The unveiling of the 2015 F-150 at the recent NAIAS in Detroit was quite possibly the biggest news since the nameplate was first conceived seven generations ago. Why? Because it heralds a new generation of pick-ups built using aluminum body panels.
We’ve seen a upswing in conventional passenger vehicles choosing to employ the lightweight material — Jaguar was first to the fore with the all-aluminum XJ — the Ford F-150 marks the first time ever a manufacturer has decided to use the material in a pick-up. What that means is a 700lbs weight saving over its predecessor — which will not only improve fuel economy but also acceleration, braking performance and roadholding — all while maintaining the structural rigidity sought for by truck buyers.
The F-150 not only heralds a new dawn for light-duty trucks, but a new level of personalization for the historic nameplate. There are no fewer than five different face treatments (at least one for each trim level), and that strategy is now being rolled out across Ford’s wider truck range.
Watch the video above to see what the considerations were in creating the new all-aluminum Ford F-150.
