Ford F-150 When the current generation truck was launched for the 2009 model year it raised the bar for the segment in many ways – features such as standard trailer brake control, unrivaled towing capacity, plus software stuff like SYNC and Ford Work Solutions, ushered in the next generation of full-size, half-ton pickup. Yet, along with the improvements to the frame, suspension, cab, box and steering, there was one aspect that perhaps lagged behind – powertrains.
As launched, the 2009 Ford F-150 was only available with two engines, the venerable 4.6 and 5.4-liter V8s. They were decent enough, but at the time represented part of the Ford F-150’s past, not its future. Now, for 2011, it has become apparent they were little more than a stopgap with the Blue Oval having now introduced four new engines, each coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. This represents an industry first - something the automaker is keen to point out.
