THIS BUD’S FOR YOU
2016 Ford F-150 4X4 XLT Supercab 2.7 EcoBoost

It took a lot of chutzpah for Ford to fashion its best-selling vehicle out of the same material as your favorite light beer can. Chevy is having a field day, boosting that its trucks are still made out of tried and true steel. Ford, on the other hand, is putting all its eggs in the aluminum basket. The result (all other things being equal) is a pick-up truck that’s lighter, faster, and easier on the fuel bill. Senior Contributing Editor Harvey Schwartz sips on an ice cold 2016 Ford F-150 4X4 XLT Supercab 2.7 EcoBoost six-pack for LA Car. - The Editors Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz The Ford F-150 has been the number one selling pickup for the past 38 years and with the new F-150 that lead should go unchallenged with the new innovations that are only found in the F-150. Ford turned heads last year when they introduced standard high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body panels that are stronger, lighter and fights rust better than the competitions heavier, galvanized, steel sheet metal. The rugged frame remains with a fully-boxed high-strength steel construction similar to the competition. I really felt the difference when driving as less weight equals more nimble and agile response when driving over poorly paved roads and when turning into curves.

Ford just didn’t innovate with the first use of aluminum-alloy body panels; they also introduced the first use of their 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 engine for better fuel efficiency. This turbocharged V6 makes a very impressive 325hp and 375 lb.ft. of torque for maximum towing of 8,500 pounds (4x2), and a maximum payload of 2,250 pounds. Not enough turbocharged power? Ford also has an optional 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 365hp and 420 lb.ft. of torque for maximum towing of 12,200 pounds, (4X2), and a maximum payload of 3,270 pounds. The 2.7 liter EcoBoost returns an EPA estimated 19mpg/city, 26mpg/highway-22mph combined-which I saw at the end of my test drive; while the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 gets 17mpg/city, 24mpg/highway for 20mpg/combined. All engines are mated to Ford’s smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. My test XLT came with Ford’s great, easy-to-use electronic 4X4 shift-on-the-fly drive system for maximum traction and grip on wet or slick surfaces.

Another innovation that is optional is the Pro Trailer Backup Assist that makes it easier and safer to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway. This segment-first technology allows drivers to steer a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction; the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed. Ford engineers developed the system leveraging advanced camera technology and tested it for almost a decade. Ford has five patents for the technology along with ten more pending. Another innovation is the tailgate step. I just pull it out from the top of the tailgate when open. It is easy to use as it pops out and the steel step appears with an integral pole to make getting up or down from the cargo bed easy and safer. With all things being equal with the competition as far as ruggedness, styling, versatility, ride comfort, power and performance, there is no better choice for the smart, economical, full-size, light-duty pickup truck consumer to purchase than the new Ford F-150. I was totally impressed with the new aluminum bodied Ford F-150 4X4 XLT Super Cab equipped with the 2.7 liter EcoBoost engine.

© Story and photographs by Harvey Schwartz SUMMARY JUDGMENT: A six-pack never tasted so good. For more information about Ford products, go to ford.com SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2016 Ford F-150 4X4 XLT Supercab 2.7 EcoBoost Price Base XLT 4X4: $37,005.00 As tested: $43,085.00, including destination Fuel mileage (4X4-2.7 liter EcoBoost): 26mpg/highway, 18mpg/city

Engine: 2.7 liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 with 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque Transmission: All engines are mated to Ford’s 6-speed automatic transmission. The test XLT came with Ford’s electronic 4X4 shift-on-the-fly drive system Steering: Rack & pinion, electric power-assisted Suspension: Front coil-on-shock, long-spindle double-wishbone independent, stamped-steel lower control arm Rear Hotchkiss-type live axle, leaf springs, HD outboard gas shocks Brakes: Front 13.8 inch vented, dual-piston calipers Rear 13.2 inch solid discs, single-piston calipers Dimensions Wheelbase: 145 inches Overall length: 231.9 inches Overall height: 77.2 inches Track: f/r-67.6/67.6 inches Headroom: f/r-40.8/40.3 inches Legroom: f/r-43.9/33.5 inches Fuel tank: 23 gallons Turning circle: 47.1 feet