Spy photographers have already snapped
countless pictures of the upcoming Ford F-150 truck. Seen here in the luxed-up Lariat guise,
the interior is a significant improvement as it features higher quality
materials, more modern technology and an updated design. Drivers sit behind an
evolutionary steering wheel and find themselves looking at a new digital
instrument cluster. To the right is a larger infotainment system that is
flanked by vertical air vents.
Beneath a wide strip of metallic trim is
updated switchgear. The climate controls are particularly notable as they
feature small LED displays that can apparently show temperature and fan
settings. The truck also has a redesigned shifter as well as a new trim piece
between the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
While there’s no word on specifics, Ford
has already confirmed their SYNC 4 infotainment system will be available with
screens that measure 8-, 12- and 15.5-inches. The latter will have “Adaptive
Dash Cards” that provide easy access to recently used and commonly used
settings. Besides the improved interior, the 2021 F-150 will have an
evolutionary exterior and a relatively familiar engine lineup. Speaking of the
latter, a VIN decoder suggested we can expect a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 hp and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 325 hp.
They should be joined by a 3.5-liter
EcoBoost V6 with 375 hp and a 5.0-liter V8 developing 395 hp. The 3.0-liter PowerStroke V6 diesel engine is also set for a
return and it could potentially have more power than the current unit which
develops 250 hp and 596 Nm of torque.
The big news is the addition
of a hybrid variant which is slated to use a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Little else
is known about it, but Ford has previously said the truck will utilize its
hybrid system to deliver more “low-end torque for extra pulling power.” The
truck will also have the ability to act as a mobile generator for powering
tools and equipment.
