2018 seems to be a year of innovation and firsts in the work truck industry as far as manufacturing is concerned, and Ford is no exception. The brand rolled out some improvements to its Transit Cargo Van earlier this year, which debuted at NTEA’s The Work Truck Show. But Ford didn’t stop there.
The Ford F-150 remains the best-selling truck in the industry, and Ford is determined to keep its truck in the No. 1 spot. But that doesn’t come so easily. Ford has to constantly stay ahead of the game. Here are some ways the brand is doing it this year:
STROKE OF POWER
Perhaps the year’s biggest innovative “first” from Ford is the addition of a 3-L Power Stroke V6 engine to its F-150 lineup, making a total of six engines to choose from with the F-150. This truck gets an estimated 30 mpg highway, 22 mpg city, and 25 mpg combined. This is a result of Ford’s lightweighting developments, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body, a 10-speed SelectShift transmission, and an engine construction of aluminum and compacted graphite iron, reducing weight and adding durability.
This truck also boasts an incredible amount of power for its size: 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. This diesel can tow 11,400 lbs, ideal for all your equipment. And, you’ll want to bring everyone and their gear because this truck has a payload of 2,020 lb on the XL and XLT fleet applications.
The minds that brought you the powerful F-Series Super Duty’s 6.7-L Power Stroke were the same minds behind the F-150 Power Stroke diesel, therefore, the smaller truck shares the same proven commercial-grade technology as its powerful big brother.
EACH IMPROVED
Although a lot of brain power was directed at the new Power Stroke diesel, Ford didn’t forget its other F-150 engines. Each engine was reengineered, upgraded, or improved. All engines now benefit from standard Auto Start-Stop Technology and are paired with automatic transmissions featuring SelectShift capability. Each engine features a 10-speed automatic transmission, except for the 3.3-L that features the 6-speed.
The 2018 3.3-L TI-VCT V6 has a higher towing capacity and improved fuel efficiency. The 2.7-L EcoBoost has an increased torque of 400 lb-ft and a new duel-injection system with both direct injection and port fuel injection. The 5-L TI-VCT V8 features increased horsepower and torque, improved fuel efficiency, and upgraded main and connecting rod bearings for greater durability. The 3.5-L EcoBoost features class-best 470 lb-ft of torque along with 375 hp.
STRONGER THAN EVER
Here’s another innovation to the F-150: the 2018 features the strongest frame ever on the F-150. A fully boxed, modular foundation comprised of 78 percent high-strength steel and a highly rigid structure adds stiffness and durability. The frame features eight rugged crossmembers and large cross-section frame rails for the perfect foundation for the body and cargo box. The F-150 endured Ford’s toughest tests through development—more than 10 million customer-equivalent miles worth—to ensure a truck that is a perfect fit for the long run.
Something else that’s built Ford tough is the truck body. It’s made from high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy that won’t rust and resists corrosion. The roof of the cab is also reinforced by a hydroformed roof rail. Pair the strong body with the truck’s patented 12-sided design in the front-frame horn that improves impact protection, and you’ve got a safer, stronger work horse. Add six standard airbags and inflatable rear safety belts that distribute crash energy across five times more of a passenger’s body than a non-inflatable belt and you’ve got a work bubble.
TOW EVERYTHING
When your F-150 is equipped with the second generation 3.5-L EcoBoost engine and trailer tow package, you can haul up to 13,200 lbs. Standard hill start assist maintains brake pressure until your truck produces enough torque to get your equipment up those hills. Never worry about rolling backward again.
Adding to the list of 2018 innovations, Ford integrates Pro Trailer Backup Assist into its tow packages making it easy breezy to maneuver your haul. The system automatically steers the truck to turn your load the desired amount—simply from the turn of a knob! Strategically placed cameras offer a 360-degree view of your F-150. When at slow speeds in Forward or Reverse, the truck’s four cameras kick in to let you see all sides of your truck on the 8-inch color screen inside the cab.
Ford also makes it easier to tow by adding a Smart Trailer Tow Connector that provides alerts about connection status, lighting and battery alerts, and warnings. Owners can also track their towing information of up to 10 different trailers, tracking things like brake control settings, vehicle pitch, steering angle, and accumulated miles on each trailer.
WHY WAIT
The interior of the F-150 can’t be ignored. Three new interior leather trims are now available. A B&O Play Premium Audio System by Harman is also available, featuring an AM/FM stereo, CD/MP3 player, and 10 speakers. That’s just the start.
Ford offers these highlights and so much more with the brand’s 2018 F-150. There are countless ways to customize and configure the perfect fit for your fleet. The truck is available now … Why wait?
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about the Ford F-150, visit www.ford.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: JUNE 2018 ISSUE
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