Ford has been developing some new safety features (see “Going Further With Ford Safety Features”) for some of its other vehicles but its 2015 F-150 truck is also getting a makeover to improve usability.
To start with, the new F-150 is a mix of high strength steel and military grade aluminum. Using aluminum strips a significant chunk of weight while providing a platform that resists rust. The 2.7 litre Ecoboost engine delivers 325 HP and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. The F-150 has a 2,250 pound payload capacity and an 8,500 pound towing capacity.
We had a chance to check out quite a bit about the new F-150 including the assembly line where they are being built.
Designing the Instrument Cluster on the 2015 Ford F-150
Cary Diehl, Human Factors Engineer at Ford showed us some of the processes they used and the considerations they had for vehicle operators when designing the instrument cluster on the 2015 Ford F-150 truck.
2015 Ford F-150 Features 360° Camera System with Integrated Washer
It's essential that drivers be aware of their surroundings, especially in a large truck like the new 2015 Ford F-150. To help with this, Ford has included a 360-degree camera system and a uniquely designed integrated camera washer, which comes in handy if the vehicle gets coated in mud. The neat thing is the washing system is implemented with no moving parts other than the water pump.
LED Side Mirror Spotlights on 2015 Ford F-150
Taking cues from the spotlights on police cruisers, Ford has integrated LED spotlights into the side mirrors on the 2015 F-150 truck. Pam Tullo, Design and Release Engineer with Ford, talks about their patented technology and some of the scenarios where these spotlights would come in handy.
Disguised 2015 F-150 Raced in the Baja 1000
Guess who took a disguised 2015 F-150 truck to the Baja 1000. Most thought this truck was a 2014 model. It let Ford run real-world benchmark tests under the grueling conditions of the Baja 1000 off-road race.
Ford Rouge Factory F-150 Assembly Line Tour
Still want more Ford F-150? Check out the Rouge Factory where the F-150 pickup truck is assembled. We got to check out the assembly line in Dearborn, MI. Tour highlights include the robotic automation involved in assembly and inspection as well as the "Living Roof". Even the building has gone green.