Ford Motor is bringing a new level of technological know-how to its 2021 F-150 pickup to catch the attention of new customers even though also hoping to be sure to its loyal consumers with new features tailor-made to them.
It is a good line for Ford to stroll, as its F-Series trucks, which includes the F-150 and its larger sized siblings, account for a significant amount of the company’s gains. The automaker is in the midst of an $11 billion restructuring prepare as it pivots to rising technologies such as all-electric and autonomous vehicles.
On Thursday evening, Ford digitally unveiled common and hybrid variations of the pickup, each scheduled to begin arriving in dealerships this fall.
New exclusive features include a phase-to start with palms-free of charge freeway driving program, 12-inch screens and over-the-air updates. Ford is promising its hybrid model will provide equally wonderful overall performance and gas efficiency.
“The needs of truck prospects have and continue on to evolve,” Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Group internet marketing manager, mentioned all through a media briefing. “They hope all the things on their truck to add worth.”
2021 Ford F-150 Limited
Ford
For much more classic truck consumers, the 14th-generation F-150 offers the towing and ability they have occur to assume as well as new functions developed to make operating, even sleeping, in the truck superior. They incorporate recently made function regions on the center console and tailgate, lay-flat seats and an built-in generator that can electricity equipment at function web-sites or televisions and speakers at tailgate get-togethers.
“This is what they want to do. They developed on what they currently know these consumers will need,” said Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst at IHS Markit. “This marketplace is so major for them.”
Ford did not disclose pricing and effectiveness technical specs for the pickups. Beginning pricing on 2020 designs ranges from about $30,000 to $70,000.
An all-electric F-150 is expected someday in the next two many years — in line with or a bit later on than new electrical pickups from Standard Motors, Tesla and start off-up producer Rivian.
New engine, electricity generator
The 2021 F-150 capabilities new inside and exterior styles, supplemental storage and 6 out there motor choices, which include a 3.-liter diesel and 3.5-liter “PowerBoost” hybrid V6 motor. All engines are paired with a 10-pace automated transmission.
Ford mentioned the new hybrid model is focused to achieve roughly 700 miles on a single tank of gasoline and supply at minimum 12,000 lbs . of obtainable highest towing. That’s in line with or improved than present versions with V6 engines.
Ford expects the hybrid model — its “most premium powertrain” — to account for about 10% of gross sales. That compares with its “EcoBoost” V6 engines, which currently account for about 60% of sales.
Normal on hybrid styles is a new integrated electric power generator with 2.4 kilowatts of output or an optional 7.2 kW of output. The normal model could demand every thing for a tailgate get together or a jackhammer and compact concrete mixer.
An offered 7.2-kilowatt onboard generator that Ford is calling the “Pro Electrical power Onboard” capabilities four 120V 20A retailers and one NEMA L14-30R 240V 30A on the 2021 Ford F-150. The truck is readily available with three levels of electrical output based on engine preference.
Ford
The energy generators are readily available in 2.4-kW and 7.2-kW versions for non-hybrid styles with fuel engines. The generator operates by having electrical power from an onboard lithium-ion battery. The vehicle’s motor may need to have to be on to aid in charging the battery.
“I believe a great deal of the technology is becoming deployed well into things that will be handy, not just flashy,” Brinley stated, adding there’s been a pattern in current decades for pickups to be much more tech-concentrated and mainstream.
The generator, which Ford is calling “Pro Electricity Onboard,” is situated in the box of the pickup.
Inside enhancements
Ford, according to officers, spent a large amount of time redesigning the vehicle’s inside to be extra functional, both physically and technologically.
“We know that our buyers expend significantly of their times and often their nights in the automobile,” said Craig Schmatz, main engineer of the F-150. “We required to actually improve the performance for them to be a lot more effective in the taxi as effectively as more comfortable.”
The interior of the 2021 Ford F-150 has been redesigned to incorporate more storage and know-how as well as fold-flat seats.
Ford
In addition to redesigning the interior of the vehicle, Ford also is presenting a stowable equipment shifter that allows for a flat surface among the passenger and driver for laptops or other requires such as signing files.
Equally front seats also can fold almost 180 levels to allow for for extra relaxed sleeping arrangements, in accordance to Ford.
The most noticeable modifications in the inside are the significant offered screens. They involve a new 12-inch infotainment display screen in the middle of the instrument panel as properly as a 12-inch, all-digital driver facts cluster driving the steering wheel.
Arms-no cost driving
The much larger monitor driving the steering wheel will support in speaking with an optional fingers-cost-free driver-aid procedure which is related to Tesla’s Autopilot or GM’s Tremendous Cruise.
The “Energetic Generate Guide” system will be capable to management a vehicle’s velocity, braking and steering by means of a method of cameras, radar and other sensors on 100,000 miles of pre-mapped divided highways in the U.S. and Canada.
Consumers can purchase a pickup with the hardware for the method later this 12 months, but they will have to wait around right up until the 3rd quarter of 2021 to use the technology. Ford strategies to launch software at that time to empower the technology through a remote, or around-the-air, update. It can also be set up at a dealership.
The 2021 F-150 capabilities an obtainable stowable shifter that folds into the heart console to permit obtain to a flat inside get the job done surface when in park.
Ford
The auto being capable of in excess of-the-air updates, Ford claimed, also will be vital to helping in expediting safety remembers and other updates.
“It can assistance conduct preventative servicing, it can lessen maintenance visits and it can present enhanced general performance,” explained Stuart Taylor, government director of Enterprise Connectivity at Ford.
The new pickup also will come with extra normal and optional security characteristics to avert incidents.
Ford generates the F-150 at crops in Dearborn, Michigan, and Claycomo, Missouri.
