Seeking to move from strength to even greater strength, several members of a tastefully enhanced 2013 Ford F-150 lineup made their debut over the weekend at a Future Farmers of America gathering outside of Waco, Texas. America’s perennial best-selling vehicle, Ford’s full-size pickup benefits from a number of cosmetic and functional upgrades the automaker believes will help it retain that number one status in an increasingly competitive – not to mention highly profitable – market segment.
The most obvious change for 2013 is seen in the F-150’s new front fascia treatment that boasts even bolder grille elements similar to those found on the SuperDuty models along with the class-exclusive availability of HID bi-xenon projector headlamps on higher F-150 trim grades. Also new to the F-150 are segment-exclusive power-telescoping and power-folding trailer-tow sideview mirrors, restyled 18-inch and 20-inch wheels plus three new exterior colors: Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic. A range-topping luxury-oriented Limited model also joins the expansive F-150 lineup beyond the existing Platinum variant.
In addition to a host of new trim and accent elements on many models, cabin upgrades on 2013 Ford F-150s save for the XL and SXT include a standard SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report features. The SYNC systems on Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited series models also include MyFord Touch that adds additional voice control capabilities and swaps the baseline 4.2-inch display screen for an 8.0-inch full color touch-sensitive alternative and also nets a media hub with dual USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video inputs. Like the recently introduced 2013 F-Series Super Duty line, the new F-150 also will be available with a truck-specific version of SYNC with MyFord Touch that offers unique tactile button controls and large rotating knobs that can accommodate users who may be wearing work gloves.
Powertrain choices for the 2013 Ford F-150 line carry over unchanged, and feature the 3.7-liter/302-horsepower Ti-VCT V6, 5.0-liter/360-horse Ti-VCT, 6.2-liter/411-horse V8, and the 3.5-liter/365-horsepower Ti-VCT Eco Boost turbocharged V6, currently the most popular motivator and now selected by over half of all F-150 buyers. All of the engines will continue to be backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with a tow/haul mode.
Additional model-specific details about the entire 2013 Ford F-150 line, including pricing information, will be released closer to its on-sale date later this year.
