This is NOT a Ford pickup truck.

In the eyes of most consumers, Ford and Ferrari run in different automotive circles. The prancing horse brand from Maranello, Italy, is best know for building world class sports cars and dominating in F1 racing. The blue oval brand is best known for building sensible family cars, the Mustang and the best-selling F-150 line of full size pickup trucks. Ford has a lot riding on the F-150 name, which it’s been using since 1975 and trademarked in 1995. When Ferrari decided to name their 2011 F1 car the F150 (in honor of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s reunification), Ford requested that they pick another name. Ferrari initially ignored Ford’s request, but later agreed to change the car’s name to “F150 th Italia”; whether or not this will be acceptable to Ford has yet to be determined.

While no sane motorist could possibly confuse a full-size Ford pickup with a Formula 1 car, Ford has far too much riding on the F-150 brand to not enforce its trademark. If they don’t pursue action against Ferrari, it sets a precedent that could potentially allow other companies to pirate trademarked Ford names in the future. I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to see a Geely “Smiling Happy Face Mustang Electric Sports Roadster” on U.S. roads any time soon.

Source: Autoevolution

The vision for Ford’s truck team was clear: redesign America’s favorite truck inside and out to give customers unrivaled capability, unprecedented choice and a host of smart, game-changing features.

The result is the all-new 2009 Ford F-150, the new benchmark in the full-size pickup segment from the industry’s truck leader-which has built more than 33-million F-Series pickups since 1948.

The Ford truck team adopted a holistic, 360-degree approach to revamping the new 2009 F-150-from its segment-first features to the tough new exterior highlighted by a dramatic three-bar chrome grille and more spacious, flexible and refined interior, to the unparalleled choice of cab styles and trim levels-including a new Platinum series that will redefine truck luxury.

The improvements are just as dramatic beneath the sheet metal. A new high-strength, lighter-weight steel chassis is the backbone that allows this tough truck to deliver more horsepower, better fuel economy, safety and additional towing and payload capacity.

As an American icon, Ford is the truck of choice and F-150 customers expect and demand the best truck on the market. Ford has delivered again!

The improvements start with the new F-150’s fully boxed frame constructed with hydro-formed and high-strength steel side rails. The lightweight frame delivers 10% more torsional rigidity, which delivers increased durability and safety. The study chassis also paved the way for the 2009 F-150 to improve upon the current model’s class-leading towing and hauling capability across all cab configurations.

Thanks to the strength of the frame and comprehensive package of safety equipment, including side-curtain airbags, the new F-150 is engineered to earn top safety ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Complementing the modern frame is a high-tech suite of features that ensure the F-150 is sure-footed and safe in all driving and load conditions. The new F-150 offers segment-first standard AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and Trailer Sway Control plus available Rearview Camera Assist as well as Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, another segment first on light-duty pickups.

The interior of the new F-150 SuperCrew offers more usable space for moving more people and gear thanks to a 6in. stretch that improves rear seat legroom and cargo capacity. A mechanically articulated second-row seat flips up and out of the way. Combined with a truly flat floor, the feature gives the new SuperCrew class-leading 57.6cu.ft. of space behind the front seats and can accommodate items up to 47.9in. tall.

Ford’s F-150 may be America’s best-selling vehicle, but one-size does not apply to today’s truck buyer. From the Texas rancher to the general contractor in Florida, F-150 customers have different needs and tastes.

In response, Ford’s truck team designed a truck that offers more choice than any full-size truck on the market. With three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels, the F-150 comes in 35 different configurations to meet the widest range of customer needs and wants-all delivered with quality.

Customers can choose from the no-fuss XL workhorse, to the sporty STX and off-road capable FX4, to the mid-range XLT. For those buyers looking for tough luxury, Ford offers the high-end Lariat, that I tested, and the King Ranch F-150 models.

New for 2009 is the Platinum series, the most luxurious F-150 ever. The striking Platinum features a satin chrome grille with fine mesh inserts, 10-way captain’s chairs upholstered with top-quality leather, tuxedo stitching and embroidered logos on the seatbacks, satin gloss Lacrosse Ash wood grain accents and real brushed aluminum panels that gives the dash, center console and doors an upscale look and feel like no other full-size pickup. Standard 20in., 16-spoke polished aluminum wheels further give it a commanding presence on the road.

Ford’s researchers spent thousands of hours listening to truck buyers to gain inspiration for a host of new, smart features inside the new F-150.

Start with a clever interior, which features a flow-through console that has been lengthened by about 2in. to stow two or more laptop computers. Special ridges are molded into the edges of the bin to accommodate file folders. The console also has a multi-tiered, removable tray and locks to protect valuables. Ford also offers a pull-down center console with dual cupholders and large storage bin when you need three seats up front to transport one extra passenger to a job site. The front of the lower bench seat pulls out for added storage.

More than 30-storage areas are built into the interior, ranging from a bin on the top of the instrument panel to a number of small spaces designed to accommodate tools like cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs and gate access cards.

A redesigned, more ergonomic shifter remains on the console, or in the three seat configuration you get an easy-to-use column mounted shifter. New, larger buttons and switches are ergonomically designed and within easy reach and view of the driver. A USB port and auxiliary MP3 player input are conveniently mounted on the dash. Two 12-volt outlets are located on the dash and center console.

Even the pickup box is new as the new F-150 breaks the mold with clever and capable features such as Ford’s ‘industry-exclusive’ Tailgate and Box Side Steps, Stowable bed Extender and Cargo Management System.

The same type of logic drove the team of designers to offer Ford’s Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler System that seals shut as soon as you remove the nozzle.

The new F-150 will allow owners to be connected to the world like never before for business and pleasure as Ford has been working with Microsoft, Sony and SIRIUS to offer Industry-exclusive Ford SYNC-a voice activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications system with Bluetooth and now 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report-SIRIUS Travel Link when combined with voice activated navigation provides users a suite of date services including real-time traffic reports, coast-to-coast weather info and fuel price information-Voice-activated navigation integrates several functions such as voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite ratio into one-easy-to-use system, displaying all info on an 8in. touch screen-Sony audio system features 700-watts of power, 5.1 surround sound and 10-Sony speakers and amps and is certified by Sony to deliver a unique, rich listening experience.

You’ll feel as if the new interior is your ‘home-away-from-home and office. It has that much to offer the small businessman and large corporation.

Under the skin of the new F-150 is where the power and performance to move you quickly, precisely and safely is found.

Ford offers three engines and two transmissions to fit every need. The 4.6 liter 2-valve V8 engine generates 248hp and 294lb.ft. of torque and is mated to a 4-speed automatic OD transmission. The 4.6 liter 3-valve V8 makes 292hp and 320lb.ft. of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic OD transmission, while the 5.4 liter 3-valve V8 makes 3320hp and 390lb.ft. of torque and is mated to the same smooth shifting 6-speed automatic OD transmission.

The suspension has been re-tuned for a smoother, more precise ride with excellent response to your inputs when driving on curving roads. Up front is an independent setup with coil-on-shocks, long-spindle double wishbones, steel stamped lower control arms, and a thick anti-roll bar to keep body lean to a minimum. The rear setup features a Hotchkiss-type live axle, leaf springs for strength and durability, outboard shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. Quick, precise reaction to your inputs are assured with the power-assisted rack & pinion steering system that also gives an excellent feel for the road.

Large, power-assisted, four-wheel vented disc brakes make stopping the F-150 quickly and safe. Up front are 13in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers, while the rear discs measure 13.7in. and are clamped with large, single-piston calipers. Standard ABS and AdvanceTrac keep you in control on slippery road surfaces.

The F-150 comes standard with 17X8in. steel wheels and optional 18X8 and 20X9in. aluminum wheels. Each wheel is wrapped with 235/70R17in. 265/60R18 and 275/55R20in. all-season radials tires. All-terrain tires are available on the 4X4 models.
With the 5.4 liter Triton V8 engine and the 3.55:1 rear axle you can safely tow up to 11,300lbs, one of the highest in the segment of light-duty trucks.

My F-150 Super Crew Lariat 4X2 came standard with autolamp-auto one/off headlamps, front fog lamps, locking, removable tailgate, rear privacy glass with defroster, color coordinated carpet and mats, cruise control, tilt leather wrapped steering wheel with audio/cruise control buttons, dual climate control, heated, power-adjustable front leather bucket seats that are so very comfortable, memory for driver/second for the seats, pedals, and folding/heated/self-dimming side-view mirrors, SIRIUS satellite radio, SYNC voice activated system, 4-pin trailer wiring, fail-safe cooling system, power windows/door locks, dual map lamps, dual lighted vanity mirrors, sunglass storage above, tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and trailer towing package. My test vehicle came with these options-18in. wheels/tires, 3.55 axle ratio with a limited-slip axle, Sony navigation system, power-sliding rear window, universal garage door opener, rear view camera, reverse sensing system, and trailer brake controller.

Safety features include front and side airbags, safety canopy, keyless entry, securicode keyless keypad, 3-point safety belts for all six seating positions, steel beams in each door, and front and rear crush zones.

The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 is more contemporary than every with all the power you will need for work and play, the rugged ability to take care of any type of road or carrying capacity needs, and the enjoyment of driving this wonderful, all-new F-150, the best selling full-size pickup truck in history, and into tomorrow. Prices range from $19,250.00 up to $36,000.00

COPYRIGHT:2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

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SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Large Truck
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Standard Pickup Trucks

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 231.7 in.
Width: 78.9 in.
Height: 76.2 in.
Wheel Base: 144.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 9 in.
Curb Weight: 5628 lbs.
Gross Weight: 7200 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 41 in.
Front Hip Room: 60.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 65.9 in.
Rear Head Room: 40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 65.6 in.
Rear Hip Room: 64.6 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.4 in.
Rear Leg Room: 43.5 in.
Maximum Seating: 6

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 5.4 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 310 hp
Max Horsepower: 5000 rpm Torque: 365 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3500 rpm Maximum Payload: 1560 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 11200 lbs. Drive Type: 4WD
Turning Circle: 47 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 14 mpg / 18 mpg / 15 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 504 mi. / 648 mi. / 540 mi.

Sponsored Link: Ford F150 for sale

The launch of the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit starts off with the announcement of the North American Car and Truck of the Year. Making it to the finish line, the Hyundai Genesis and Ford F-150 were just named as the North American Car and Truck of the Year for 2009.

The awards were selected in part of being “the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.” For a shot at the title, eligible vehicles must be “all-new” or “substantially changed”.

Ford must be very happy to hear this in being one of America’s Big 3 that has been in the news for the past several months in talks about THE BAILOUT. Hyundai has to be very proud of the major accomplishments over the past few years in jumping over hurdles that were owned by foreign car makers such as Toyota and Honda. With the new accomplishments we can look forward to everyone else catching their breath in the ultimate automotive race as we embark on a new technologies to carry us into the fuel efficient future.

Press Release on the Hyundai Genesis and Ford F-150 Winning North American Car and Truck of the Year below after the jump…

News Release Issued: January 11, 2009 10:33 AM EST

2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year Winners Announced

DETROIT, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ — A jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada has selected the Hyundai Genesis as the 2009 North American Car of the Year and the Ford F-150 as the 2009 North American Truck of the Year.

The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles in their segments.

The awards are based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. Because the vehicles are new, reliability is not a factor.

The awards are unique in the United States because they are given by automotive journalists who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites instead of a single publication. Also, unlike some other awards, the awards are financed entirely by the jurors.

The winners were announced today at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, however, the show does not give the awards and the voting does not take place there.

In December the top three cars and trucks were announced. The car finalists were the Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.
The truck finalists were the Dodge Ram, the Ford F-150 and the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC.

The Genesis received 189 points, the Flex received 180 and the Jetta TDI received 131.

The F-150 received 259 points, the Ram received 167 points and the Mercedes received 74 points.

The awards were first given in 1994.

Today was the first time a Korean automaker has won.

Today was the fifth time Ford has won the North American Truck of the Year and the third win for the F-150. The other winners were the Expedition and Escape Hybrid.

To be eligible, vehicles must be “all-new” or “substantially changed”
from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than fifty 2009 vehicles and settled on 14 cars and 11 trucks that deserved to be on the ballot.

Michelle Collins, Vice Chairman Automotive at Deloitte & Touche, was responsible for counting the ballots, which jurors sent directly to the accounting firm. Until the news conference Ms. Collins was the only person who knew the winners.

Last year the North American Car of the Year was the Chevrolet Malibu and the North American Truck of the Year was the Mazda CX-9.

Excluding today:

* Hybrids have been honored twice.

* Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year eight times.
Japanese automakers have won three times. European automakers have won
four times. A Korean automaker has never won.

* Domestic automakers have won North American Truck of the Year nine
times. Japanese automakers have won four times. European automakers have
won twice. A Korean automaker has never won.

Here are the vehicles on which the jurors voted:

2009 North American Car of the Year nominees

Audi A4

BMW 1 Series

Cadillac CTS-V

Dodge Challenger

Ford Flex

Honda Fit

Hyundai Genesis

Jaguar XF

Lincoln MKS

Mazda 6

Nissan GT-R

Pontiac G8

Toyota Venza

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

2009 North American Truck of the Year nominees

BMW X6

Chevrolet Traverse

Dodge Ram

Ford F-150

Honda Pilot

Infiniti FX35/50

Kia Borrego

Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC

Nissan Murano

Subaru Forester

Volkswagen Tiguan

More information on the awards — including the names of jurors as well as previous finalists and winners — is available at:
www.northamericancaroftheyear.org.

SOURCE: North American Car and Truck of the Year Organizing Committee

Web site: http://www.northamericancaroftheyear.org/