2015 F-150 Most Patented Truck In Ford History

From its tailgate step to the LED spotlights found on the side mirrors, the next-generation 2015 Ford F-150’s new features and technologies make it the most patented truck in company history.

“The all-new F-150 is loaded with innovation,” said Alana Strager, Ford program analyst charged with tracking new innovations for the 2015 truck. “Ford engineers filed more than 100 new patents for technologies on this truck as they have worked to redefine the light-duty pickup for the next generation.”

Patents and patent applications abound for state-of-the-art technologies covering new features and breakthroughs that will benefit customers of the all-new 2015 F-150. The scope of these innovations includes every part of the truck – body, exterior, interior, chassis, design, electrical and engine – as well as its manufacturing processes.

• 2015 Ford F-150 has more new Ford technology patents and/or patent applications than any truck in Ford history, offering customers innovative technologies throughout – everything from the tailgate to the front end
• All-new F-150 boasts more than 100 new Ford patents and/or patent applications, making this vehicle a benchmark for new technologies in Ford’s storied history of truck leadership
• A Ford-developed heat treatment method for aluminum alloy nearly doubles the strength of the material, helping achieve better dent and ding resistance while reducing weight

Patenting a smarter truck

Examples of Ford’s state-of-the-art technologies on the new 2015 F-150 include segment-exclusive LED spotlights found on the side mirrors, innovative remote tailgate release and smart trailer tow features that make towing easier.

• Innovative LED side-mirror spotlights allow customers to illuminate the side of the vehicle for tasks from setting up a campsite to changing a tire
• Remote tailgate release automatically lowers the tailgate with the push of a button on the key fob – a first for a pickup truck
• Ford’s pioneering tailgate step has been completely reengineered so it fully integrates into the tailgate, making it virtually invisible when not in use. The tailgate drops down into position in one easy motion. The grab handle is now housed inside the tailgate, which keeps the inner surface of the tailgate uniformly flat
• BoxLink™ cargo management system includes lockable, die-cast aluminum tie-down cleats, and provides a unique interface to the box for improved flexibility and organization, as well as additional locations for tie-downs. Available segment-first cargo ramps can be stowed on the sides of the pickup box via the BoxLink system and mounted quickly on the tailgate to enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles or mowers

Other smart features never offered before on a Ford pickup include 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps stowed in the pickup bed, 400-watt power outlets inside the cab and LED headlights.

Patenting toughness

Mounted on an exceptionally strong and well-proven high-strength steel frame, the all-new Ford F-150 incorporates the latest high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys to form the body and cargo box.

The aluminum is heat-treated using a proprietary method developed by Ford engineers that nearly doubles the strength of the metal. Ford is first in the auto industry to use this methodology.

Additionally, Ford engineers have filed patent applications for spot welding methods, adhesives and hydroforming this first-of-its-kind truck.

“Ford is teaching the world how to build a next-generation truck, and the more than 100 patents filed by the F-150 team for technologies on the 2015 truck further proves these Ford engineers and designers lead the automotive industry in innovation,” said Strager.

Source: Ford

2013 Shelby Raptor

Vital Stats

Engine:

Supercharged 6.2L V8

Power:

575 HP

Transmission:

6-Speed Auto

0-60 Time:

5.5 Seconds (est.)

Drivetrain:

Four-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight:

6,200 LBS (est.)

Seating:

2+3

MPG:

11 City / 18 HWY

As-Tested Price:

$89,088

We're big fans of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, a full-size pickup impressively configured from the factory for serious desert running. While its stock, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 provides 411 horsepower, some consider it lacking. Others still want more aggressive underpinnings for even more serious duty. Stop worrying, as Shelby American appears to have the answer with its new Shelby Raptor.

While the Las Vegas-based company offers nearly all of its upgrades on its à la carte menu (good for those on a budget), the test truck seen here arrived loaded with just about everything.

To begin the transformation, a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger and intercooler are bolted to the V8, followed by a Shelby Stinger exhaust system to improve the engine's breathing. The upgrades bump output by 164 horsepower, meaning the truck goes from 'impressive' to 'seriously quick' on the acceleration scale. But the company doesn't stop there, as the suspension has been upgraded with Shelby 3-inch shocks, new upper and lower control arms and a new frame kit with bump stops. In addition to a new skid plate package for protection, the stock wheels have been replaced with 18x9 Shelby Method alloys wearing aggressive 35-inch BFG Mud-Terrain T/A tires (35x12.50R18LT) for go-anywhere capabilities.

Cosmetically speaking, the interior is upgraded with a custom Shelby leather package and additional gauges have been added to allow the driver to keep a closer eye on things. The exterior doesn't escape the treatment, either, as it receives new bumpers, a full chase rack and plenty of graphics. And, of course, there is the obligatory unique Shelby serial number plate on the blown engine and one for everyone to see prominently on the dashboard.

We recently spent an afternoon criss-crossing the LA Basin with this massive truck, putting in a few soft-roading miles for our photoshoot. To really do the Shelby justice and properly explore its capabilities, however, we really need to spend more time doing what it genuinely wants to do. That is, launching it off tall berms, crossing deep streams and bashing over rocks. Unfortunately, the opportunity didn't present itself. Next time.

Driving Notes:

• One glance at our loaded silver and blue test truck reveals a ridiculous amount of 'Shelby' branding. Laughable levels, actually. Shelby's name is plastered on the seats, dash, quarter panels, doors and tailgate. It appears four times on the rear bumper alone! Enough already – it's overkill to a nauseating level (the company reportedly offers packages that are much more discreet). And don't get us started on the overuse of LED light bars.
• Nearly all of the upgrades are actually functional for desert running and rock-crawling, with the exception of one; the silly placement of aftermarket gauges in the middle of the dashboard vents. The analog boost and fuel pressure dials are not only ergonomically incorrect (nobody looks to the HVAC vents for information), their 'plug' design blocks critical airflow from the vents themselves. We prefer to see them mounted on the A-pillar, like everyone else does, to make them easy to read and keep them out of the way. Speaking of visibility, if you opt for the bed-mounted spare, don't bother looking in the rearview mirror, as the backside of the tire completely fills the glass.
• Stepping on the accelerator pedal sets a chain of events in motion. Within a fraction of a second, the supercharger begins to wail from under the hood, a noise that's followed by an immediate burst of power that rips the tires' tread blocks from the pavement. The process is neighborhood-waking loud, and the modified Ford takes off at a rate that is completely unexpected considering its obscene curb weight - most estimates say the 6,200-pound pickup will hit 60 mph in the mid-five second range. Fuel economy is predictably miserable, and owners should consider themselves fortunate if they make it into the double-digits (if by some circumstance they do, they aren't driving the Shelby properly).
• Our test truck appears to have been tuned purely for off-road enjoyment, meaning its on-pavement driving characteristics are crude, at best. The generous suspension travel, low steering rate, high center of gravity, curb weight and huge tire tread blocks means the Shelby squirms and rolls around corners with an annoying delay to steering inputs. Yet if we had the ability to take this Raptor into the dirt, mud, rocks or snow, all of these qualities would have helped to make it one capable beast of a machine.
• If driving a monster truck on public roads is what you are seeking, Shelby has your answer with its tuned Raptor. However, unless you plan on tackling serious trails, we'd lay off the suspension and wheel upgrades, as they destroy the on-road manners of the factory Raptor – qualities most drivers will grow to appreciate.

Source: autoblog.com