Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Ford reveals the toughest, most productive and powerful F-150 ever

Ford reveals its all-new F-150 – the new evolution of its popular Ford F-150 pickup – for 2021 with a new update focused on practicality, comfort, and power. The 2021 model is the fourteenth generation in history, and although it strangely resembles the outgoing model, this new version of America’s biggest-selling pickup stands out mainly for its hybrid powertrain option.

Indeed, Ford finally embraces electrification on board the F-150 and thus adds one more choice to the already very long list of engines available in the F Series. According to Ford, the all-new F-150 is purpose-built to be the toughest, most productive F-150 ever, and the most powerful light-duty full-size pickup truck on the market.

All-new Ford F-150
All-new Ford F-150.
Credits: Ford

The all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 powertrain is targeted to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup. The PowerBoost system will top the range using a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 47-horsepower electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission. Note also that this powertrain will be available on all trim levels of the pickup – from XL to Limited – which should please entrepreneurs who do not necessarily want to acquire a super luxurious version of the F-150 for their commercial activities.

This PowerBoost engine becomes the most powerful in its class, in addition to offering an EPA-estimated range of approximately 700 miles (1,126 km) on a single tank. Also, the addition of electrical technology has no effect on the capacity of the truck – the F-150 PowerBoost comes with a towing capacity of 12,000 lbs. The electric motor applies regenerative braking energy capture to help recharge the 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The battery is placed underneath the truck, leaving the cab and cargo box of PowerBoost F-150 as spacious for passengers and cargo as other comparably equipped F-150 models.

Spacious cargo box
Spacious cargo box.
Credits: Ford

The manufacturer also adds Pro Power Onboard electrical energy system, which expands F-150’s capability by bringing generator levels of exportable power to work sites. Pro Power Onboard is available with a 2.0-kilowatt output on optional gas engines, while PowerBoost-equipped F-150 comes standard with 2.4 kilowatts of output or an optional 7.2 kilowatts of output. No need to carry around a generator for small jobs!

The cabin, also revised for 2021. The seats in the first row can also be folded flat (to nearly 180 degrees) for those who want to take advantage of the cabin to take a nap. F-150 introduces an all-new 12-inch center screen that allows customers to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously. It can accommodate a screen with a diagonal up to 12-inch (8-inch as standard). The SYNC 4 infotainment system is standard and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SYNC AppLink.

all-new interior provides more comfort, technology and functionality for truck customers
An all-new interior provides more comfort, technology and functionality for truck customers.
Credits: Ford

Between the chairs, there is a kind of office space where you can do important things when the car is parked. On the security side, we find things like auto brakes, 360-degree cameras, high beam assistance, and pedestrian detection. The new autonomous driving system ADA (Active Drive Assist) will also be available a little later.

New F-150 will be launched this fall at a yet unknown price. It will be offered in versions XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum, King Ranch and Limited. Of course, more engine options will be added by the time.