their own right and all have a for and against list. This could be the first time in motoring where all three seem to have a vehicle that in some way excels in the market place.
But ....As much as I try Ford F150 seems to win again. The push by Ford with the ECO boost and the Power output shows the marketing machine of Ford concentrating on the average Joe buyer and not getting hooked up in their own world of Jargon and we are better because hype.

The style aspects of all three are about on par, Safety features, luxury extras and body cosmetics, I would think Ford again have just done the job and remained reasonable quiet about their improvements.
Pickup buyer are smart they know what they want and in 2011 expect and style, safety and looks is a given.

MPG too...As I browse the web it hits me in all directions the economy of Ford, ask me the economy of others I will be honest and say I dont really know. Again ford are focusing on what might be important and less on what the smart buyer expects.

2011, They are all good trucks...personally I rate the Ford No1 but thats obvious In 2011 buyers do yourselves a favor, shop around and drive home a hard bargain. Like I say to my kids about buying a car, Kids I dont need it that bad until the day they stop making them.

Heres to this New Year

Ford Raptor F150 SVT Coming to Australia???

2010-12-07T21:27:00.003+10:00

Now this is a special vehicle, Looks, style, ruggedness, and the ability to do most things. The Ford F150 Raptor SVT is just very nice.Coming to Australia.......MMM...well...NOYouTube - Ford Raptor F150 SVT Coming to Australia???

Ford F250 and F150 Australia

2011 F150 Ecoboost Dealer Day

2010-12-06T21:43:00.000+10:00