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2009 Ford F-150 keeps max towing crown, adds fuel-efficient SFE model
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150 SFE
Ford has revealed more details on the 2009 F-150 this morning, and what we know so far is that engineers have gone to great lengths to make the new F-Series half-ton pickup achieve greater fuel economy, and the entire range has received an 8% improvement as a result. The V6 engine option has been dropped for '09, but Ford has paired a six-speed transmission with the truck's top motors to eke out even more mileage. According to Pickuptrucks.com, Ford will continue to offer a legacy two-valve version of the truck's 4.6L V8 paired with a four-speed automatic, which achieves the same 14/19 mpg rating as the outgoing V6-powered model. A new three-valve version of the 4.6L V8 is also available with Ford's new fuel-efficient 6R80 six-speed automatic, and the EPA rates a two-wheel-drive model of this pairing at 15/20.
In response to General Motors' recently unveiled fuel-efficient Chevy Silverado XFE and GMC Sierra XFE models, Ford will also be offering the F-150 SFE for 2009. Rated at 15/21 mpg, it matches the GM trucks in fuel economy but bests them in other areas. It can tow 500 lbs. more, doesn't need a tonneau cover and its chin spoiler can stay put when going off road. The F-150 SFE gets that extra highway mpg by using low rolling resistance tires, a 3.15:1 rear axle and other items shared with the F-150 lineup like best-in-class aerodynamics, open valve injection and more aggressive fuel shut-off when decelerating. However, you can only opt for the SFE package on XLT Supercrew models with the 4.6L V8 and 5.5-foot bed.
Finally, there's the matter of the Max Towing crown, which Ford claims to keep for 2009 thanks to the '09 F-150's class-leading tow capacity of 11,300 lbs and a hauling capacity of 3,030. No other full-size pickup from Chevy, GMC, Dodge or Toyota even exceeds 11,000 lbs. for 2009.
Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 SFE
[Source: Ford, Pickuptrucks.com]
PRESS RELEASE
2009 Ford f-150 UNSURPASSED IN fuel economy, CAPABILITY
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 18, 2008 – America's best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, is raising the bar once again – this time with unsurpassed fuel efficiency on the new 2009 F-150, thanks to significant miles per gallon improvement across the entire F-150 lineup.
On sale in October, the new F-150 offers fuel economy that has improved an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup as a result of a wide-range of engineering enhancements. The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume 3-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. At the same time, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.
In addition, Ford is announcing the introduction of the new F-150 SFE "superior fuel economy" edition delivering up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway while still providing 7,500 pounds of towing capability – fuel economy that is unsurpassed in the full-size pickup segment.
"Ford has committed to have the best or equal to the best fuel economy with every new product we introduce, and we are delivering with the new F-150," said Matt O'Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. "Fuel economy has moved from 10th to third place among pickup buyers' top purchase considerations – right behind durability and value. The new F-150 delivers on all three as the industry leader."
F-150 SFE
The new SFE package will be available on F-150 SuperCrew XL and XLT 4X2 vehicles with 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 engines and 5.5-foot beds. The SFE pickup will achieve 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
The SFE package trucks also feature a new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission, a 3.15:1 rear axle and 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels with low rolling resistance P265/60R18 all-season tires.
"Earning the trust of so many truck customers during the past 31 years has taught us a lot about what they want and value from their F-150," O'Leary said. "In the past, there was a tradeoff – more fuel economy meant less capability and vice versa. With the new F-150, we didn't accept tradeoffs. We delivered capability and fuel economy."
The SFE package will be a no-cost option on XLT SuperCrew pickups with the chrome package and will cost $1,095 when ordered on XL SuperCrew pickups with the decor package.
Fuel Economy throughout the Lineup
The 8 percent improvement in fuel economy across the entire lineup of V-8 F-150s is the result of using lightweight ultra-high-strength steel to lighten the truck up to 100 pounds versus the current model and aerodynamic refinements – along with more standard safety technology and class-leading capability.
The new F-150 is now best-in-class for aerodynamics. The new F-150 SuperCrew 4X2 with a 5.5-foot box has the lowest coefficient of drag – 0.403 – in the segment. That's 6 percent lower than a comparable 2008 F-150.
Key aero improvements for the new F-150 include:
A new chamfered shape to the rear of the cab, which incorporated the center-high-mount stop lamp. This shape helps direct aerodynamic wake over the pickup box efficiently.
The top of the tailgate, which angles outward to create a bold lip. This wider surface at the top of the tailgate works with the cab chamfering to direct airflow over the box efficiently.
The front bumper valence and spoiler design, which has been improved to better manage airflow underneath the truck without compromising off-roading.
In addition, as part of the fuel economy improvements, Ford's powertrain team delivered technology upgrades to make the F-150 powertrains more efficient.
The new six-speed automatic transmission offers a wider gear ratio span than four-speed transmissions, allowing engineers the flexibility to have responsiveness in low gears and better fuel economy in the taller gears. The new double-overdrive gearbox is designed to contribute a 4 to 6 percent fuel economy improvement.
Both the 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engines utilize open valve injection. This unique feature improves the air/fuel charge conditions in the combustion chamber, allowing greater spark advance at higher loads and engine speeds. This delivers increased horsepower during towing and higher rpm operations, lower emissions and more efficient use of fuel.
The F-150 also regulates gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off. The fuel shut-off is automatic and requires no unusual actions from the driver. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system temporarily turns off the fuel. The flow of fuel seamlessly resumes when the truck reaches a low speed or the driver accelerates again.
To prevent engine hesitation normally associated with fuel interruption, Ford's powertrain team developed proprietary software to integrate the technology with the F-150's powertrains.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Alex 12:37PM (9/18/2008)
While it is good to see that they are all working on more fuel effecient trucks, i am more pleased to see that Ford is continuing to acheive greater towing capability and off-road ability.
The bottom may have fallen out of the truck market, but those who actually need a truck for work are still going to be looking more at towing strength and other truck-based statistics. High fuel prices suck, a lot; especially when you own your own business. But at the same time trucks that are able to carry the loads are more important than trucks that can eek out an extra mile per gallon.
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No Welfare for GM 1:06PM (9/18/2008)
You know what would be cool, if the took out S from SFE and replaced it with X.
@ Alex, but dude these trucks have been getting more and more power in terms of towing capacity, more HP more of everything. If these businesses that you speak of did well 3 years ago, there's no reason they will need even MORE power. Ford should concentrate on MPGs now. I think people would trade in 50 more Horsepower more 3 more MPG.
Joe 3:47PM (9/18/2008)
I wouldn't, and neither would the people who actually use these trucks for work or towing.
I'd rather tow a travel trailer with 350 HP and 350 lb/ft of torque, as opposed to 300/300. There's more get up and go, you can make it up steep hills, and you don't need to worry as much about ridiculously short on-ramps.
Frylock350 4:09PM (9/18/2008)
@joe,
Torque is what you need for towing confidence, HP be damned.
GM's 4.5L diesel with 500+ lb-ft will be a more confident towing machine than the 400hp 6.2L even with its 100hp advantage. And you don't need gobs of power to tow either, just low end torque. I've towed my boat with a 200hp Crown Victoria and a 265hp Roadmaster.
MikeW 7:35PM (9/18/2008)
Torque be damned. Power is power is power.
It seems too tall geared, but then again this probably won't be the volume model. Top speed of 135mph (at about 5550rpm) in 4th gear of a 6 speed automatic. 35mph in 1st, 65mph in 2nd, 105mph in 3rd.
When does the 8 speed automatic get here? Then the axle ratio could be changed to 2.92 from 3.15.
With 4.6 (3 valve, 4x2)
1st-30, 2nd-50, 3rd-80, 4th-105, 5th-140, 6th-130, 7th-120, 8th-110
The 6.2 totally out powers the new 4.5 diesel
From 4000-6000rpm you own the diesel. (stock at least, and if at altitude then from 5-6K)
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2009/HPT%20Library/Gen%20IV/Gen%20IV%20Truck/2009_62L_L9H_Silverado%20LTZ.pdf
CML43220 12:45PM (9/18/2008)
Fuel efficient slushbox? I may sound old-fashioned, but no manual transmission, no care...
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Patrick 12:51PM (9/18/2008)
True...if Americans want better fuel mileage, they should be willing to use their left leg! But accidents will go up because you can't expect them to simultaneously talk, eat, apply make-up AND shift.
As for the F-150 SFE, they only got 1 more measly MPG out of that thing?!? Sad. Does it offer cylinder deactivation? The article didn't say, so I assume that's a No. That feature could have given another MPG or two.
BTW, is it just me or does it seem like truck drivers are usually the hardest accelerators off the line? Don't complain about fuel economy when you're always stomping that gas pedal.
Jason 2:03PM (9/18/2008)
Here in truck country, Texas, I see (or I guess I should say I notice) more guys in ricers with fartcans gassing it off the line than I do guys in trucks doing it. Sure, there are guys in trucks that do it, but there's also guys in Bimmers, and sports cars, etc, that do it just as much (here anyway).
The Luigiian 12:45PM (9/18/2008)
I like this. Even if its only 1 mpg highway improvement, it's an improvement.
I want to see the mileage figures for the EcoBoost engine. I'm hoping 19 overall. If they were maybe a couple mpg higher than that I would buy one of these trucks.
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Torrent 12:48PM (9/18/2008)
Congrats ford on making a proper evolution of your truck, but it's too flat-faced for me and the tail lights mimic those of the rigdeline. But I hope it still sells, and with the new Ram coming up and the Silverado getting new engines, there will be some healthy competition.
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No Welfare for GM 1:09PM (9/18/2008)
How is 1 MPG on a highway an evolution, if anything it is a step back. Right now people want more MPGs what ford should have done was focus ob more major updates to get 3-4 more MPGs and that would give Ford a chance to standout from the pack and capture far more sales.
Torrent 1:11PM (9/18/2008)
I'm talking an Evolution of Design. It's still recognizable as an F150, but looks completely different.
The Luigiian 9:39PM (9/18/2008)
Don't worry about it Torrent, nobody takes "No Welfare for GM" seriously anymore anyway.
@No Welfare for GM: It's getting to the point where I just expect to have to thumb you down before you even post. C'mon, why are you even bothering to post?
John 9:20AM (9/19/2008)
No Welfare For GM is battling Vintage for the crown of AB's "Most Annoying"
CML43220 12:48PM (9/18/2008)
...and what about the light-duty diesel? If fuel economy went from 10th to 3rd on customers' lists, 1MPG increase is not the answer to a very important issue...
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The Luigiian 12:50PM (9/18/2008)
I also just checked pickuptrucks.com, and found that they don't have news of the SFE yet. Strange, I always seemed to find that pickuptrucks.com would have this sort of stuff first...
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The Luigiian 4:55PM (9/18/2008)
Oops. Just checked again, it was already there. My bad.
Jeremy 12:56PM (9/18/2008)
Sounds great and all but only on the Supercrew? They should have at least give the customer the option to get it on a regular cab; seems like it would weigh less which would mean better gas mileage?
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MikeofLA 1:07PM (9/18/2008)
Why waste time and energy on this when the Dodge Ram and F150 are releasing small (around 4.5L) Diesels soon. Those, I would assume will get even better mpg. More in the realm of 20mpg combined... say 24-26 highway.
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G-Meister 2:04PM (9/18/2008)
because it isn't a waste of time at all- its nearly free improvements while making some small concessions.