Ford Motor Company

 

The Ford F-Series is a range of pick-up, bus, and truck chassis from the Ford Motor Company that has been available since 1948 and is now in its fourteenth generation. We wanted to take a good look at all the generations and here is part 3 of the Ford F-Series history.

The vehicle has been the best-seller in the USA for the last 43 years and, with a total of 40 million units produced, it is in second place worldwide behind the Toyota Corolla as of April 2022.

 

Ford F-Series 11th Generation (2004 - 2008)

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In January 2003, Ford presented the eleventh generation of the F-Series at the North American International Auto Show. The new Ford pickup generation received a complete redesign with new styling, revised engines, and new powertrains.

The 2004 Ford F-Series was available in 2- and 3-door pickups. The F-150 models were based on the new P2 platform, while the larger F-250 and F-350 vehicles used the enormous P3 platform.

 

The Design

The RegularCab and SuperCab model variants are 3 inches longer, which benefits the interior in particular. The RegularCab version has additional storage space behind the seat and the SuperCab version offers its occupants more space than ever before.

The 11th generation Ford F-Series not only offered more space but also offered a high level of safety with a top result of 5 stars in crash tests. For the 2006 model year, the front bumper of the F-150 was revised and now had small round fog lights in the bumper.

The front seats of the Ford pickups were also modified and received, among other things, supporting side padding. Other updates included new 20-inch alloy wheels for FX4, Lariat, and King Ranch trim levels, running boards, traction assist, and, for the first time, an optional navigation system.

 

The Power

The base F-Series model featured a 4.2-liter V6 engine and manual transmission. It delivered 157 kW/210 hp and had a maximum torque of 353 Nm. There was also a choice of two V8 engines: a 4.6-liter engine with 172 kW/231 hp and a newly developed 5.4-liter engine with three-valve technology and an output of 224 kW/300 hp. Both V8 engines were mated to a four-speed automatic.

 

Ford F-Series 12th Generation (2009 - 2014)

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The 12th generation of the successful Ford F-Series was presented for the first time in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was already available at American dealerships in the autumn of the same year. The new Ford full-size pickups were produced in the North American Ford plants in Dearborn/Michigan and Claycomo/Missouri.

 

The Design

The restyled model featured a much more aggressive front end with new headlights and a larger grille similar to that of the Super Duty models. While the design of the new F-150 was ostentatious and stronger than previous models, Ford focused on weight reduction in the chassis. The new, lighter chassis offered ten percent more torsional resistance and therefore more stability and safety.

With a total of 35 configuration options - driver's cab, loading area, body, and equipment - the F-150 was very flexible and individually designable. In 2012, the following trim lines/models were made available: XL, STX, XLT, FX2, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Harley-Davidson, and SVT Raptor.

Standard safety equipment on the 2009 F-150 included electronic stability control, driver and passenger airbags, and front & rear side airbags. In December 2014, the series was finally replaced by the 13th generation.

 

The Power

Starting in 2009, the new Ford pickup was powered by three V8 engines, which were not only more powerful but also more economical than their predecessors. The 5.4L Triton V8 was also available as an E85 (Ethanol) compatible version. In 2010, another 416 hp 6.2-liter V8 engine joined the Ford F-150 lineup.

With the introduction of the 12th generation, for the first time in the history of the F series, there was no longer a V6 engine in the range of engines. This changed for the 2011 model year when the engine range was revised. 

Ford's Ecoboost technology has now been used for the first time in the F-150 - the twin-turbo 3.5 L V6 produced 370 hp/272 kW and a maximum torque of 570 Nm - more than the 5.0 liter engine, which was rated at 364 PS/268 kW and 520 Nm. A 3.7 L engine with 306 hp/225 kW was added as another V6 variant.

The twelfth generation of the F-150 was no longer offered with a manual transmission - instead, a 4- to 6-speed automatic was used. It was only used on the Super Duty models (F-250 and F-350).

 

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

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With the F-150 SVT Raptor, Ford launched a more than impressive high-speed off-roader at the end of 2009 – a Porsche among pickups, so to speak. The powerhouse, named after a dinosaur, was developed by the Special Vehicles Team (SVT) in Detroit, which actually specializes in desert racing vehicles.

The off-road giant measured 18,5 ft and weighed almost three tons fully loaded. For the SVT Raptor, the track of the conventional F-150 was widened by 10 inches, and new racing shock absorbers, reinforced axle bearings, and an almost indestructible underbody protection were installed. Equipped with that, the Raptor could tear through the desert with confidence.

Powered by the 5.4-liter V8, which was carried over unchanged from the F-150, the three-ton truck accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around eight seconds. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 with 416 hp followed in the summer of 2010 for the SVT Raptor (as well as for the base F-150). It was paired with a six-speed automatic as standard.

 

Ford F-Series 13th Generation (2014 - 2021)

Ford Motor Company

 

The 13th generation of the Ford F-Series celebrated its premiere at the North American International Auto Show again on January 13, 2014, and was available at dealerships from December 2014. 

The successful F-150 pickup has been completely redesigned and not only featured an all-aluminum body but also received a host of class-exclusive driver support technologies. In Europe, the new F-150 - like its predecessors - was only available as a privately imported product.

 

The Design

In the 13th generation of the series, the F-Series received a high-strength, military-grade aluminum body coupled to a high-strength steel frame, which was a first in the pickup industry. This made it almost 700 pounds lighter and significantly more efficient than the previous 2.5-ton model.

The 13th generation of the 6,6 ft wide Ford F-150 was offered with two different bed lengths as Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew. The pickup was equipped with rear-wheel drive as standard, but can also be ordered with all-wheel drive as an option.

The exterior design of the 13th F-150 was based on the Ford Atlas study from 2013. An imposing radiator grille with plenty of chrome and aggressive-looking full-LED headlights dominate the front of the pickup. LED technology is also used at the rear, as well as in the folding exterior mirrors and in the loading area. 

In addition to the modern look, the suitability for everyday use of the F-150 was not neglected. Lots of practical elements make it an all-rounder. This includes, among other things, a ramp hidden in the loading floor or extendable support in the tailgate, which also makes it possible to transport very long objects.  

Inside, the 13th generation F-150 not only offers more space for its occupants but also a new cockpit with an 8-inch monitor. The trim levels of the 13th generation were XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor and Limited versions.

 

The Power

Since the F-150 was able to shed so much weight, a smaller engine with a displacement of just 2.7 liters was now enough for it under the hood. The new six-cylinder turbo with a start-stop system consumes around 20 percent less than before and has 242 kW (329 hp) and a maximum torque of 508 Nm. It accelerates the Ford pickup from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

Another option was a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with 272 kW (370 hp). In addition, the 5.0-liter V8 engine and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 were carried over from the predecessor. The engines were combined as standard with a 6 or 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford has upgraded the driver-assistance technology powerfully. In addition to a lane departure warning system, the F-150 also had a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, and automatic distance control. A fully automatic parking assistant and a 360-degree camera complete the high-tech equipment of the F-150.

 

Ford F-Series 14th Generation (2021 - Present)

Ford Motor Company

 

The 13th generation started in 2014, so in 2021 it was high time to refresh the series from scratch. Above all, however, it was important not to lose the upper hand in the pick-up segment. 

After all, the FCA group trumped a good two years ago with a new Ram 1500, which is considered to be the most luxurious, most practical, and at the same time most powerful full-size pick-up on the market.

The reissue of the most popular American pickup has now reached the next level, making it the toughest and most productive F-150 ever. Ford is increasingly focusing more on technology, connectivity, and usability.

 

The Design

As expected and therefore for the benefit of the large fan community, the new 2021 F-Series remained largely true to its line in terms of appearance. One could almost think (at least at first glance) that this is more of an extensive facelift than a completely new model generation.

The most notable innovations were the new headlight design, new hood, and the surrounding bumpers. It also came out with slightly raised front fenders and larger tires that have been pulled out a bit.

A total of eleven different grilles adorn the new Ford trucks, depending on the equipment level. Furthermore, different running boards and LED headlights are available. According to the manufacturer, the new F-Series has also been significantly improved in terms of aerodynamics. 

To increase the utility of the F-150 for professional customers, the cargo bed has also been improved. For example, new attachment points have been installed, which means that long objects can be secured better.

On request, the tailgate can also be used as a mobile workbench, to which screw clamps can even be attached. With an integrated ruler, a cup holder, and various storage options for all kinds of things, it is well prepared for construction sites.

But it gets even better. The “Pro Power Onboard System” has been integrated into the tail lift of the new Ford pickups (available as an option). In principle, this is a power generator that has different outputs depending on the model and engine power.

In the models with normal combustion engines, the device delivers up to 2 kW via 120-volt sockets, at a maximum of 20 amps. The hybrid drive with PowerBoost, on the other hand, delivers 2.4 kW as standard and even up to 7.2 kW as an option - but then also via a 240 volt, 30 amps socket.

The interior has been completely redesigned to serve passengers with more style, comfort, and helpful technology. The most important modifications at a glance were the improved materials, new color options and much more storage space. 

The new huge center console can now be used as a work table and the lockable storage compartment under the rear seats really helps when you need to store something away. In addition to numerous safety and driving assistance systems, the new 2021 Ford F trucks has also been equipped with Active Drive Assist, which means that it is also prepared for autonomous driving.

 

The Power

For the first time, the new F-150 is on offer with a hybrid drive. It is based on a 3.5-liter V6 with two turbochargers, a 35 kW/47 hp electric motor, and a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Overall, this results in the most powerful pickup in its class, which can even be driven purely electrically over short distances.

In addition to the hybrid, the 2021 Ford F-150 is also available with the currently revised engines that are already known from the predecessor. These include a V6 diesel, three V6 gas engines, and a large V8. All engines are combined with the proven ten-speed automatic transmission.

 

Protecting Your Ford F-Series

 

In the 3rd and last part of our series, we wanted to explain how Ford developed the F- series trucks through the last decade and also took a good look at the present 14th generation. Ford truly deserves having the best-selling vehicle in its line-up because throughout its history, the F-Series were always the best choice and it still is today. 

If you own one of these special trucks, you should be taking care of it in the best way possible. Ford also thought about that and they officially partnered up with the established Coverking company. Check out their catalog and see for yourself. 

Depending on how long you keep your vehicle parked, you might need covers, both indoors and outdoors. For the interior, we recommend a custom seat cover and a molded dashboard cover to cover all the angles.

One item truck drivers must have from Coverking is the special Tailgate Pad. It will transform your tailgate while protecting it from scratches and dings. It comes with a 2-year warranty and is available in multiple sizes.

 

Resources

 

Coverking Links

 

Tankut Basar

Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.

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