What's New for 2015

Introduction

Building a new F-150 is one of those automotive jobs that separates the big-boy designers and engineers from the posers. It's only a confident, cocky group that competes for the honor of not screwing up nearly four decades of truck sales leadership with the new 2015 Ford F-150. While the Mustang guards the legacy and the Fusion writes the future, the F-150 is the model that fills the halls of Ford with the sound of money.

Ford hasn't messed with a good thing. The new F-150 retains the chunky grille, hood creases and headlight design of the former Atlas concept truck, while sitting just slightly wider than the current model. The additional width combined with slimmer doors opens up the cabin by 2 inches, most of it between the driver and front passenger seats. Interior styling is also all-new, with materials that feel more passenger-car premium. There's also a large 8-inch screen between the two main gauges that can display information customized by the driver.

But the real heroics are saved for the F-150's more critical areas. Aluminum body panels and a high-strength steel frame help the new F-150 shed as much as 700 pounds compared to the current model. Combined with generally smaller engines, the weight loss should contribute to increased fuel savings. Ford hasn't announced specific mpg ratings yet.

The entry-level 3.5-liter V6 is downsized from 3.7 liters in the current model. A new turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 slots in above, and Ford promises power that will "exceed that of other midlevel truck V8 engines." This engine should be the fuel economy leader of the lineup.

The 5.0-liter V8 carries over, likely with last year's rated output of 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This engine should be cheaper than the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost and should tow more, but it's also likely to burn more fuel. The current 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 also carries over, likely to offer the same 360 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque from last year. Ford has not yet announced power or torque ratings for its engines. The same sturdy six-speed automatic is the only available transmission.

The 2015 F-150 will be available in Regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew cab configurations. Rear-seat access is improved on the SuperCrew, which can be had with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed or a 6-foot, 7-inch standard bed. The SuperCab retains its reverse-hinged rear door design and is available with a 6-foot, 7-inch standard bed or the 8-foot, 1-inch long bed.

Regular cab models, meanwhile, shrink 4 inches in length, mostly taken from the storage space behind the rear seats. The Regular cab will offer a 6-foot, 7-inch standard bed. Expect XL, XLT, STX, FX2, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. No details have been announced on special editions such as the off-road-optimized Raptor.

Ford has not announced tow ratings or payload figures, but says reduced weight means all ratings will rise from the current model. Last year's 3.5-liter EcoBoost, for example, is rated to tow 11,300 pounds. The new 2.7-liter EcoBoost should be able to handle 8,000 pounds.

Notable new features include a power-locking rear tailgate with remote opening and 115-volt outlets with 400 watts of power ? enough to recharge power tool system batteries. LED headlights and taillights are standard or optional depending on trim level. Available safety features include a 360-degree rearview camera, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SuperCrew Cab can also be had with a panoramic sunroof.

The 2015 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. Pricing has not been announced, but expect the new model to start close to the current model, at least for the base trims. Check back for more information about the new F-150, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.