The mighty Ford F-150 has scored a series of updates
three years into its life cycle, headlined by the addition of a new 3.0-litre
turbo-diesel V6 engine. The 2018 model-year version of America’s top-selling
vehicle for 35 years running also gets revised front and rear styling, trims,
more active safety features.
The all-new 3.0-litre Power Stroke turbo-diesel
engine was designed, engineered and tested in-house and is paired with a new
10-speed automatic transmission. It’s the first-ever diesel engine offered for
F-150. Power and torque details have not been revealed yet.
Engine-wise, the updated F-150 also introduces an
all-new 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine, with direct-injection. The 3.3 is expected
to offer the same 286 Hp/340 Nm as the previous model’s 3.5-litre V6. The 2.7-litre EcoBoost turbo engine has also been tweaked, getting claimed
improved levels of “output, efficiency, quality and durability”. Both of these
engines are paired to a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 5.0-litre V8 also sees improvements in 2018, as
the naturally aspirated engine features significant upgrades for increased power
and torque. Figures have not been revealed. It’s also paired with the 10-speed
auto.
Ford F-150 models from XL to the flagship Limited
receive new grilles, headlights and bumpers, plus six new wheel designs,
ranging from 17 inches to 22 inches in diameter. The cabin gets new trims. The
F-150 retains its high-strength steel fully-boxed ladder frame and
high-strength, military-grade, aluminium alloy body, reducing corrosion in
snowy states.
The new 2018 F-150 goes on sale this American fall
(about September). It will be built at Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn,
Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
