Ford says new F-150 can compete with rivals despite lower weight
by The Associated Press
Aluminum-sided F-150 model will top both Ram, Chevrolet Silverado in towing capacity, automaker claims
DEARBORN, Mich.—Ford Motor Co. says its aluminum-sided F-150 pickup will hold its own against rivals despite its lighter weight.
The company revealed details of the new truck this week.
The 2015 F-150 4×4 goes on sale this fall and is 732 lbs. lighter than the outgoing model.
Ford’s base truck with a 3.5-litre V6 engine will get 283-horsepower, similar to a Chevrolet Silverado but lower than a Ram.
But Ford says its 7,600 lbs. of towing capacity will top both rivals.
An F-150 with Ford’s new 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine will get 325 horsepower—more than a Ram EcoDiesel—and can tow 8,400 lbs.
The company expects half of its buyers to choose one of its two fuel-saving EcoBoost engines, the new 2.7-litre or optional 3.5-litre that has been available in the half-ton pickup since 2011.
Ford will release fuel economy and pricing later this year.
