Ford unveils new F150, not for Aus

FORD Motor Company has debuted its latest generation F150 pick-up truck, a vehicle it says takes class towing capacity, payload and power “to the next level”.

Despite the rampant success of the Ram 1500 and recent introduction of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, those hoping for an Australian F150 introduction should not hold their breath with Ford Australia revealing there were no plans to produce it in right-hand drive.

Ford will launch the new F150 with a turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 ‘PowerBoost’ hybrid powertrain with an integrated power generator – among other engines yet to be detailed – which the brand says will be able to tow “at least 12,000lbs (5443kg)”.

Combined power figures have not been released yet although Ford has revealed that the integrated electric motor produces 35kW and is integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford says that every panel on the new fourteenth-generation F150 is new, boasting that it is the most aerodynamic version ever, thanks in part to its new panels and to the active grille shutters and automatic active air dam.

More on the style front, the new panels help to make big rig look beefier and “tougher” than the outgoing model with the whole thing underpinned by a new ladder-frame chassis.

No less than 11 different grille designs will be offered across the range, all flanked by LED headlight clusters, complemented at the rear by LED tail-lights.

The Blue Oval has gone to town on the new F150 in a series of efforts to make it as practical as possible with features including a full-length extended power running boards with kick switch, integrated clamp pockets on the tailgate as well as additional tie-down points at the end of the tray.

A flat ‘Tailgate Work Surface’ is also available as an option which includes integrated rulers, mobile device holder, cupholder and pencil holder.

Inside, things have been given an equally extensive makeover, matched by the similar level of practicality but without skimping on comfort.

A new centrally mounted 12.0-inch (8.0-inch on lower grades) touchscreen infotainment system sits prominently on the dashboard powered by the SYNC 4 platform and is wirelessly compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The whole system can be updated remotely and wirelessly thanks to over-the-air compatibility.

Other standard equipment includes access to the SiriusXM with 360L satellite and streaming services, eight-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system (18-speaker unit available as an option and on top spec), automatic headlights with automatic high-beam, reversing and surround-view 360-degree cameras, emergency assist, dynamic hitch assist, zone lighting, trailer theft alert, trailer light check, Pro Power Onboard, Active Drive Assist and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The interior itself can be converted into a mobile workspace just like the rear tray via the optional Interior Work Surface pack which adds reclining seats and stows the gear selector under a unique cubby-hole to create a practical and flat work surface which Ford says is perfect for using a 15.0 device, signing documents or just enjoying a meal.

Standard safety tech includes intersection assist, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

Ford chief operating officer Jim Farley said the F150 was the brand’s flagship vehicle and the brand holds itself “to the highest standards” to make sure “customers can get the job done”.

“It’s 100 percent assembled in America … since 1948, our hardworking F-Series customers have trusted Ford to help them get the job done,” he said.