Ford's F-Series pickup truck has been a bestseller for over 30 years and that's for good reason. Ford keeps improving the F-150, and in doing so continues the progression of the state of the pickup truck. You don't get to be the default choice without pleasing your customers, and that's where the F-150 excels.
The most significant change for the 2011 F-150 (MSRP $22,415) is an all-new powertrain lineup (four new engines) that is expected to lead the class in both performance and fuel economy. The new standard engine is a 3.7-liter V6 that features Twin-Independent Variable Camshaft Timing for best-in-class 302 hp and a torque rating of 278 lb/ft, which makes it possible to drag 6,100 pounds on standard fuel while returning a best-in-class 23 highway mpg. More revolutionary, Ford has brought its 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 to the F-150. EcoBoost's 365 hp and whopping 420 lb/ft of torque is a shot of muscle that doesn't come with the kind of appetite those big numbers would require in the past. The big torque is available from 2,500 rpm, putting the power to the work early while offering buyers a best in class 11,300-pound towing capacity and 3,060-pound payload capacity.
A pair of new V8 engines finish off the quartet of new power units in the F-150. An all-new DOHC 5.0-liter V8 is all aluminum and can tow 10,000 pounds of trailer thanks to its 360 hp and 380 lb/ft of torque. The ultimate V8 available in the F-150 lineup is a 6.2-liter single-overhead camshaft two-valve V8 that gives you 11,300 pounds of trailering capability due to the 434 lb/ft of torque and 411 hp developed inside its cast-iron block. All of these engines deliver this outstanding performance on Regular fuel, despite the astounding power numbers, a tribute to Ford's engineering work. A six-speed automatic transmission backs up each power unit, too, another boost to efficiency and refinement, and a first among pickup trucks. A two mode SelectShift automatic offers a manual mode for those who like to handle the shifting themselves.
It may be strange to think of refinement in the pickup truck market, but it's important to buyers, whether or not they're putting the F-150 to work or using it like a commuter vehicle. Ford's Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) lends to the focus on quality by maintaining a linear steering feel, even on crowned roads, and drawing power only when needed. The variable assist is speed sensitive, and the EPAS system is standard on all F-150s except for those with the 6.2-liter engine.
The expanded powertrain choices are only the beginning, and the F-150 offers more choice inside the cabin as well. A new class exclusive 4.2-inch LCD message screen and rearview mirror with larger integrated backup camera display are added for 2011. The new backup camera display can be zoomed by drivers to help ease trailer hookup. The F-150 also sports an integrated trailer brake controller, and Ford's lauded SYNC system is available to put entertainment and hands-free control just a voice command away. Ford Work Solutions™ can be added to the F-150, a perfect addition to a truck that's synonymous with jobsites. The in-dash computer that is part of the Work Solutions system is really an in-dash computer that can provide Internet access, and work wirelessly with a mouse and printer, perfect for avoiding time-consuming runs back to the office. Tool Link is another feature of Work Solutions, which uses Radio Frequency Identification to scan your tool inventory and help avoid leaving anything behind. Crew Chief is a fleet system that offers telematics and diagnostics, a boon to users with multiple F-150s under their care. Also available are class exclusive box sidesteps and tailgate step, which help with loading and unloading your F-150.
Trim levels are XL, STX, XLT, FX2 and FX4 and Lariat. Premium F-150s are also available in King Ranch, Platinum, SVT Raptor, Lariat Limited and Harley Davidson trims. Among the wide choice of trim levels, there's numerous options available, giving the F-150 one of the deepest equipment sets on the market, and generating a list of choices as long as your arm. A new XLT Custom Package is added for 2011 and is available for 3.7-liter F-150s in all cab configurations with two-wheel drive. XLT Customs get 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, body-colored running boards, a chromed exhaust tip, body-colored bumper fascias and a distinctive grille with billet insert.
FX2 and FX4 models are sporty, rugged-looking choices with body-colored mirrors and exterior handles, handsome grilles and black-surround head- and taillamps. XLT and Lariat models have new Off-road Packages that include an electronic-locking rear differential, skid plates and retuned shock absorbers.
For 2011, a limited edition Lariat Limited F-150 is available. Featuring the 6.2-liter V8 and exclusively finished in White Platinum tri-coat, only 3,500 units of this F-150 with extra chrome accents and distinctive blacked-out head- and taillamps rides on polished 22-inch wheels and sport an interior dressed up in two-tone leather upholstery and special Limited badging.
The F-150s talents run exceptionally deep. It's a pickup truck that gets stellar fuel economy while offering the best power in its class. It’s high tech and offers modern features that ease the workday and help you make money. Despite its push for innovation, Ford knows what it takes to build a solid truck, and so the F-150 rides on a stout frame that doesn't whimper at good, old-fashioned smash-mouth trucking. As Ford has proven year in and year out, the 2011 F-150 is the latest in an evolution of a truck for all seasons.
