UPDATE: Ford "Tough Box" available to commercial customers this Spring
PickupTruck.com is now reporting that the two extra doors in the bed of this F-150 mule are not destined for the 2009 model, but rather will be an option available as soon as this spring to commercial customers. As a few of our commenters noted in yesterday's post, the option is called the "Tough Box" and was previewed at the Ford's Claycomo, Missouri assembly plant in late January.With the recent introductions of the all-new Toyota Tundra and totally redesigned Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra, there has been talk that Ford's dominance in the truck market is nearing an end. We don't know if the new competition will prevent Ford from celebrating its 30th straight year of segment-leading sales, but it's clear the automaker is ready to think outside the box, pardon the pun, to protect its highly profitable turf.
[Source: PickupTruck.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jay Ray 8:31AM (3/09/2007)
Aren't these called "Transformers"? The Ford Transformer... nice ring. Up to 6 doors counting the tail gate.
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Bob R. 10:42AM (3/09/2007)
Well, if it is a way for Ford to stay ahead in the pickup market, good idea. I just wish that they would get rid of the handels on the bed doors.
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Mike 12:29PM (3/09/2007)
Don't forget increased competition coming down the pike....
2009 Dodge Ram info, stolen from a post on Allpar.
The next generation of Dodge Ram 1500 pickups, are set to debut in the 2009 model year. I have been hearing some very interesting things coming from many different sources about the new Ram 1500 lineup. One of my sources said that Ralph Gilles and his team are getting away from the “big-rig” styling that we all love, and going towards a new design similar to the pattern of the newer Dodge truck lineup are fallowing. Styling that will be similar to the design theme used on the new Dodge Nitro, Dodge Hornet Concept, and Dodge Rampage Concept.
Mr. Gilles told the press that the next generation of Ram will be more aerodynamic and have a more luxurious car-like interior. Using the aerodynamic theme, the Gilles’ gang is looking at making the pickup have more of a cab forward design. A design statement Chrysler Group created in the mid-1990s and is now trying to get away from. The bold fender flares of the Nitro, Hornet Concept, and Rampage Concept, allow for a wider track and make it possible to push the vehicle’s wheels out to the corners, making it possible to provide better handling.
New engines will debut in the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The word is that the 3.7L V6 will be dropped and be replaced with the 4.0L V6 from the Nitro. The engine will produce 270 horsepower, putting it in from of the standard engine from the rest of the manufacturers. The 4.7L V8, will get huge updates for the 2008 model year. Power should be pushed up to 300 horsepower for the new Ram 1500.
A new version of the HEMI V8 in the Ram 1500 will debut in 2009. It will grow slightly in displacement, probably to a 5.9L or 6.1L configuration. The new engine will feature next generation MDS, a 3-valve per cylinder configuration, as well as variable valve timing. The engine will still be an overhead valve (OHV) application as well. The new HEMI, should put out best in class power (somewhere around the 400 horsepower mark). Towing capacity should be over 10,500lbs. Engines should be equipped with 6-speed automatics, as well as the two lesser engines with 6-speed manual transmissions.
Dodge, really wants their pickups back on top of the market and since its Chrysler Group’s best selling vehicle, they will do whatever they can to put the Ram 1500 in front of the rest of the half-ton pickup lineup. Chrysler Group, also wants to put the Ram 1500 ahead of the competition with better fuel economy. Dodge will have a bunch of configurations and trims available on the pickups during its release. Expect three cab configurations, two bed lengths, and four trim packages.
Dodge will also release a two-mode hybrid version of the Ram 1500 for the 2010 model year. The hybrid will only feature the new HEMI engine.
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Greek Boy 12:41PM (3/09/2007)
Hey Mike,
don't you forget that Ford has all new coming too.
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Mike 1:34PM (3/09/2007)
Trust me, I did not forget.
GM, Ford, and Dodge's best selling vehicle is the fullsize truck. None of the three are going to sit back. Based on this information, and other located in a post surrounding the next gen LX/LY group, it sounds like the Chrysler group knows its shortcomings and looks to have top quality products on the market between '09 and '11. They are addressing engines, trans, fuel economy, suspension, interior, exterior looks, etc.
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Michael B. 4:46PM (3/16/2007)
Tough to believe what you say about Chrysler addressing their shortcomings Mike... I went to a Dodge dealership and went from vehicle to vehicle and was very put off by the ultra plasticky and square interiors. They seemed beyond cheap. I mean, if the vehicle goes for $30,000 and you can't take a 3x5' section that I am gonna stare at for the next 5 years and make it loof fantastic... and that's your only job... what the heck good are you. (I am talking to designers here.) I would need to consider some real cash knocked off the price to put up with that kind of (visual) dissapointment on a daily basis.
What that has to do with future cars is this... If the production of automotive crap (and I use the interior here as one of my sole complaints, but unreliable and noisy engines might as easily be substituted...) has seeped into the corporation on such a deep level, what makes anyone think that the next version will be ANY different. Perhaps a full scale firing of the executives who allowed this stuff out in the first place? I feel bad for Dodge dealers who have to smile past this crap in an effort to push this stuff.
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