Photo: Ford / autoevolution
The Ford F-150 is an American icon, so any changes to the basic formula may prove to be controversial. However, when the vehicle weighs 3200 kg (7100 lbs), mainly due to the use of steel and big heavy V8 engines, the formula could definitely be improved.
Now, according to The Wall Street Journal, Ford will be forced to make the F-150 lighter, more fuel efficient and economical. If the information is correct, then the new truck would be 15% lighter than its current incarnation. This will be achieved with the use of aluminium (or aluminum, if you love burgers) in the car’s construction, and as we know, weight-shedding has no negative aspects - it’s always good and always welcome.
Also, the shift from diesel-guzzling V8s to smaller and much more efficient units is in the books, as current versions get a very poor 17 l/100 km (14 mpg) in town, whereas a slightly smaller and lighter truck with a 3-liter diesel would be 40% more efficient, while retaining the same characteristics and load-lugging ability.
Keeping in mind the fact that Ford will also be replacing its rather inefficient and heavy Ecoline vans with Euro-spec Transits (the rather nice new Transit, that is), they may be looking at an image change and as more Americans realize that there are ways of doing the same thing, but using better and more efficient methods, they will embrace the new wave of more efficient trucks and vans as they will boost productivity, lower operating costs and be much nicer to drive - a Transit can lap the ‘Ring in just over 10 minutes, according, in the capable hands of Sabine Schmitz.
Also, the shift from diesel-guzzling V8s to smaller and much more efficient units is in the books, as current versions get a very poor 17 l/100 km (14 mpg) in town, whereas a slightly smaller and lighter truck with a 3-liter diesel would be 40% more efficient, while retaining the same characteristics and load-lugging ability.
Keeping in mind the fact that Ford will also be replacing its rather inefficient and heavy Ecoline vans with Euro-spec Transits (the rather nice new Transit, that is), they may be looking at an image change and as more Americans realize that there are ways of doing the same thing, but using better and more efficient methods, they will embrace the new wave of more efficient trucks and vans as they will boost productivity, lower operating costs and be much nicer to drive - a Transit can lap the ‘Ring in just over 10 minutes, according, in the capable hands of Sabine Schmitz.
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