New Ford F-150 is Just Around the Corner

The latest iteration of the F-150 has proven to be a very good pickup for Ford.Continuing on from the “Aero” style, this model was full of innovative engineering tricks that have bit by bit changed the way most consumers perceive pickups. Build quality, for instance, is better than it's ever been, and who can forget the “outboard” mounted shocks, the single overhead cam (non-pushrod) V8 engine or even that little torsion spring in the tailgate that makes opening it a one-handed affair. It's features like these that keep sales strong even in these times of downward trends due to higher fuel prices.

Of course, the F-150 has also been fending off strong competition from the GMT900-based pickups of Chevrolet and GMC, not to mention the new Tundra, so it's about right for some sort of major overhaul. Testers have already been spied wheeling around Ford's hometown of Dearborn, and with those first photos comes the information.

The next F-150 will be even boxier than the current one, trading in itshandsome looking shell for one that's more chiseled, styled after the new '08 Super Duty pickups. Nevertheless, Ford is still expecting the new F-150 to be more efficient than the outgoing model thanks to plenty of wind-tunnel testing. There are two different grilles up in the air for the next model, including a three-bar chromed version similar to the Fusion, Taurus and Edge, as well as another design that allows better airflow to the engine. We'll have to wait and see what it looks like once the camouflage comes off.

Another area of significant change is the interior. From the spy photography we've seen, the new F-150 will take a page from the Super Duty's interior design, specifically the extra wide format center console. Ford seems to be taking its latest “poke through” layout for that console from the Ford Escape and the new Focus, and applying a similar style to thenew F-150. As usual, expect the newer model to be quieter, smoother and more luxurious than ever.

One of the bigger complaints directed at the current F-150 is that its powertrain is now outclassed heavily by its upper level rivals. For instance, the new Tundra makes 381 horsepower and the Sierra Denali produces a little over 400 hp, while Ford's best Triton makes a mere 300 hp. That's going to be corrected with a new V8 engine dubbed "Boss", which displaces 6.2 liters and makes in excess of 400 hp. Ford will also switch up to a six-speed automatic instead of the current truck's five-speeder. Smaller versions of this engine will also be made, with rumors of new 5.4- and 5.6-liter V8s.

We predict that Ford is going to be faithful to the North American public and wait until this continent's biggest auto show event, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit takes place before unveiling the truck. After all, this is their best selling product.