It takes a lot of confidence for an automaker to invite key North American automotive media representatives to its most

A new level of style, refinement and top-tier features... but still the same F-150 quality owners have come to trust. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

demanding proving ground and let them compare a new product with its competitors in some of the most punishing situations imaginable.

But that’s what Ford did when it first showed its new F-150 to groups of newspaper, magazine and electronic media people (including this writer) who were all too ready to seek out shortcomings wherever they could be found. The result was not a chorus of nit-picking, but a resounding victory in the prestigious North American Truck of the Year contest and more than a few accolades in other “best of” competitions around the continent.

It was really no surprise that Ford came up with a better F-150. After all, the truck has been the top seller in the market for so long there must be employees who’ve spent their entire careers with the company and never known a year when it didn’t take the top spot.

When I took in the program at Ford’s Romeo Proving Ground in Michigan, I was able to drive the truck in all kinds of demanding situations - on rugged off-road trails, up very steep slopes, over roads that were little more than broken concrete and even on a test track that would have been challenging for a sports car. I also towed very large trailers loaded to capacity with huge containers of water to simulate “real life” chores like pulling a horse trailer or a fifth-wheel RV. I toured Ford’s Rouge Truck Plant too, which despite being steeped in the history of the company and dating back to Henry’s day, is now one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the world. Interestingly, the factory features the largest “living roof” in the US - a 10.4-acre garden atop the final assembly building.

The new truck has been thoroughly worked over inside and out, so it qualifies as an “all-new” product. Styling is taut and “no nonsense,” playing on the big-rig theme that’s so popular today, but adding some innovative elements here and there.

Totally new from front to back. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Tests at the proving ground showed that the whole unit is exceptionally strong and rigid and a new F-150 could end up seeing rugged services for decades like so many have done before.

When developing the new truck, Ford placed critical emphasis on fuel economy with the aim of topping “best in class” rivals. Some models gain as much as 12 per cent in fuel economy over previous versions - even with the biggest powerplant. An SFE (super fuel economy) variant of the F-150 delivers a surprising 9.6-litres/100 km on the highway - the level of some mid-sized sedans - and the big crew cab truck has better aerodynamics than any rival, according to Ford. Fuel economy is now a top ten consideration among pickup buyers, according to recent research. Also worth noting is the truck’s class-leading

Load it up... the F-150 can take it. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

towing capability of 5,125 kilos (11,300 lbs). Even the SFE will handle 3,402 kilos (7,500 lbs).

There are three engines available for the F-150 - a 4.6-litre 2V V8 putting out 248-horsepower; a 4.6-litre 3V EFI V8 with 292-horsepower and a mighty 5.4-litre 3V Triton V8 producing 320-horsepower. The entry level engine comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission and the top duo with a 6-speed automatic overdrive box. There is no manual transmission available and more than likely nobody would want one anyway. All the models have vented disc brakes all-round and they function with great power and smoothness, even with a substantial load in the back. It’s one thing to stop an unladen truck, but quite another to haul down an F-150 with a heavily-loaded trailer hitched up - and that’s what I put the truck through at the proving ground.

Of course,

Handy step makes a difference when dealing with cargo. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

building a decent truck is a process that must start with the frame. Stripped bare of cab, box and powertrain on the Rouge assembly line, the frame looks as though it might belong to a highway hauler rather than a pickup. The hydroformed frame features fully boxed construction with high-strength steel side rails and though it’s 10-percent more rigid (torsionally) than that of the earlier truck, it’s actually lighter by 45 kilos (100 lbs). As well as enhancing ruggedness and durability, this design also improves driving dynamics, as I discovered when I drove the F-150 on the track. Ford seems to be delivering on its “Built Ford Tough” promise, if this newcomer is anything to go by.

As with so many truck ranges, the variety of F-150 configurations is vast and there’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” pickup, but let’s look at the basics. For starters, there are seven trim lines - XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch

An even more impressive interior than the last one. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

and the new Platinum. There are three cab styles and four box options, but as might be expected, not all styles, cabs and boxes can be matched up. Configuring a truck is something best discussed at the dealer level where there are always staffers who specialize in this segment. Also, bear in mind that US market ranges sometimes differ from what we get in Canada.

The new Platinum version is about as luxurious a truck as you’re ever likely to see. It sports a grille that’s quite a bit different than that of other F-150s, so these will be easy to spot on the road. It features a superb leather interior that wouldn’t be out of place in an expensive luxury sedan. There are numerous other trim enhancements and they’re all very tastefully done. Just when we thought that the King Ranch was Ford’s ultimate truck, along comes the Platinum and takes the whole idea a little further.

But

Details are nice. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

even the most basic 2009 F-150 cabin is a great piece of design and execution and not too many people who spend all day in their work trucks will have much reason to complain. And while work trucks are being discussed, it’s worth mentioning that these Fords have all kinds of stowage areas around the cab, especially the crew cab variants. In fact, you can store two laptop computers in the huge console bin - a great asset for (as an example) a contractor who needs everything related to the business close by at the jobsite. Ford says that the interior contains more than 30 storage areas, but I never counted them. The smaller cubby holes are great for iPods, PDAs or security access cards.

Standard or available on the new F-150 are a wide variety of features which reveal how much serious thought went into the design of this vehicle. The box side step and tailgate step are a huge benefit to those who spend their days loading or unloading the truck - especially those of small stature. Lower back pain is a

Pack up the family and go! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

serious problem among Canadians and stretching to get a load out of a pickup box can be a major contributor to such problems. Once you’ve used Ford’s step systems you’ll never want to go back to vehicles without these features. Other features for buyers who use their trucks for work include cargo management systems and a very nifty bed extender. Ford’s Midbox storage system is mounted in front of the box and behind the cab and provides 745 litres (26.3 cubic feet) of lockable storage for tools and other costly gear. Midbox features drawers much like a high-end mechanic’s toolbox and the whole system is locked using the driver’s door key.

There’s no doubt that this new Ford will continue to maintain its enviable position in the marketplace. Even though the economic outlook seems bleak, people with work to do still need their trucks and when I visited Detroit, Ford told me that even when gas prices were at their peak, people still weren’t downsizing to compact trucks. For many buyers, there’s simply no substitute for a full-size pickup.

Specifications (2009 Ford F-150):

• Price Range (MSRP): $21,649 – $57,709
• Body Type: 2-door pickup or 4-door pickup
• Layout: front engine, RWD or 4WD
• Engine: 248-hp, 294 lb-ft of torque, 4.6L, 16-valve, SOHC V8
• Opt. Engine: 320-hp, 390 lb-ft of torque, 5.4L, 24-valve SOHC V8 E85 Capable
• Transmission: 6-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Wheels: 17 - 20 inches
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 15.5 / 10.7 km/h
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive; 60/100,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra
• Website: www.ford.ca

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(168) Carpeting, Floor

(433) Rear Window, Manual Sliding

(52N) Speed Control

(595) Fog Lamps

(J004) Standard Black Paint

(535) Trailer Towing Group, Class IV

(X26) Axle Ratio: 3.73

(585) Electronic AM/FM Stereo/CD Player

(T73) Tires: P255/65Rx17 OWL A/S

(XH9) Axle: 3.55 Limited Slip

(99V) Engine: EFI 5.4L Flexible Fuel V8

(XB6) Axle: 3.73 Limited Slip

(446) Electronic 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

(998) Engine: EFI 4.6L 3V V8

(X15) Axle Ratio: 3.15

(67T) Trailer Brake Controller

(63S) Box Access Step

(63T) Tailgate Step

(68M) Cargo Management System

(86D) XL Decor Package

(54T) Mirrors: Manual Telescoping Trailer Tow

(T7E) Tires: P245/70Rx17 BSW All Terrain

(47R) Rubber Floor Mat Kit

(47T) Tool Link

(58I) In-Dash Computer

(47C) Crew Chief

(52G) SYNCH Hands Free

(57Q) Rear Window Defroster

(924) Rear Window, Fixed Privacy Glass