2018 f-150 updates
08-14-17, 03:56 PM
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
iTrader: (20)
2018 f-150 updates
new front is a nice improvement.
Ford took a big gamble three years ago when it introduced its all-aluminum F-150 and it paid off…bigly.
The automaker’s engineers, dealers and loyal customer base all came through, and sales have been going up ever since production of the next-gen pickup ramped up to full steam.
Nevertheless, the full-size pickup segment remains highly competitive and Ford isn’t ready to rest on its lightweight laurels, so it updated the F-150 for 2018.
It’s far from a new vehicle, but is a significant refresh that I had the opportunity to check out in lovely Dexter, Mich., before it goes on sale nationwide. Here’s the most important stuff you need to know:
Sometimes cosmetic surgery is good
The most obvious change is the F-150’s new grille and headlamps, which ape the look of the latest F-Series Super Duty’s. There are actually several different grills across the lineup, with all but one featuring twin horizontal bars that appear to be held in place by the ‘C-clamp’ style lights. An all-mesh version appears on a sporty STX trim package that’s available on the entry-level F-150 XL. I think the new grille looks better than the oversized, radiator-style one that debuted in 2015, and clearly so do a lot of people at Ford or they wouldn’t have changed it. (The high performance F-150 Raptor retains its 2017 design.)
Expand / Collapse (Ford)
It has stronger bones
The F-150 equipped with its 375 hp 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and max trailering package can now tow 13,200 pounds. That’s a 1,000 pound increase over 2017 and 700 pounds more than the top Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can manage. It’ll even beat a bunch of F-Series Super Duty configurations. The extra strength can be chalked up largely to a thicker-gauge steel frame that comes with the package, but there are also suspension modifications and a reengineered steering system to help you handle the extra weight on the move.
Expand / Collapse (Ford)
More from less
The F-150 has a selection of four new or updated engines, and they’re all more potent and fuel efficient than the ones they replace. The 3.5-liter turbo V6 received its power boost last year and was paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission that now trickles down to the 5.0-liter V8 and 2.7-liter turbocharged V6, each getting 1-2 mpg better fuel economy out of the deal.
slideshow
Entry-level buyers aren’t forgotten, either. They get an all-new 290 hp 3.3-liter V6 that is more powerful than the old 3.5 liter, and ties the 2.7-liter for class efficiency honors among gasoline-powered full-size pickups at 22 mpg combined, even though it is the only engine that still comes with a 6-speed transmission. (The first diesel F-150 is set for a Spring release and should be the mileage king.)
Expand / Collapse (Ford)
It can’t drive itself, but…
There’s a 360-degree camera system that’s handy when parking, or squeezing through trees; a blind spot monitoring system that can be programmed to take the length of your trailer into account; Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which uses cameras and sensors to help you drive in reverse with a trailer attached by taking over all of the steering while you use a **** on the dashboard to simply point the truck where you want it to go; adaptive cruise control that will bring the truck to a stop in traffic then go again if you’re not stationary for more than three seconds, even with a trailer attached; and a pedestrian detecting automatic emergency braking system. The only other full-size pickup offering that last one for 2018 is the Toyota Tundra.
Expand / Collapse (Ford)
No surprises: It’s better
Ford’s engineers say the aluminum body has performed as expected, so there were no major structural alterations for 2018. They did make a pretty significant change to the suspension, however, by switching from twin-tube to monotube dampers, which deliver a better ride. On the road, and a short off-road course Ford set up for the launch, the new trucks felt to me like they were more polished, even before I knew about the new shocks. That was true whether they had empty beds, were carrying a half-ton payload or towing trailers that weighed several tons.
Aside from a couple of new trim colors, the interior of the F-150 remains the same, but you can now fill it with crystal clear sound from new 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, at least on high end models.
The most expensive of those can run well over $60,000, but the starting price for a good old fashioned stripped F-150 work truck is $28,675, which is less than three hundred bucks more than last year.
----------
Power:
3.3L V6: 290 hp, 265 lb-ft
2.7L V6: 325 hp, 400 lb-ft
5.0L V8: 395 hp, 400 lb-ft
3.5L V6: 375 hp, 470 lb-ft
http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2017/08/...d-to-know.html
The automaker’s engineers, dealers and loyal customer base all came through, and sales have been going up ever since production of the next-gen pickup ramped up to full steam.
Nevertheless, the full-size pickup segment remains highly competitive and Ford isn’t ready to rest on its lightweight laurels, so it updated the F-150 for 2018.
It’s far from a new vehicle, but is a significant refresh that I had the opportunity to check out in lovely Dexter, Mich., before it goes on sale nationwide. Here’s the most important stuff you need to know:
Sometimes cosmetic surgery is good
The most obvious change is the F-150’s new grille and headlamps, which ape the look of the latest F-Series Super Duty’s. There are actually several different grills across the lineup, with all but one featuring twin horizontal bars that appear to be held in place by the ‘C-clamp’ style lights. An all-mesh version appears on a sporty STX trim package that’s available on the entry-level F-150 XL. I think the new grille looks better than the oversized, radiator-style one that debuted in 2015, and clearly so do a lot of people at Ford or they wouldn’t have changed it. (The high performance F-150 Raptor retains its 2017 design.)
Related Image
Expand / Collapse (Ford)It has stronger bones
The F-150 equipped with its 375 hp 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and max trailering package can now tow 13,200 pounds. That’s a 1,000 pound increase over 2017 and 700 pounds more than the top Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can manage. It’ll even beat a bunch of F-Series Super Duty configurations. The extra strength can be chalked up largely to a thicker-gauge steel frame that comes with the package, but there are also suspension modifications and a reengineered steering system to help you handle the extra weight on the move.
Related Image
Expand / Collapse (Ford)More from less
The F-150 has a selection of four new or updated engines, and they’re all more potent and fuel efficient than the ones they replace. The 3.5-liter turbo V6 received its power boost last year and was paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission that now trickles down to the 5.0-liter V8 and 2.7-liter turbocharged V6, each getting 1-2 mpg better fuel economy out of the deal.
slideshowFord pickup turns 100
The 5.0-liter remains the F-150 and segment payload champ at a maximum of 3,270 pounds, but will have an easier time carrying the load with 10 more horsepower and 13 additional pound-feet of torque for a total of 395 hp and 400 lb-ft. A new fuel injection system and spray-in bore liner tech borrowed from the Mustang Shelby GT350’s engine contribute to the added oomph.Entry-level buyers aren’t forgotten, either. They get an all-new 290 hp 3.3-liter V6 that is more powerful than the old 3.5 liter, and ties the 2.7-liter for class efficiency honors among gasoline-powered full-size pickups at 22 mpg combined, even though it is the only engine that still comes with a 6-speed transmission. (The first diesel F-150 is set for a Spring release and should be the mileage king.)
Related Image
Expand / Collapse (Ford)It can’t drive itself, but…
There’s a 360-degree camera system that’s handy when parking, or squeezing through trees; a blind spot monitoring system that can be programmed to take the length of your trailer into account; Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which uses cameras and sensors to help you drive in reverse with a trailer attached by taking over all of the steering while you use a **** on the dashboard to simply point the truck where you want it to go; adaptive cruise control that will bring the truck to a stop in traffic then go again if you’re not stationary for more than three seconds, even with a trailer attached; and a pedestrian detecting automatic emergency braking system. The only other full-size pickup offering that last one for 2018 is the Toyota Tundra.
Related Image
Expand / Collapse (Ford)No surprises: It’s better
Ford’s engineers say the aluminum body has performed as expected, so there were no major structural alterations for 2018. They did make a pretty significant change to the suspension, however, by switching from twin-tube to monotube dampers, which deliver a better ride. On the road, and a short off-road course Ford set up for the launch, the new trucks felt to me like they were more polished, even before I knew about the new shocks. That was true whether they had empty beds, were carrying a half-ton payload or towing trailers that weighed several tons.
Aside from a couple of new trim colors, the interior of the F-150 remains the same, but you can now fill it with crystal clear sound from new 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, at least on high end models.
The most expensive of those can run well over $60,000, but the starting price for a good old fashioned stripped F-150 work truck is $28,675, which is less than three hundred bucks more than last year.
----------
Power:
3.3L V6: 290 hp, 265 lb-ft
2.7L V6: 325 hp, 400 lb-ft
5.0L V8: 395 hp, 400 lb-ft
3.5L V6: 375 hp, 470 lb-ft
http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2017/08/...d-to-know.html
08-14-17, 06:36 PM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
I usually don't comment on one vehicle "copying" another in the styling, simply because it is so difficult, nowadays, to come with something that is truly original-looking. Even taking that into account, though, I'm not impressed with that new oversized bar across the middle the grille.....it's too much of a copy of its arch-rival Silverado. I'm also not convinced, despite the big weight reduction, that aluminum is the way to go in a work truck.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-14-17 at 06:39 PM.
08-14-17, 08:13 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
iTrader: (20)
08-14-17, 08:19 PM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Oh, no doubt. The F-150 name would sell on just about anything. I'm not always one to follow the crowd.....I tend to think for myself, though sometimes it turns out I was wrong.
And, of course, it's not just the F-150. The entire American full-sized pickup market, in general, is probably the hardest nut in the industry to crack. F-150, Silverado/Sierra, and Ram owners, as groups, are more loyal and steadfast than the sunrise each morning.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-14-17 at 08:24 PM.
08-14-17, 08:49 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Trending Topics
08-14-17, 09:41 PM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
https://www.fordf150.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=122080
08-14-17, 09:50 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
I usually don't comment on one vehicle "copying" another in the styling, simply because it is so difficult, nowadays, to come with something that is truly original-looking. Even taking that into account, though, I'm not impressed with that new oversized bar across the middle the grille.....it's too much of a copy of its arch-rival Silverado. I'm also not convinced, despite the big weight reduction, that aluminum is the way to go in a work truck.
08-15-17, 11:26 PM
#11
Dysfunctional Veteran
On topic, if this F150 had debuted just like this in 2015, I would have jumped ship then from Ram and went the way of my family, and gotten an F150. The 15-current just don't look good except in the highest trims, and they ride like total *** compared to a Ram, even in the highest trim levels (coil springs in the rear FTW!). Ford makes a solid truck. But look out, because Nissan has a solid contender as well in the new Titan.
08-16-17, 07:12 AM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
On topic, if this F150 had debuted just like this in 2015, I would have jumped ship then from Ram and went the way of my family, and gotten an F150. The 15-current just don't look good except in the highest trims, and they ride like total *** compared to a Ram, even in the highest trim levels (coil springs in the rear FTW!). Ford makes a solid truck. But look out, because Nissan has a solid contender as well in the new Titan.
The new aluminum F-150, however, does ride and handle significantly better than its F-150 predecessors...which, though, as you say, were solid trucks, would certainly not win any comfort awards.
08-16-17, 11:06 AM
#13
Having owned both Ford and Ram, both fully loaded, full sized 4 door cabs, short beds...Great trucks.
Ram seemed more quiet, rode better (light to no load), but had many little annoying issues. Poor re-sale value (common in my area)
Ford took the abuse well and handled a very large boat/trailer with ease. Felt more comfortable with the heavy stuff. No issues with the aluminum bed.
Ram seemed more quiet, rode better (light to no load), but had many little annoying issues. Poor re-sale value (common in my area)
Ford took the abuse well and handled a very large boat/trailer with ease. Felt more comfortable with the heavy stuff. No issues with the aluminum bed.
08-16-17, 12:07 PM
#14
Dysfunctional Veteran
Having owned both Ford and Ram, both fully loaded, full sized 4 door cabs, short beds...Great trucks.
Ram seemed more quiet, rode better (light to no load), but had many little annoying issues. Poor re-sale value (common in my area)
Ford took the abuse well and handled a very large boat/trailer with ease. Felt more comfortable with the heavy stuff. No issues with the aluminum bed.
Ram seemed more quiet, rode better (light to no load), but had many little annoying issues. Poor re-sale value (common in my area)
Ford took the abuse well and handled a very large boat/trailer with ease. Felt more comfortable with the heavy stuff. No issues with the aluminum bed.
My rams have been flawless. However, if they move production to china (FCA is thinking of selling to a chinese automaker), then I will be jumping ship fast.
08-16-17, 02:38 PM
#15
Looking forward to test driving the new Ford when it comes out. Might have to find room in the driveway!