Ford reveals latest version of F-150

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ford has revealed the all-new F-150, the latest version of the company's best-selling truck, redesigned with an aluminum-alloy body, 2.7L EcoBoost engine, and smart-tech features like 360-degree cameras and LED headlamps, SlashGear reports.

The new truck, a much-anticipated launch at the North American International Auto Show, will go on sale later in 2014 and be built on Ford's Michigan and Missouri production lines; it features the latest iteration of the boxed-ladder frame, made from high-strength steel, and then clads it in military-grade aluminum alloys to help cut up to 700 pounds of weight over the outgoing F-150.

That, Fords says, makes for a truck that can tow more, accelerate faster, stop with more urgency, is more economic, and more resilient to low-speed bumps. All key factors if the company is to convince its traditional audience that the move from aluminum to steel isn't akin to driving around a beer can.

To help with that, Ford has been putting the new F-150 through some extra-arduous tasks, including load-hauling in -20 through to 120 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, as well as the Baja 1000 race; in total, Ford says the truck has done more than 10m miles of testing.

There's an 8-inch LCD on the dashboard which will flash up economy and towing tips, among other things, as well as showing the feed from the 360-degree camera view that will show a bird's-eye perspective of the car to help with parking and navigating tighter trails.

As on the Atlas concept that has clearly inspired the exterior, the new F-150 gets LED headlamps and taillamps; there's also a remote tailgate; 400W, 110V power outlets in the cab, LED spotlights on the side mirrors, a smart trailer tow module which can diagnose problems on lamps and other factors; and an LED-lit cargo box to help find tools, according to SlashGear.

Ford is yet to confirm pricing on the new F-150, which will be announced closer to the 2015 truck's release this fall.