2009 Ford F-150

NEW 2009 FORD F-150: MORE CAPABILITY, MORE CHOICE, MORE ‘SMART' FEATURES FOR AMERICA'S TRUCK

The vision for Ford's truck team was clear: Redesign America's favorite truck inside and out to give customers unrivaled capability, unprecedented choice and a host of smart, game-changing features.

The result is the new 2009 Ford F-150, the new benchmark in the full-size pickup segment from the industry's truck leader – which has built more than 33 million F-Series pickups since 1948.

The Ford truck team adopted a holistic, 360-degree approach to revamping the new 2009 F-150 – from its segment-first features to the tough new exterior highlighted by a dramatic three-bar grille and more spacious, flexible and refined interior, to the unparalleled choice of cab styles and trim levels – including a new Platinum series that redefines truck luxury.

The improvements are just as dramatic beneath the sheet metal. A new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis is the backbone that allows this tough truck to deliver more horsepower, better fuel economy and safety, and additional towing and payload capacity.

'The Ford F-150 is an American icon,' said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. 'Ford is the truck leader, and F-150 customers expect and demand the best truck on the market.

'Our team not only met those expectations, they exceeded them with the new 2009 F-150,' Fields added. 'With Ford's product-led transformation in full swing, the new F-150 could not have come at a better time – for Ford and for our customers.'

In all, more than 1,000 Ford engineers, designers, researchers and others worked together to develop the new 2009 F-150. The team drew inspiration by listening to Ford's large customer base.

'Before we started working on the new truck, we continued the conversation with people who use these trucks every day for work and play,' said Matt O'Leary, chief engineer of the 2009 F-150. 'We went to their ranches, their job sites and their homes, making sure we crafted features that would improve their ownership experiences and, really, their lives.'

The results will be clear to customers when the new 2009 F-150 rolls off assembly lines at Ford's Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo. – and as the new F-150 goes on sale in dealer showrooms this fall.

Most Capable
Ford F-150 customers tackle tough jobs when they work and play, and they need a full-size truck that rises to the challenge. The current F-150 is already the most capable truck on the market, but Ford's truck team drove capability to new levels with the 2009 model.

The improvement starts with the 2009 F-150's fully boxed frame constructed with hydro-formed and high strength steel side rails. The lightweight frame delivers 10 percent more torsional rigidity, which delivers increased durability and safety. The sturdy chassis also paved the way for the new 2009 F-150 to improve upon the current model's class-leading towing and hauling capability across all cab configurations.

'The new, improved chassis helps deliver additional payload and towing capacity as well as improved fuel economy, which we know is top of mind for customers,' O'Leary §äid.

Thanks to the strength of the frame and comprehensive package of standard safety equipment, including side-curtain air bags, the new F-150 is engineered to earn top safety ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Complementing the modern frame is a high-tech suite of features that ensures the F-150 is sure-footed and safe in all driving and load conditions. The new F-150 offers segment-first standard AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) and Trailer Sway Control plus available Rearview Camera Assist as well as Integrated Trailer Brake Controller a segment-first on light-duty pickups.

The interior of the new 2009 F-150 SuperCrew offers more usable space for moving more people and gear thanks to a 6-inch stretch that improves rear seat legroom and cargo capacity. A mechanically articulated second-row seat flips up and out of the way. Combined with a truly flat load floor, the feature gives the new SuperCrew class leading 57.6 cubic feet of space behind the front seats and can accommodate items up to 47.9 inches tall, such as flat-screen TV that needs to be hauled from the electronics store to home.

Most Choice

Ford's F-Series may be America's best-selling vehicle, but one-size-fits-all does not apply to today's truck buyer. From the Texas rancher to the general contractor in Florida, F-150 customers have different needs and tastes.

In response, Ford's truck team designed a truck that offers more choice than any full-size truck on the market. With three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels, the F-150 comes in 35 different configurations to meet the widest range of customer needs and wants – all delivered with quality.

Customers can choose from the no-fuss XL workhorse, to the sporty STX and off-road capable FX4, to the mid-range XLT. For those looking for tough luxury, Ford offers the high-end Lariat and King Ranch F-150 models.

New for the 2009 F-150 is the Platinum series, the most luxurious F-150 ever and the answer to a perennial question: Just how high-end do truck customers want to go?

The striking F-150 Platinum features a satin chrome grille with fine mesh inserts, 10-way captain's chairs upholstered with top-quality leather, tuxedo stitching and embroidered logos on the seatbacks. Satin gloss Lacrosse Ash wood grain accents and real brushed aluminum panels give the dash, center console and doors an upscale look and feel. Standard 20-inch, 16-spoke polished aluminum wheels give the truck a commanding presence on the road.

With more customers interested in personalizing their trucks, Ford is offering the largest selection of wheels in the segment with 13 offerings across the F-150 lineup.

Únder the hood, the new F-150 will be powered by three modern V-8 engines, mated to either a 4-speed or a new fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The engines include:

• 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V-8, which has been optimized for better performance with improved horsepower and torque, and is capable of running on E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), regular unleaded gasoline or any blend in between.

• 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8, which is new for F-150. Both the 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8's utilize open valve injection. This unique feature improves the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber, which results in an increase in horsepower during towing and reduced emissions.

• 4.6-liter, 2-valve V-8, a third V-8 choice in the line-up that delivers more horsepower with the same fuel economy performance as the outgoing truck's V-6.

• This all-V-8 engine lineup delivers a fleet-average 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy versus the outgoing F-150.

Diesel and EcoBoost gas turbo direct injection engines are planned for F-150 in 2010 as well.

Most ‘Smart' Features

It starts with the clever interior, which features a flow-through console that has been lengthened by approximately 2 inches and is large enough to stow two or more laptop computers. Special ridges are molded into the edges of the bin to accommodate file folders. The console also has a multi-tiered, removable tray and locks to protect valuables.

More than 30 storage areas are built into the interior, ranging from a bin on the top of the instrument panel to a number of small spaces designed to accommodate tools like cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs and gate access cards.

A redesigned, more ergonomic shifter remains on the console. New, larger buttons and switches are ergonomically designed and within easy reach and view of the driver. A ÚSB port and auxiliary MP3 player input are conveniently mounted on the dash. Two 12-volt outlets are located on the dash and center console.

Even the pickup box on the new F-150 breaks the mold with clever and capable features the competition cannot match. The class-leading cargo capacity of 65.5 cubic feet is only the beginning of the story.

The F-150's pickup box is made easier to use, more flexible and accessible with such new features as Ford's industry-exclusive Tailgate and Box Side Steps, Stowable Bed Extender and Cargo Management System.

'These features are impressive on their own. For the customer who uses their pickup box five, six or seven times a day, these innovations together make a huge difference,' O'Leary §äid.

That same kind of logic drove the team to include other clever features on the truck, including Ford's Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System. When fueling is completed and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut, reducing emissions.

The new 2009 Ford-150 also will allow truck customers to be connected to the world like never before. Ford has been working with Microsoft, Sony and SIRIÚS to offer customers leading technologies to help them stay connected with their lives while on the road including:

• Industry-exclusive Ford SYNC™, a voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system offers even more functionality for the 2009 model year, with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report.

• SIRIÚS Travel Link™ that when combined with voice activated navigation will provide users with a suite of data services including real-time traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations.

• Voice-activated navigation that integrates several functions, including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIÚS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch screen display.

• Sony audio system that features 700 watts of power, 5.1 surround sound and 10 Sony speakers and amps and is certified by Sony to deliver a unique, rich listening experience.

• 'We know how important the F-150 is to our customers,' said O'Leary. 'With the new 2009 F-150, we are delivering a top-quality truck lineup that is second-to-none in capability, features and a range of choices that will continue to make Ford America's favorite truck.'

Source - Ford

NEW FORD F-150 NAMED AUTOWEEK'S 'MOST SIGNIFICANT' VEHICLE OF 2008 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

The editors of AutoWeek have picked the 2009 Ford F-150 as the 'Most Significant' vehicle of this year's North American International Auto show at their annual Design Forum held last night in Detroit.

Editors of the automotive magazine said that based on the ample number of significant Ford vehicles at the show, the decision to select just one was 'tough.'



'We're very pleased that AutoWeek's selected our new 2009 F-150 as this year's most significant vehicle at the show,' says Patrick Schiavone, design director Ford Trucks. 'It's exciting to begin the launch of the new F-150 with media honors, and it further recognizes the work we put into understanding our customers and always delivering the best truck on the market.'

The new 2009 Ford F-150 offers the most capability, most 'smart' features and most choice in the full-size pickup market. F-150 is new from the inside and out - from its segment-first features, tough new exterior, more spacious, flexible and refined interior and unparalleled choice of cab styles and trim levels - including a new Platinum series that redefines truck luxury. The addition of Platinum brings Ford to 35 unique F-150 configurations.



The F-Series, America's best-selling truck line for 31 years, turns 60-years-old this year. Since its debut in 1948, Ford has built more than 33 million F-Series pickups. Today, Ford has more F-Series pickups on the road with 250,000 miles on them than anyone else in the truck business.

Source - Ford

UNIQUE ‘K-BAG' FEATURE HELPS FORD F-150 OUTPERFORM COMPETITION IN NEW IIHS SIDE-IMPACT CRASH TESTS

• The new 2009 Ford F-150 – America's safest full-size pickup – outperformed top segment challengers in new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) side-impact crash tests
• F-150 includes a state-of-the-art crash pressure sensor that deploys unique side 'K-bags' – named for their shape – up to 30 percent faster traditional side air bags to improve crash performance




• The 2009 Ford F-150 is the only full-size pickup to earn both the Ú.S. government's top 5-star crash test ratings and the IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' award

The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 – which features an exclusive air bag technology – provides better side-impact crash safety than the Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram and Nissan Titan, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.



Among the truck's unmatched list of advanced standard safety features is its patented 'K-bag' technology, a new front seat-mounted dual-chamber side air bag named for its unique shape, which is designed to help protect the rib cage from excessive crash forces during a side impact. This air bag is supported with a state-of-the-art side crash sensing system that uses pressure pulses from the impact to deploy the air bag 30 percent faster than a conventional system.

'Ford's innovative safety technologies, as well as more top ratings in government and insurance institute crash tests, further demonstrate Ford's commitment to safety,' said Susan Cischke, Ford's group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. 'Advanced standard safety features such as the ‘K-bag' are important components in Ford's accelerated rollout of affordable safety features.'

Exclusive safety features
Also new to the 2009 F-150 is Ford's standard Safety Canopy® side-curtain air bag rollover protection system, which helps protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollovers and side impact crashes. The air bag is designed to stay inflated for several seconds for additional protection in rollover crashes, which often last longer than side impact crashes.

Ford's Personal Safety System – also a standard feature – is made up of a suite of protection technologies, including dual-stage front air bags and occupant weight classification, working together to help protect occupants.

The F-150's standard offering of Ford's industry exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) also met a newer requirement that vehicles must offer electronic stability control to earn IIHS's top rating. The system is the world's most sophisticated electronic stability control, helping prevent skidding and rollovers. It goes a step beyond typical stability control systems with a gyroscopic roll sensor that determines both the vehicle's body roll angle and roll rate.

Lighter, tougher structure
The F-150's safety leadership also is built on the solid structure that underpins the truck's legendary 'Built Ford Tough' durability and capability. The truck has an all-new hydroformed steel front end – including use of tubular ultra high-strength, lighter weight steel that contributes to its unsurpassed fuel economy in the full-size pickup truck segment.

'The all-new 2009 Ford F-150's leading crash-safety ratings add to its capability, fuel economy and technological leadership,' said Steve Kozak, Ford's chief engineer for safety systems. 'We achieved top safety ratings and unsurpassed fuel economy at the same time by using high-strength and ultra high-strength steel in key areas of the new F-150's structure.'

'Ford's F-Series sales have picked up pace since the launch of the new F-150,' said Doug Scott, Ford truck marketing manager. 'Purpose-made ‘Built Ford Tough' trucks helped lay the foundation of this country and growing F-Series sales will be one of the early indicators of an economic recovery as the country begins rebuilding.'

Towing Tech
The new F-150, which led Ford's F-Series lineup to a 32nd straight year of truck sales leadership in 2008, has standard safety and towing aid technologies – including AdvanceTrac® with RSC® – that help customers more confidently use the truck's segment-leading towing and hauling capability.

The system offers as standard integrated Trailer Sway Control technology, which helps determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and takes measures to help bring it under control.

'Ford's use of advanced technologies on the 2009 F-150 offers hardcore truck customers unmatched capability, unsurpassed fuel economy and unrivaled safety,' added Scott.

Ford expects the 2009 F-150's appeal to be even stronger for 'core truckers,' who list safety as a top purchase consideration and are a growing part of today's full size pickup market. According to recent Ford customer research, 83 percent of F-150 buyers consider safety a leading purchase reason – more than buyers of five of the six competitive trucks.

'Whether our customers are towing a construction trailer to the job site or hauling the family and boat to the lake, the F-150 provides unmatched capability, unsurpassed fuel economy, and unrivaled safety,' Scott §äid.

In addition to Trailer Sway Control is a range of towing related driver-aid features, including:

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is a factory-installed option that allows direct operation of the trailer's electronic brakes by squeezing the control module on the instrument panel with more confidence than the typical aftermarket system.

• Tow Haul Mode changes shift points under acceleration, keeping the truck at a higher rpm and further up in the power range to improve the towing experience by avoiding unnecessary shifts in rolling terrain. Tow-haul also prevents the transmission from shifting up in gear when the vehicle crests a hill, and it provides downhill brake support that allows the transmission to downshift, letting engine-compression braking slow the vehicle and maintain a steady speed.

• Available Reverse Camera System activates a small camera below the Ford oval badge in the center of the tailgate when the truck is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in the navigation screen on trucks equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror on trucks without the navigation system. The system provides the visibility needed to back up to a trailer and precisely line up the hitch. The screen image includes an industry-first centerline and colored guides giving the driver a better perspective of the vehicle's center point and periphery.

Source - Ford