F-150

Make
Ford
Segment
Sports Car

Ford's all-new F-150 has officially made its debut at this year's Detroit Auto Show. And without question, this truck is a game changer. Compared to the outgoing F-150, the new truck has lost a grand total of 700 lbs. thanks to heavy doses of a new lightweight aluminum alloy. In fact, that material alone makes up some 70 percent of the truck's weight loss. The additional 30 or so percent weight cut comes from increased use of high-strength steel in the frame.

Perhaps the most controversial thing about the 2015 F-150 is its downsized engine lineup: the base engine is a new naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with variable cam timing. This was formerly a 3.7-liter unit, but Ford has managed to shrink it while still maintaining plenty of output. The second new engine is the optional 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which Ford claims will be the fuel economy leader with a supposed 30 mpg highway. The familiar 5.0-liter V8 remains optional, but Ford has officially killed off the 6.2-liter V8 on the F-150. The truck's exterior, notably the front grille design, strongly echoes that of the Atlas concept unveiled last year at this time.

LEDs are prevalent throughout, used in the headlights and taillamps, cargo box, tailgate handle, and the side mirror spotlights. Most importantly, the new F-150 still looks "Ford Tough" and makes for a strong presence. There's also BoxLink, a system which is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box. Step inside and you'll find an interior that could easily be that of a luxury sedan. Ford specifically points out the optional eight-inch display, 360-degree camera and a panoramic sunroof. The 2015 F-150 will be offered in five trims, XL, XLT, Lariant, King Ranch, and Platinum, and sales will begin at the end of this year.