Ford to show F-150 concept truck

[SVT666]

Ford to Show F-150 Concept Truck
By Drew Johnson

Ford is reportedly looking to steal the spot light from cross-town rival General Motors at this year's North American International Auto Show by unveiling a concept version of its 2015 F-150 pickup truck. GM will use the Detroit show to introduce all-new versions of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks.

Two people familiar with Ford's plans revealed to Reuters that the Dearborn-based automaker will unveil a concept version of its next-generation F-150 pickup truck at the 2013 Detroit auto show. The unveiling will be a direct response to GM's latest pickup truck models, which will be shown for the first time at the annual event.

Some have criticized GM's latest trucks for styling that is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but that apparently won't be the case for the new F-150, due out in 2014 as a 2015 model. However, we'll have to wait until the start of the Detroit show next month to see just what design direction the new F-150 will take.

Underneath that new skin, the 2015 F-150 is expected to shed as much as 750 pounds.  That significant weight loss reflects Ford's desire achieve best-in-class fuel economy.

The new F-150 will be a crucial product launch for Ford as it is a main profit driver for the company. Morgan Stanley auto analyst Adam Jonas estimate that the F-Series and the truck-based Expedition SUV generate 90 percent of Ford's global profits.

[giant_mtb]

750 pounds?  Holy shit.

[TurboDan]

Wonder if they're going to go redneck or modern in their design. I'm guessing redneck.

[SVT666]

Wonder if they're going to go redneck or modern in their design. I'm guessing redneck.

The F-150's styling has always been modern.

[Payman]

750 pounds?  Holy shit.

That's to compete with Ferrari's new F150.

[Payman]

The F-150's styling has always been modern.

Lol. No.

[SVT666]

Lol. No.

Yes. Ever since the F-150 began using different styling than the Super Duties, it has always had a modern look.

1997


2004


2010

[AutobahnSHO]

Morgan Stanley auto analyst Adam Jonas estimate that the F-Series and the truck-based Expedition SUV generate 90 percent of Ford's global profits.

That means they are cheap to make and/or WAY overpriced.

[Byteme]

That means they are cheap to make and/or WAY overpriced.

When you distribute the fixed costs over the number of units Ford sells it's easy to make money on the things.  fFor that reason I'd guess Ford can produce a truck for less than GM or RAm and they only have to lower the price to match them; so more profit per unit.

[Payman]

Yes. Ever since the F-150 began using different styling than the Super Duties, it has always had a modern look.

1997


2004


2010

You said "always". Chevy went with a modern style in 1987, Dodge in 1994. Ford used the same body right up until 1997.

[SVT666]

I meant ever since they differentiated the styling between the F-150 and the super duties.  I didn't state that, but that's what I meant.

[AutobahnSHO]

When you distribute the fixed costs over the number of units Ford sells it's easy to make money on the things.  fFor that reason I'd guess Ford can produce a truck for less than GM or RAm and they only have to lower the price to match them; so more profit per unit.

I also imagine the reason the FRS/BRZ costs $25k is they had to cram a lot of stuff into a small package. Massive engineering/development costs.

I look at SUVs and trucks which don't have any more components but lots more space and think it must be way cheaper to engineer/ develop/ produce them. AND they charge more than for a small car.

[Laconian]

$25k is really not expensive for a new car...

[hotrodalex]

2004 was the best looking truck. Haven't been a fan of the newer designs, so hopefully the new one will be better.

[MX793]

750 pounds?  Holy shit.

A 2000 F150 extended cab V8 4WD weighed just under 4500 lbs.  New ones are 1000 lbs heavier.

[shp4man]

I've always thought the current generation was kind of "fat". Hopefully this will be an improvement.

[93JC]

I for one wish they'd make something closer in size to the pre-1997 F-150. "Half-ton" trucks today are HUGE.

[AutobahnSHO]

$25k is really not expensive for a new car...

You can get equivalent interior/motor for less. Just not the sporty handling. 
Or you could get "more (bigger) car" for the same money. Just not small and sporty handling..

[TurboDan]

Toyota shows 'em how it's done with modern pickups, exterior and interior:

[Cookie Monster]

That is a horribly photoshopped iPhone in that interior.

[AutobahnSHO]

That is a horribly photoshopped iPhone in that interior.

Nah, it's just a horribly out of place device.   

[2o6]

That is a horribly photoshopped iPhone in that interior.

The screen is upside down.

[Cookie Monster]

Nah, it's just a horribly out of place device.   

[J86]

I for one wish they'd make something closer in size to the pre-1997 F-150. "Half-ton" trucks today are HUGE.

Agreed.

[Onslaught]

Toyota needs to ditch the damn fake hood scoop. It should just be an option for southern rednecks.

[Mustangfan2003]

Toyota needs to ditch the damn fake hood scoop. It should just be an option for southern rednecks.

What about northern rednecks?  Discrimination!!!