2015 F-150. Nearly 100% of military grade aluminum

[sargentrs]

I'd hate to have to buy a fender.

[DuckRyder]

Courtesy Michelin

http://live.michelinmedia.com/photos

[Filthy67]

Is it just me or is it disconcerting that all the trucks on Fords site are four door and have tiny beds?

Personally I think the front ends look horrible, too much glaring plastic chrome, just like the bigger versions.

I agree. I think it's a shame what trucks have become. It's hard to find a new truck that isn't marketed towards folks who may only ever haul a set of golf clubs. To me a true "truck" doesn't need heated seats, navigation, auto tint mirrors, automatic 4wd, and all this other gingerbread found on trucks today. I guess that's why I have a 67, haha. Not to mention the 40k price tag on a lot of trucks today.

I find it interesting that this attitude seems to be a growing trend. More specifically on this message board in particular. I probably post on 15-20 different automotive/performance enthusiast message boards all over the internet, and I have never seen a group so dead set on being against any kind of technological advancements, or aggressive/modern styling than the group here on Fordification. It is growing old and tiresome. I think we can all appreciate the fact that by taking care of our 45-50 year old trucks, that we are keeping them from becoming extinct. Obviously, we all love our bumps, but when it comes down to it, these new F150's are leaps and bounds better. More like Universe's better. It doesn't matter what you are basing your opinion on, these new trucks are better in Performance, Styling, Handling, Comfort, Fuel Economy, Towing, Resale $$$, the list goes on and on! At the end of the day, Ford is not marketing these trucks to the "Samford and Son" types, looking "work a truck" or haul lumber or trash from the local fishing hole. Most people today when looking for a new vehicle, are looking for the nicest vehicle possible, with the newest features available. And these manufacturers are giving us exactly what the consumers are asking for.

So as much as I can truly appreciate your need to hang onto nostalgia, and the no frills simplicity of a 45 year old truck, you are in the minority by far in feeling that its a "shame" what trucks have become.

[Calfdemon]

I find it interesting that this attitude seems to be a growing trend. More specifically on this message board in particular. I probably post on 15-20 different automotive/performance enthusiast message boards all over the internet, and I have never seen a group so dead set on being against any kind of technological advancements, or aggressive/modern styling than the group here on Fordification. It is growing old and tiresome. I think we can all appreciate the fact that by taking care of our 45-50 year old trucks, that we are keeping them from becoming extinct. Obviously, we all love our bumps, but when it comes down to it, these new F150's are leaps and bounds better. More like Universe's better. It doesn't matter what you are basing your opinion on, these new trucks are better in Performance, Styling, Handling, Comfort, Fuel Economy, Towing, Resale $$$, the list goes on and on! At the end of the day, Ford is not marketing these trucks to the "Samford and Son" types, looking "work a truck" or haul lumber or trash from the local fishing hole. Most people today when looking for a new vehicle, are looking for the nicest vehicle possible, with the newest features available. And these manufacturers are giving us exactly what the consumers are asking for.

So as much as I can truly appreciate your need to hang onto nostalgia, and the no frills simplicity of a 45 year old truck, you are in the minority by far in feeling that its a "shame" what trucks have become.

Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And I don't think anyone is going to argue with you regarding the obvious upgrades new vehicles have over the older ones except "Styling", which is in the eye of the beholder. But the rest of the upgrades are a no-brainer. That being said, everyone has their own preferences and if they prefer a no frills work truck, then so be it. Why this would become old and tiresome to you, one can only guess. But everyone is going to have their opinions and preferences and just because it does not coincide with yours, there is no need to judge someone for it.

Me personally, I can admire all of the technological advances and would not mind having them, even in my old truck. However, I would STRONGLY disagree with the statement that the styling has been improved. I know the aerodynamics have been improved, but not the styling in my opinion. Nothing will beat a 50's to 72 era truck, but again, that is MY opinion. Hell, the only car company that has gotten it right in our current time is Dodge when they came out with the current Challenger. All the other cars and trucks are cookie cutter images of each other with slight variations. But again, that is just my opinion. There are plenty of people that love modern cars and have no time or any desire to admire older steel. But if you come to a website dedicated to 67-72 Ford trucks, you should expect to run into an "old work truck" mindset because that is what these trucks were built and originally bought for. While the trucks are now starting to catch on as collector trucks and trucks to customize, most of the people that still have these old Fords (especially bumps) have them and still use them as trucks. So the "old and tired" statement about the opinions you are seeing is a bit surprising if you consider the source and where you are at.

[DuckRyder]

Is it just me or is it disconcerting that all the trucks on Fords site are four door and have tiny beds?

Personally I think the front ends look horrible, too much glaring plastic chrome, just like the bigger versions.

I agree. I think it's a shame what trucks have become. It's hard to find a new truck that isn't marketed towards folks who may only ever haul a set of golf clubs. To me a true "truck" doesn't need heated seats, navigation, auto tint mirrors, automatic 4wd, and all this other gingerbread found on trucks today. I guess that's why I have a 67, haha. Not to mention the 40k price tag on a lot of trucks today.

I find it interesting that this attitude seems to be a growing trend. More specifically on this message board in particular. I probably post on 15-20 different automotive/performance enthusiast message boards all over the internet, and I have never seen a group so dead set on being against any kind of technological advancements, or aggressive/modern styling than the group here on Fordification. ....

It is not really any different than some of the muscle car crowd, some of them hate the new stuff even though a new Corvette, Challenger, Mustang GT, ZL1 or GT500 it would probably trounce it's legendary counterpart in almost all (if not all) categories except personality... I kind of like personality though... at least in some cases...

The styling on the new trucks is definitely polarizing, but that isn't just here...

I happen to like the new F150, I like the head lights and taillights and most of the new grills better than the old ones... I like bicycle (AKA military) grade aluminum and I like a smaller twin turbo v6 that does the same work as a V8 while using less fuel assuming I can keep my foot out... But not every one will...

I'm sure the tech isn't lost on Jamie since he has one of those aluminum Lincoln things....

Edited to add: I also don't get how you could look at Ford's website on this new truck and the previous one, particularly the EcoBoost, and conclude that the marketing is not aimed squarely at "work".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... zcIHQDI7lQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... CVpum995jo

[Filthy67]

Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And I don't think anyone is going to argue with you regarding the obvious upgrades new vehicles have over the older ones except "Styling", which is in the eye of the beholder. But the rest of the upgrades are a no-brainer. That being said, everyone has their own preferences and if they prefer a no frills work truck, then so be it. Why this would become old and tiresome to you, one can only guess. But everyone is going to have their opinions and preferences and just because it does not coincide with yours, there is no need to judge someone for it.

Me personally, I can admire all of the technological advances and would not mind having them, even in my old truck. However, I would STRONGLY disagree with the statement that the styling has been improved. I know the aerodynamics have been improved, but not the styling in my opinion. Nothing will beat a 50's to 72 era truck, but again, that is MY opinion. Hell, the only car company that has gotten it right in our current time is Dodge when they came out with the current Challenger. All the other cars and trucks are cookie cutter images of each other with slight variations. But again, that is just my opinion. There are plenty of people that love modern cars and have no time or any desire to admire older steel. But if you come to a website dedicated to 67-72 Ford trucks, you should expect to run into an "old work truck" mindset because that is what these trucks were built and originally bought for. While the trucks are now starting to catch on as collector trucks and trucks to customize, most of the people that still have these old Fords (especially bumps) have them and still use them as trucks. So the "old and tired" statement about the opinions you are seeing is a bit surprising if you consider the source and where you are at.

Understood completely. I am in no way discrediting someone's "opinion," and definitely know where I'm posting..... Just amazed how so many here come off as being old and cantankerous, when it comes to anything other than an old ford.

And I like the design of the Dodge Challenger too...but at the same time.....its also a regurgitated "retro" restyle of the late 67-69 Charger. Just like the Mustang and Camaro...is it really fresh/new styling? No.....but they know it will sell. So, they rolled it out.

[Calfdemon]

Oh, no argument there. The new Challenger design is actually based on the 70 Challenger and is not "new" at all. In fact, it is what I love in that it is old school styling with new age upgrades. The Mustang and Camaro, not so much. They hint at old school, but come up extremely short, especially the Camaro in my opinion. That thing is just one ugly "smiling cat" (look at it from the front).

One other thing I failed to point out which I think might be a big contributing factor as to why so many of the "older" crowd here do not like the newer technology in their trucks is for the simple fact that no one knows how to work on the new stuff. Our old trucks, you can take apart and put back together in your garage. But with the new vehicles, good luck. With all the new electronics and computerized systems, most are just not equipped to work on them and that is probably why so many resent them.

But that goes with every generation and the progression of technology. The younger generations always embrace new technology while the older generations always stick with what they know. And that cycle will probably continue through the ages.

[DuckRyder]

I was wondering why they didn't use an aluminum block, but it was reported that it was compacted graphite iron (like the gen 3 EA888 VW).

Seems it is actually both and has water-cooled exhaust manifolds too...

http://www.autonews.com/article/2014011 ... -reduction

[Ranchero50]

I find it interesting that this attitude seems to be a growing trend. More specifically on this message board in particular. I probably post on 15-20 different automotive/performance enthusiast message boards all over the internet, and I have never seen a group so dead set on being against any kind of technological advancements, or aggressive/modern styling than the group here on Fordification. It is growing old and tiresome. I think we can all appreciate the fact that by taking care of our 45-50 year old trucks, that we are keeping them from becoming extinct. Obviously, we all love our bumps, but when it comes down to it, these new F150's are leaps and bounds better. More like Universe's better. It doesn't matter what you are basing your opinion on, these new trucks are better in Performance, Styling, Handling, Comfort, Fuel Economy, Towing, Resale $$$, the list goes on and on! At the end of the day, Ford is not marketing these trucks to the "Samford and Son" types, looking "work a truck" or haul lumber or trash from the local fishing hole. Most people today when looking for a new vehicle, are looking for the nicest vehicle possible, with the newest features available. And these manufacturers are giving us exactly what the consumers are asking for.

So as much as I can truly appreciate your need to hang onto nostalgia, and the no frills simplicity of a 45 year old truck, you are in the minority by far in feeling that its a "shame" what trucks have become.

Which attitude? Since '96 Ford has taken the F series away from being a utility vehicle into an overstyled miserable to work on status symbol for the small penis crowd. I do love the styling of my dad's '03 F-250, heck it even handles pretty good with a solid front axle (4x4) but Gawd, pop the hood and the windshield covers the motor. Ford said they moved the windshield out over the engine for handling and economy. Surprisingly the 5.4l and OD tranny gets about the same mileage as a 351w. Ford also seems intent on making the trucks larger and heavier while making the interiors smaller. At 6'5" I'm not sure I'd fit in a new F-150 (I certainly didn't fit in a '13 Mustang as well as I did my '93). So at the cost of everything a truck is supposed to do, Ford is creating a comfortable disposable $50,000 pickup truck?

The last gen of F-150's are way overpriced for the 'value' they offer, I expect the new ones will be the same.

BTW, look at the pictures on Fords website, pretty much every picture shows the F-150 doing F-250 work truck duty. No hauling the family bow rider, small camper, or dirt bikes. Looks like Ford is pushing these things towards contractors and maybe Mc-Mansion owners.

[DuckRyder]

Ummm, OK... well (checks penis) I still like it...

BTW, can we say penis?

I thought I was supposed to be the grouchy one...

[motzingg]

'better' is subjective... just because the new truck has different statistics doesn't make it better.

you sure can't deny the whiz-bang capabilities of modern trucks, but at the end of the day you're still just driving an ugly refrigerator, same as everyone else. whether its an f-150 or a escape or a civic, from the driver's seat you cant tell the difference. any perception of uniqueness or supremacy of your refrigerator versus your neighbors refrigerator is the result of a calculated and expensive marketing campaign and nothing more.

my truck is mine, it has become mine by me caring for it and repairing it. we have bonded over stripped bolts and skinned knuckles. There is no bank-owned, antiseptic, plastic bubble that can replace the intense feeling of pleasure i receive by hearing a solid metallic click when i turn the key and giving her the ever-so-gentle nudge of a petal to roar to life every morning. to me, that feeling is 'better' than any abstract string of numbers describing a theoretical situation where i could tow a mobile home through donner pass at 80 mph thereby somehow giving me a similar feeling of pride and big-dick-ishness.

[Ranchero50]

Ummm, OK... well (checks penis) I still like it...

BTW, can we say penis?

I thought I was supposed to be the grouchy one...

Penis envy is what we call it at work when I do something cool to one press and suddenly all 11 other ones want it done as well...

I watched the video you linked and thought it was 'cute' that Ford chose to raise the bedsides in order to be able brag that they had more cargo area vs. the competition.

I do like the new corporate front end look on the cars but think the truck nose has looked very bad for the last two design cycles. I think the last good looking front end was on the '03's. I keep seeing these designs and just wonder what were they thinking?

[motzingg]

BTW, look at the pictures on Fords website, pretty much every picture shows the F-150 doing F-250 work truck duty. No hauling the family bow rider, small camper, or dirt bikes. Looks like Ford is pushing these things towards contractors and maybe Mc-Mansion owners.

you show a picture of somebody pulling a skidsteer around and joe schmoe in the suburbs thinks that its a 'work truck' with serious credentials. there marketing campaign doesn't say 'oh hey while you're hanging out at the construction site, look around' ... it says 'go to a construction site across the street from your downtown desk job, and take a peek over the fence when you go for a starbucks break at 10 am.'

its all marketing, selling a dream. the same way everyone in the harley commercial is riding through wyoming or colorado and they don't show an accountant sitting in suburban chicago gridlock scorching off his dockers.

when you look at the appointments, interior, and where they are putting the money, its obvious who it is aimed at. they are building a truck for weekend warriors. nobody that works for a living has 40 grand to drop on leather interiors and smartphone dashboards.

basically the only thing at this point convincing you to pay twice as much to drive a truck-shaped civic around is the ad campagin that lets you dream of pullin' skidsteers and someone dumping gravel into your truck bed from 10 feet up with a bucket loader.

[DuckRyder]

Ah ok I see the problem now... I'll have to remember that I don't work for a living... I'm sure the roofer I recently had do some work for me with the Leather seat EcoBoost will feel so much better when he finds out he doesn't work for a living either...

And there isn't a damb thing wrong with a Civic just so ya know...

Good day...

[DuckRyder]

More pictures :

http://indianautosblog.com/2014/01/2015 ... 150-112054