Ford F-150 gets 2013 facelift

Full-size pickups are one of the most popular automotive segments in the United States and hence, it’s no wonder that Ford has put more “show” and “go” in the new 2013 F-150.

They have introduced new front-end styling with bold new grilles, HID headlamps and instantly-recognisable F-Series cues highlighted on the XLT model. The F-150 comes with a choice of 18-inch and 20-inch wheels, and can be ordered in three new colours.

As for advanced technologies, they have equipped the truck with MyFord Touch voice-activated driver controls which comes with a 4.2-inch multifunction LCD. The Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited series models get the larger 8-inch colour LCD. This package adds two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.

The cabin insides come in steel-gray on the Lariat and a black interior for King Ranch. Both of these series receive upgraded wood grain appliqués to enhance premium style. The FX Appearance Package adds Alcantara seat inserts while the Platinum series offers Black or Pecan leather upholstery.

For 2013, Ford is offering the F-150 with a choice of four engines. The base engine is a 3.7-litre V6 that makes 302 hp at 6,500 rpm and 377 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, and it can tow upto 2,767 kg. The 5.0-litre “Ti-VCT” V8 makes 360 hp at 5,500 rpm and has a maximum towing capacity of 4,536 kg. The mother of all powertrains is the 6.2-litre V8 that churns out 411 hp at 5,500 rpm and 590 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm with a maximum towing capacity of 5,126 kg. Also available is the 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine that makes 365 hp at 5,000 rpm and 570 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm with a 5,126 kg trailer tow capacity and 1,415 kg payload. With the EcoBoost engine, 90% of peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm.

All motors are matched to a electronic 6-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. Electronic-locking rear axle and Hill Descent Control comes are optional in the higher end models.

Here in the GCC, pick-up trucks are more style statements than workhorses, but even so you can expect F-150 prices to start at just a little over Dhs 100,000 when the facelifted models arrive next year in the UAE.