It’s only February and the 2015 F-150 is already one of the most talked about cars of this year. Most of the buzz you hear has to do with the revolutionary all-aluminum body. There are quite a few other tricks up this truck’s sleeve that you should know about, though.
Car and Driver once again interviewed the F-150’s chief designer, Gordon Platto, so that he could show them the ins and outs of his team’s work. The walkaround video starts briefly at the front, showing off the all-LED headlamps before moving to the rear and mentioning the matching tail lights. The tailgate has been completely redesigned to feature a remote release, as well as an improved step-gate and assist handle that pull out in one motion. Platto sheds more light – literally with the LED box lights – on the new BoxLink system, giving the movable cleats a close-up. He says, “The concept is offer several different cleats to serve different functions depending on what you want to haul.”
On either side, there’s a retractable side step for easier access to the truck bed. The side-view mirrors both have spotlights in them that can be aimed accordingly for working after dark. As for the interior, Platto says they’ve “increased the premiumness” of their premium models, offering real wood, luxury leathers, and real stitching. Ford has upped the amount of available interior storage, “carving out space wherever we could.” Tech-wise, there’s a configurable “productivity screen” integrated into the instrument panel, four cameras that give a three hundred and sixty degree view of the truck, and a 400 watt converter for charging power tools. “Our goal is to make a better tool for [the customer] to be more productive,” finishes Platto.
You can watch the full video on Car and Driver here.
That’s not even the end, though. Yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show, it was announced that the 2015 F-150 will be the first light-duty truck to offer a snow plow prep option. The lower weight, extra capability, and better handling open the F-150 to this option on all cab configurations, though only on XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels with four-wheel drive and the 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Read more about this feature on Motor Trend.
Is it really only February? We can’t wait for this truck to get here. Tell us your favorite new feature of the 2015 F-150 in the comments or when you visit us at Leith Ford.