Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2015 Ford F-150
The huge news is the F-truck's all-aluminum body - which lower's the truck's curb weight by more than 700 pounds. Equally daring, Ford is moving away from V8s.
You can still order one - but it's only one of four available F-truck powerplants - and the other three are all V6s. It's also not the most powerful engine you can order in the F-truck. That one's also a V6.
This is a major point of difference between the Ford and its GM and Chrysler rivals - which also offer six cylinder engines, but mostly as their base engines (the exception here being the turbo-diesel V6 available in the Ram 1500) with V8s being the top-dog engines in those trucks.
The '15 F-150 also gets (or offers) a number of technology and safety upgrades, including a remote-view trailer assist system, Lane Departure warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and a larger (optional) eight-inch "productivity" touchscreen in the center stack.
WHAT'S GOOD
Alloy body reduces weight - and unsprung mass. Turbo V6s make impressive power - and more low-end torque than most V8s.
Pop-out step ladder and grab pole make it easier to climb up and into the bed. "Pillarless" design (four door models) gives open access to the entire cab.
WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD
Aluminum body will be more difficult - and expensive - to repair. This will likely make the F-truck more expensive to insure.
Turbo V6s don't give you massively better gas mileage than the more powerful - and simpler - V8s available in the Silverado and Ram.
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