NEW 2009 FORD F-150: MOST CAPABLE

DETROIT, Jan., 13, 2008 – The new Ford F-150 remains the most capable full-size pickup on the market and for 2009 further builds its capability by strengthening the frame while making it lighter, improving horsepower, boosting fuel economy, adding more usable interior space to the SuperCrew models and offering even more standard safety features.

“Capability is currency for many F-150 customers,” said Mike Crowley, Ford Truck and SUV group marketing manager. “That’s why our team has been working so hard to deliver the most capable trucks for our customers, right down to the new F-150’s laser-edge welds that are five times stronger than other trucks’ traditional spot welds. F-150 owners need to know that whether they use these trucks on the job site – or for play – they’re truly ‘Built Ford Tough.’ ”

Improved Chassis Helps Get the Job Done More Efficiently

The new 2009 Ford F-150 features a fully boxed frame constructed from hydro formed high-strength steel side rails – and cross members that pass through the frame rails – for increased durability and safety.

The high-strength steel does double duty, providing about 10 percent more torsional rigidity, enabling engineers to finely tune chassis components, while also contributing to a 100-pound weight reduction versus the current F-150.

“The new, improved chassis helps deliver additional payload and towing capacity as well as improved fuel economy, which we know is top of mind especially for truck customers,” said Matt O’Leary, chief engineer of the new 2009 F-150. “At the same time, we’ve improved the new F-150’s driving dynamics, delivering a truck that’s consistently sure-footed in all driving situations and load conditions, regardless of the weather.”

F-150’s double wishbone short- and long-arm front suspension with coil over shocks shares components with the 2008 Expedition, although it has been further refined for the F-150. Double ball joint links allow for more precise steering inputs.

The Hotchkiss-designed rear suspension mounts the rear shock absorbers outboard of the frame rails for a smoother ride and improved body control. The revised suspension features 6-inch-longer leaf springs. The springs are extended forward to provide better lateral compliance and refined rear axle steer characteristics.

The FX4 features an Electronic Locking Differential axle designed for true off-road performance. There is also a special 17-inch LT tire available to further enhance off-road capability. All 4x4 trucks offer a choice of manual or electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive systems.

The F-150’s four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) not only improves braking performance but provides the necessary foundation for enabling technologies like AdvanceTrac® with RSC® and the integrated trailer brake controller. A large brake booster and master cylinder offer more responsive braking with a better pedal feel and less noise and vibration.

Size Matters, F-150 Delivers

In addition to improved payload and towing capacity, the new 2009 F-150 SuperCrew offers more usable space for moving people and gear – thanks to a 6-inch stretch that improves rear seat legroom and cargo capacity.

A mechanically articulated second-row seat flips up and folds against the back of the cab by simply pushing up on the seat bottom, a move easily done with one hand, allowing easier loading and unloading of the truck’s rear seating area. The new SuperCrew’s longer door moves the B-pillar further back, improving the driver’s peripheral vision.

“The flat load floor and fold-up rear seat allow for a much better use of cargo space,” O’Leary said. “After F-150 customers find their way to their favorite electronics store on their 8-inch navigation screen in the instrument panel, they have enough room to safely and securely load their new large flat-screen television into the flat-load floor and take it home.”

The flip-up seats combined with the flat-load floor, allows items up to 47.9 inches tall to be stored safely from the outside elements and secured in the locked cab. The total cargo space behind the front seats is a class-leading 57.6 cu. ft.

The center section of the front bench seat features hidden storage and on Lariat models the center section of the back seat folds down into an armrest for rear seat passengers.

Easy on the Ears

Beneath its skin, the new F-150 uses a comprehensive sound package and class-exclusive features to deliver a segment-leading quiet and refined ride.

An exclusive Quiet Steel dash panel combines with an expanded absorber on the engine side of the dash panel to limit the amount of unwanted noise coming from the engine compartment. A single-piece substrate under the instrument panel replaces the former multi-piece unit, reducing the risk of squeaks and rattles and boosting perceived quality. The Regular Cab utilizes a soft-trim back panel to improve interior quietness. All models receive a new acoustic headliner.

The F-150 Platinum adds a laminated windshield and ultra-light, more absorptive carpeting and additional insulation in the dash panel, doors and back panel to deliver the kind of quiet ride that’s expected of today’s luxury SUVs. ....

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