Conquered by the new EcoBoost engine
powering the 2017 Ford 150 Apple Valley car aficionados now have one more
innovation to wait for. Ford recently proved that, contrary to expectations,
they will not rest on their laurels for the 2018 model.
Even though the top-selling American
pickup released in 2014 is the most advanced in its class, it will get its
share of innovations in 2018. The facelift targets the upcoming RAM 1500 and
Silverado, and promises to keep the F-150 leader of its class.
The truck should see the light of day
at the North American International Auto Show and reach the Minneapolis
dealerships toward the end of the year. The price of the base models should not
see significant changes, but it could increase for mid- and high-end models,
given the improved gear and the new trim options.
While there is little the automaker
could change in the F-150’s aluminum body and steel chassis, the suspension
system and the axles will see some improvements meant to increase towing
capacity and take the upper hand on the competition.
The
Design of the New Ford 150 – Strong and Bold, or Aggressive to the Last Inch?
The camouflage on the 2018 F-150 test
mules suggests that the design will see some changes. There are two theories
regarding the direction of these changes. On one hand, the new Ford could aim
toward the Super Duty series.
On the other hand, taking into account
the design of the new Expedition bearing an impressive resemblance to that of
the Explorer, it would not be impossible to see the F-150 take on an aggressive
look, and become the most aggressive-looking pickup on the market.
No matter the direction embraced,
there is no doubt the changes will target the design of the wheels, the shape
and prominence of the headlights and taillights, and last, but not least, the
front grille. A pickup can never have too much chrome.
On-Board
Technology and Features
There is not much to change in the
pickup’s spacious and well-tuned cabin, so only small upgrades are expected. Ford’s
newest infotainment system will most likely be present. The 360-degree camera
of the F-250 could improve safety and visibility. The automatic
trailer-steering system of the Super Duty series could help improve road
handling, although there’s little to complain about in the existing F-150
models anyway.
Engine
Changes in 2018 Ford 150 - Apple Valley Dealers Expect Test Drive Requests to
Skyrocket
There is no reason to suspect changes
regarding the 3.5 l naturally aspirated V6 on the base model, the 5 l V8, the
2.7 l twin-turbo V6, and the recently upgraded 3.5 l V6 EcoBoost. However,
everyone looks forward to the diesel engine announced for the 2018 F-150, able
to compete with and even take down the RAM’s EcoDiesel.
Another option is the 3l V6 turbocharged
engine currently powering Jaguar, designed by Ford and a perfect match for the
already available 10-speed automatic gearbox. One thing is for sure: the new
engine will put out at least 250 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It is no
wonder that so many drivers look forward to test-driving the 2018 Ford 150, and
Apple Valley dealerships are already receiving inquiries.
