2009 F-150 fuel efficiency details revealed

Image via WikipediaWe still don't know when it will officially go on sale (maybe in a month or so), but more details of the upcoming F-150 have been revealed, including fuel efficiency ratings. Ford is promising that it will be the most fuel efficient truck in it's class.

Using the tried-and-true fuel-saving techniques of lowering weight and improving aerodynamics, Ford claims the 2009 F-150 models will get, on average, 8%-better fuel economy than their 2008 predecessors. The SFE package will get as much as 21 mpg city with a V-8 engine, which, as full-size-truck drivers know, is a substantial improvement.

"Ford has committed to have the best or equal to the best fuel economy with every new product we introduce, and we are delivering with the new F-150," says Matt O'Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. "Fuel economy has moved from 10th to third place among pickup buyers' top purchase considerations -- right behind durability and value. The new F-150 delivers on all three as the industry leader."

To maximize your fuel economy with the F-150, you'll want to opt for the SFE package, which stands for "Superior Fuel Economy." The SFE package is available only on the F-150 SuperCrew XL and XLT 2WD models with the 5.5-ft beds. They'll come with a 4.6L three-valve V-8 that's been worked over to squeeze every last bit of efficiency out of it. It will feature a new technology called open-valve injection, which will allow the engine to run more spark advance at high engine speeds and loads and get the most efficiency out of each drop of gas. The engine will also use an aggressive fuel cutoff program that will cut fuel to the engine the instant you take your foot off the gas pedal and turn it back on when the engine reaches a low speed, or when you put your foot back on the gas.

Proprietary Ford software keeps the fuel cutoff and restart smooth, unlike, say, the fuel cutoff when you hit the rev limiter. The SFE also picks up a six-speed transmission, 3.15:1 rear-axle ratio and 18-in. chrome wheels with low rolling-resistance tires. The SFE's drag coefficient has been dropped to 0.403, 6% better than the 2008 F-150. All this is good for 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Even with the small V-8 and low-ratio rearend, the SFE can still tow up to 7500 lb. The SFE package will be a no-cost option on SuperCrew XLTs, but will cost $1095 on SuperCrew XLs.

Across the entire 2009 F-150 lineup, Ford has switched to lighter-weight ultra-high-strength steel that shaves 100 lb off the curb weight. Every model also features improved aerodynamics, such as a reworked front valence that will improve airflow under the truck. Up top, the rear of the cab has been reworked to smooth out airflow over the bed, and a lip on the top of the tailgate helps direct airflow cleanly off the back of the truck. The larger 5.4L 3-valve V-8 in non-SFE-equipped trucks also gets open-valve injection for maximum power and efficiency, though it isn't clear whether non-SFE equipped trucks will get the six-speed automatic. The 5.4L-equipped trucks will tow up to 11,300 lb and can haul up to 3030 lb in the bed, the best in the class.

Delaying the new F-150 may have aggravated some that were anxiously awaiting it's arrival, but Ford has seemingly done the right thing by fine tuning the truck. With the economy in a state of flux and gas prices still rising, it will be important for the venerable F series to continue to enjoy some success. Even if it's long run as the best selling vehicle in America has finally come to an end.

Check out AmericanTrucks.com and their line of Ford Truck Parts.

2009 F-150 pricing drops

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeFollowing up yesterday's post concerning the new 2009 F-150's fuel economy ratings, today Ford announced pricing for the truck. While the economic outlook isn't too friendly for trucks, Ford is touting the trucks value, improved fuel economy, and introduction of the new SFE package that will help the truck average 21 mpg on the highway.

Ford is also saying that it's MSRP will be comparable or better in all three cab formats. According to Ford marketing manager Mark Grueber, the new F-150 lineup offers "better-equipped trucks at a greater value than the competition," with more towing capacity, hauling ability, and safety features "at a starting price of more than $1000 less than a comparably-equipped competitive truck." As an example, the automaker cites the F-150 Lariat SuperCrew starting at $35,820, which it claims is more than $5000 less than a similar 2009 Dodge Ram. In addition, the Blue Oval says that the 2009 F-150 will come with more standard safety equipment than any other half-ton truck on the market and is sure to earn an NHTSA 5-star crash test rating and IIHS "Best Pick."

Here's how the range's pricing breaks down:

2009 Ford F-150:

* XL $21,320 - $33,340 4.6L V-8, four-speed automatic

* STX $24,120 - $31,365

* XLT $25,290 - $36,015

* FX4 $34,605 - $38,315 six-speed automatic, Sirius satellite radio, trailer tow package, six-way power driver seat

* Lariat $33,160 - $39,265 10-way power driver and passenger seat, heated seats, SYNC, power pedals

* King Ranch $39,815 - $43,260 heated/cooled seats, universal garage door opener

* Platinum $41,415 - $44,860 20-in. wheels, power running boards, unique exterior and interior treatment, rain sensing wipers

The new F-150 automatically faces an uphill battle when it comes to market, with Americans shunning trucks for more fuel efficient vehicles. Its healthy list of standard equipment and competitive pricing, however, should enable the F-150 to continue to maintain its crown as the best-selling truck in the country. With 10 million different configurations to choose from, most buyers will find a model that meets their needs.

Check out AmericanTrucks.com and their line of F150 Parts.