Recently, ROUSH gave us a shot behind the wheel of an F-150 converted with the first ever propane kit system —a new complete plug-and-play propane conversion kit for 2007.5 and 2008 model years equipped with the 5.4-liter V8 engine. The installation kit includes a fuel pump, fuel injectors with matching fuel rail, a reprogrammed ROUSH ECU, all of the proper fluid lines and wiring and either an under-bed 25-gallon tank or the one pictured here that sits in the bed and holds 59-gallons. Installation can be accomplished at home with a reasonable set of tools in about eight hours.

So how does driving the propane-powered F-150 differ from the gasoline or diesel-powered model? It doesn’t. ROUSH's earth-friendly Ford drives, stops and steers exactly like its conventional cousin. Since this truck runs off liquid propane, starting the engine is as simple as turning the key. This is vital, as models from other manufacturers burn gaseous propane, resulting in issues with turning over in the cold; that wouldn't cut it up here in the Dirty Glove (Michigan, for the uninitiated) with our freeze-your-ass-off winters. Horsepower and torque numbers are supposedly identical to the gasoline-fed model, but we noticed a bit more pep. Cargo loading and tow ratings remain unchanged.

Mother Earth is all "Hell Yeah" about this truck as much as Hank Hill would be if he got his hands on one. Propane touts a much lower carbon footprint than gasoline, diesel, heavy fuel oil and even ethanol; the exhaust contains virtually no toxic compounds. Safety actually improves over the gas-fed truck: The propane storage tank is tested at six times the usual pressure to ensure you don't turn into a mushroom cloud on your way back from Best Buy. Try saying that about the fuel tank in your Camry.

All this namby-pamby greenwashing is fine and all, but let's talk economy. With propane producing fewer BTUs per gallon than gasoline, it's only logical to expect a hit in fuel mileage. After 615 miles of mixed driving, our truck returned a calculated 9.6 MPG, albeit with significant and prolonged hoonage practiced. Reports from other drivers agree highway mileage sits around 12-14 MPG when driven gingerly. Fuel is astonishingly easy to come by on the open road as every U-Haul, Airgas and the like all have the proper nozzle to dispense some clean burnin' goodness.

So, if it eats a bit more fuel than its conventional brother per mile, where are they hiding the savings? The cost of the complete kit starts at a suggested retail price of $8,595.00. Obviously, nobody's saving a buck there. Well, propane must be mighty cheap, right? Not quite: We paid $2.11 a gallon from the local U-Haul, which offered the most competitive pricing in the Detroit area. The simple fact is that, just like voting Republican, this truck doesn't make sense for Joe the Plumber and it isn't supposed to. If you take a look at the math from a fleet perspective, the numbers start lining up in attractive little rows. First, propane rings in at about $1.00 a gallon once you start purchasing at the wholesale level. Then, factor in the $0.50 per gallon tax credit offered by the Fed for using propane as a fuel in a road-going vehicle. The cherry on top of that financially-delicious sundae is the whopping $2,500 maximum tax credit allowed for each ROUSH Propane-fueled F-150 purchased. Suddenly, this mathematically-approved messiah brings the promise of flipping your bottom line from red to black while Joe gets to keep his job fixin' the pipes. [viaROUSH]

Photo Credit: Alex C. Conley

FORD TO SHOWCASE NEW F-150'S VERSATILITY AT SEMA

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 28, 2008 – America's best-selling pickups for 31 consecutive years are also the most accessorized vehicles in the aftermarket, and this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show brings new options aplenty for the 2009 Ford F-150.

Four F-150 project trucks – running the gamut from a rolling work shop to a functional fun machine – debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, which runs Nov. 4-7.

The F-150 Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor Concept was designed to be the "ultimate contractor's truck," according to Jennifer Ervin, director of Business Development for DEWALT.

"At DEWALT, we are obsessed with developing innovative solutions for the professional contractor that will deliver productivity on the job site," she said. "We have thoroughly thought through how a contractor uses his or her truck on the job, and we've worked hard to integrate every application into the truck."

The DEWALT Contractor includes features such as a built-in charger for battery-powered tools that is hidden in the center console, a customized storage area beneath the second-row seat and Ford Works Solutions™ Tool Link™ from DEWALT.

"Tool Link will enable contractors to know if they have the right tools for the job in the truck when they leave in the morning, and it also helps prevent loss of tools at the end of the day," said Ervin.

Mike Duval, owner of X'Treme Toyz, had something else in mind for the F-150 he dubbed "Fahrenheit F-150°."

"I ride motorcycles, mountain bikes and four wheelers, and I like to go camping," he said. "I wanted to transform the truck into a functional, fun vehicle for outdoorsmen like myself."

In addition to "hot flame" exterior graphics, the Fahrenheit F-150° includes features including a 9,000 lb. winch hidden behind the license plate at the front and rear of the truck; a bike rack across the top rail; and a Bedslide sliding cargo drawer equipped with a toolbox, tire and small compressor.

"You can basically put all of your toys in the truck, hook up the trailer and go," said Duval. "And with the winch on both ends of the truck, you can get pulled in either direction if you get stuck."

Duval says he usually "goes crazy" with the interiors of his show cars, but he didn't see a reason to tamper with the interior of the 2009 F-150.

"I didn't do a whole lot to the interior because the factory did such a fantastic job with the vehicle right out of the gate," he said. "It's got a great stereo system, Ford SYNC™ and a variety of other creature comforts."

In addition to a well-appointed interior, the 2009 F-150 offers customizers like Duval a variety of different options straight from the factory to build upon. The vehicle is available with three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels — a total of 35 different configurations in all.

Ford Designer Melvin Betancourt says he believes the F-150 is so popular in the aftermarket because in addition to all the "built-in" options available on the vehicle, there are still countless ways for customization enthusiasts to change it up.

"Whether it's adding big tires for off-roading or lowering the truck to give it more of a street performance look, the F-150 is like a blank canvas that you can do almost anything with," said Betancourt. "It all depends on the personality of the owner."

The 2009 Ford F-150s featured at this year's SEMA show include:

2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor
When there is a job to do, Ford F-Series trucks are the leading choice for the men and women who need to get it done. The 2009 Ford F-150 continues this work truck leadership with even more capability and smart pickup features than ever before.

The Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor turns the 2009 F-150 into the ultimate tough truck for any job site with features that will drive productivity and help contractors achieve their peak performance. This rugged, durable, hard-working truck is equipped with powertrain mods to improve performance and efficiency plus a long list of custom features that turn it into a rolling work shop. To ensure that they have the right tool at their fingertips for any job, contractors can effectively store and manage their tool inventory through Tool Link and Customized On Board Storage.

2009 Ford F-150 FX-4 by X-Treme Toyz
The 2009 Ford F-150 FX-4 is "Built Ford Tough" for hard work or for rough play. Starting with this extremely capable pickup X-Treme Toyz turns up the heat with its "Fahrenheit F-150."

This highly functional fun machine is totally tricked out for the active outdoor lifestyle enthusiast. With a radically rugged-looking exterior, a luxuriously refined interior plus a full array of functional upgrades and accessories, this truck will put true weekend warriors in the zone. It lets them play rough all day, hose off the mud, then hit the nightspots in style.

2009 Ford F-150 by Street Scene Equipment
The new Ford F-150 Lariat is built for those who don't believe in compromises. It combines "Built Ford Tough" performance and capability with a surprising level of comfort and luxury.

Drawing on years of experience and success in the sport truck market, Street Scene Equipment has taken the no-compromise attitude of the 2009 F-150 Lariat Supercrew to the next level. The result is the perfect combination of head-turning style and tough performance with the level of comfort now expected by today's demanding truck owners. Whether it's putting in a hard day at work, towing a large boat to the lake for a weekend of family fun or a taking friends to a black tie event, the Ford F-150 by Street Scene will get you noticed and get you there in comfort and luxury.

Hi-Pa Drive™ F-150
What's been taken out of this Ford F-150 hinges on what's been put in. The engine, drive train, gear box and all the related parts have been replaced it with the game-changing Hi-Pa Drive™ system. The four electric in-wheel motors that power the fully-electric Hi-Pa Drive F-150 will deliver more than 600 horsepower as well as more torque than the 320 horsepower V-8 engine it replaced. Hi-Pa Drive is helping car designers eliminate oil dependency, carbon emissions and costs, while adding more power, room, performance and design options.

[Ford]

Ford has come into this new product cycle with both barrels blazing, offering up the most capability it's ever packaged into a light-duty pickup. It boasts class-leading capabilities like a maximum 11,300 lb towing capacity and a 3,030 lb maximum payload capacity, while also offering best-in-class fuel economy (tied with the Chevy Silverado XFE) of 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway when you opt for the fuel-sipping SFE model. But that's only one of seven trim levels, each configurable with three powertrains, 13 wheels (that's more than the number of models of vehicles Honda sells stateside), four different bed configurations, three different cab lengths and the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive — a far cry from Henry Ford's Model T option list of "black."

I've had a chance to drive a few iterations of the new F-150, digesting Ford's new product and seeing how it stands up to the program's goals and what I've decided is at the end of the day, a truck can be broken into a few important components; the cab, box, drive system, engine and the transmission. As the variety of options for the F-150 is so immense, it's more practical to talk about the parts leading up to the sum, rather than the myriad combinations. At least, that is unless you want this review in book form. Let's get started.

2009 Ford F-150: The Engines

At launch, the F-150 will be available with three different engines, the 5.4-liter V8, a new 4.6-liter three-valve V8, or a carryover 4.6-liter two-valve V8. The 5.4 and 4.6 three-valve are both mated to a new six speed transmission while the older two-valve V8 keeps the four speed as the low cost option. The 5.4 gets a power bump up to 320 HP at 5000 RPM and 390 lb-ft of torque coming in at 3,500 RPM, the engine is a brute and the new six speed improves power delivery in all use situations — acceleration is considerably better, towing is almost effortless and fuel economy is improved.

We suspect with volatile fuel prices, consumers and fleets alike will be more likely to consider the new 4.6-liter three-valve option and they won't be disappointed. The 4.6 delivers 292 HP at 5,700 RPM and 320 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM, it's a strong engine with healthy power delivery. In around-town driving, performance is virtually indistinguishable from the bigger, thirstier 5.4-liter. The carryover 4.6-liter two-valve engine with 248 HP and 294 lb-ft of torque is a bit hobbled in comparison by the four speed, but offers a decent choice for those looking at the low cost option. We're waiting with bated breath for the Ecoboost V6, but the direct-injection twin turbo V6 is still a bit in the future.

Transmission

It sounds funny to say, but the new six speed transmission is a stand out feature of the new F-150. The truck has emerged from the four speed doldrums with a well sorted and smartly programmed cog swapper. Back-to-back testing in 2008 versus 2009 F-150s makes it easy to recognize the improvement; On the on-ramp, the truck accelerates where before it bogged down, up and downshifting are smarter and quicker. The real magic isn't in the swiftness though, it's in the towing. Hook a heavy trailer up to the F-150 and the transmission shines. The gear spacing is excellent, keeping the engine in the power range, and there is very little hunting and pecking as we've seen with other full size trucks. When in tow mode the transmission holds gears longer and more impressively, with each tap of the brake, downshifts, providing engine braking immediately. A slick trick none of the competitors match.

Cargo Box

The F-150 offers four different box options, a 5.5 foot box, 6.5-foot box, a 6.5-foot style side, and an 8-foot box. All can be outfitted with a raft of goodies like the fold-out tailgate step first seen on the Super Duty pickups. If you've never used it, it's actually a pretty slick idea. It folds away when not in use and works better than jumping in and out of the bed. Speaking of folding away, a new option is a stowable bed extender which does away with the dual problems of needing a bed extender and having no place to put it. Along the side you get the option of a box side step which expands with a kick and retracts with a push. Considering the bed rails are so tall these days, reaching over the side of the truck is tough for all but the tallest folks, and it's pretty sturdy. Kind of a gimmicky option, but if you want it, it's well designed. The final option is the cargo rails, which when installed along the bed sides are pretty beefy, offering up to 600 lbs of load per cleat. We didn't really get to test these out, but they seem like a nice option if you need it. It strikes us that if you load up a bed with all of these options, there's still a lot of storage space, but it seems awfully cluttered.

Cabins

There are three different cabin styles amid the seven trims — a Baskin-Robbins level of choice we find a bit ridiculous. Are there really seven iterations between rubber-floored XL work truck and ultra-luxe leather-clad Platinum? Ford seems to think so. Ford has dropped the silly tiny doors on the regular cab model (and we suspect a great deal of cost) while stretching out the legroom in the all three cabs. We've sampled most, if not all of the trims — it's hard to tell which one you're in from time to time — and we feel comfortable saying they are all damn nice places to be. Even with the baseline trucks, the seats are comfortable, the gauges are easily read and communicate quite a bit of information, and there are some clever features. For instance, if you buy a truck equipped with a center console, the storage bin between the seats is designed to hold hanging folders. We haven't used hanging folders since our engineering days, but that's a pretty cool idea — especially for the contractor on the go. Other goodies include obnoxiously awesome leather for the King Ranch and Platinum Edition, a pretty slick sounding Sony-branded audio system, heated and cooled seats and Ford's spectacular Sirius Travel Link system (seriously, it's awesome). Something you don't notice until you drive an '08 and an '09 back to back is how the longer doors on the extended cab and crew cab models provide a lot better side visibility, as the door glass extends far back behind your should line.

Drivetrains

Where the cabin options are incredibly varied, the drivetrains offer simplicity. You get your choice of two wheel drive or four wheel drive, a locking rear diff, and four rear axle ratios ranging from 3.15:1 to 3.73:1. That's it. One interesting option, featured as standard equipment in the FX4 package, is the rear-locking differential, with a slick new design this year. The locker incorporates an electromagnetic ring that does the locking using only four moving parts. It's vastly simpler than the outgoing design and allows a quick engagement when you drop the truck into neutral.

Driving Impression

So now after we've taken a look at all those parts, what's the new F-150 like to drive? Considering we've tested it in situations ranging from around town, stop and go traffic, to highway, freeway, dirt roads, hauling, towing, off-roading and autocrossing, there isn't a lot we don't know about how the F-150 performs. It really comes down to choice. As we alluded to earlier, the F-150 is well mannered on regular roads, it brings additional quiet, refined steering feel and those firmer seats really make longer distances more comfy.

When you get serious about corners though, the F-150 offers mixed results. Performance on the autocross course is incredibly dependent on your choice of wheelbase, engine, four or two wheel drive, and wheel size. While it's rigid, fully boxed frame provides a great place to start from, the tuning for suspension travel and towing leaves the truck prone to healthy understeer, no surprise there. Its traction control system does a respectable job of keeping you out of trouble, but it'll let you get into a little throttle induced oversteer if you try. We have noticed a strange steering feedback at low speed hard cornering in 4x4 models, where steering effort spikes. Perplexed, we asked the engineering teams about it and the explanation has to do with the interaction with the front differential being engaged on the fly and used to direct power to the slipping wheels. Whatever the case, it was a bit disconcerting. Otherwise, turn in is sharp and predictable, at-limit control is predictable, and over the limit recovery is undramatic. Braking is handled without drama by the 13.7 inch front discs and 13.0 inch rears, and if you upgrade to the trailer towing package, you get integrated trailer brake control with trailer sway mitigation — a slick trick of accelerometers and predictive algorithms which detects trailer sway and addresses it with the application of the truck brakes and the trailer's brakes. A similar system exists without a seven pin hookup for electronic trailer brakes but relies on the truck only to manage the correction.

Of course, pavement ends, and when it does, the FX4 package with its tuned shocks, locking diff, and off-road spec tires is there to meet all comers. While it's no Jeep Wrangler, it's closer to mountain goat than not. We tackled approach angles we never thought we'd make, tight corners and serious mud. Those mirror cutouts are handy for more than just styling, giving visibility when your nose is way up in the air. We managed to get stuck only once, and that was in a mud hole we had made it through before. Or course, that was about two feet of mud with ruts up to the axles.

We have reached a high precipice from which to look down on the history of pickup trucks. Capabilities dwarf those of only a decade ago, interiors are available to match the finest German luxury barges, operating costs have been diminished, longevity is unprecedented, and buyers are as loyal as they've ever been. Without question this new truck is better than the outgoing model — quieter, smoother, more powerful, smarter — and considering the reputation the truck has to live up to, that's not really too surprising. We'd have no problem recommending the truck, but then again, there aren't too many trucks we wouldn't. When capabilities reach these kind of levels where capabilities and capacities vastly exceed the needs of most consumers then it's really all about brand preference. Considering the F-150 has nine million customers out there, we suspect it'll do just fine.

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Ford
· Models tested: F-150 XL, STX, FX4, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum Edition
· Model year: 2009
· Base Prices:
-XL: $21,320
-STX $24,120
-XLT $25,290
-FX4 $34,605
-Lariat $33.160
-King Ranch $39,815
-Platinum $41,415
· Engine types:
-4.6 liter 2 Valve V8
· Horsepower: 248 HP @ 4,750 rpm
· Torque: 294 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
-4.6 liter 3 Valve V8
· Horsepower: 292 hp @ 5,700 rpm
· Torque: 320 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
-5.4 liter V8
· Horsepower: 320 hp @ 5000 rpm
· Torque: 390 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
· Fuel economy city/highway:
-14/19 (4.6L 2V w/4x2)
-14/18 (4.6L 2V 4X4)
-15/20 (4.6L 3V 4X2)
-14/19 (4.6L 3V 4X4)
-14/19 (4.6L 3V 4X4)
-15/21 Projected (4.6L 3V 4X2 SFE - high mileage model)
-14/20 (5.4L 4X2)
-14/18 (5.4L 4X4)
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5/5/5

F-SERIES SUPER DUTY ADDS NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND CABELA’S EDITION PICKUPS
Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road.

* Ford F-Series Super Duty, America's most capable work truck, adds new Harley-Davidson™ and Cabela's edition pickups and more standard capability for 2009 including an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer tow mirrors on select models.

* Ford Work Solutions is a collection of industry-first, affordable technologies available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks that will provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business – from their Ford Truck, even on the job site.

* New 'Built Ford Tough' factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty pickups, delivers exceptional weather resistance and protection against gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping.

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 25, 2008 – The 2009 F-Series Super Duty line of trucks, the industry's most capable full-size heavy-duty work trucks, come equipped with even more capability, thanks to new standard features and offers even more choice with two new packages – a Cabela's FX4 for the outdoor enthusiast and for the first time, a Harley-Davidson™ F-450 pickup.

All four Super Duty trim levels, XL, XLT, FX4, and Lariat, come with new standard features. The XL, the no frills workhorse version, now comes standard with air conditioning, Securilock, and manual trailer tow mirrors. The XLT, a step up from the XL, now has power heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, remote keyless entry and Securilock as standard features.

For 2009 the FX4 adds standard PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, captain's chairs, and SIRIUS satellite radio. The most luxurious of the Super Duty line-up is the Lariat. The Lariat adds all of the new FX4 standard content as well as the reverse camera system, a power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards, and SYNC, Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

New Smart Technolgies

Ford is further expanding its 'smart' features for truck customers by making new technologies that make getting staying connected and getting the job done easier.

* SYNC is Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system that fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

* Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.

* Ford Work Solutions, a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans will help make business owners more productive and successful. Four industry-exclusive innovations include:

o An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. It's the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production and features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.

o Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.

o Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

o Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Cabela's FX4

Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009. According to customer data, seventy-six percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish and a key way for Ford to connect with those outdoor enthusiasts is as the official truck of Cabela's for the last X years with products prominently placed at stores nationwide and featured in Cabela's publications and TV programming. The Cabela's FX4 package features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings. Custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging finish off the exterior.

The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available Aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué. All weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.

Harley-Davidson™ F-450

Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson™ F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road. As with the still available F-250/350 SRW models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson™ F-450 features a unique blue-flame paint scheme that starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck. The flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel. The custom perforated black leather wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson™ badges are present on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script located on the box side.

Tough Bed

Ford is offering Tough Bed, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner for the first time on the 2009 F-Series Super Duty.
"Tough Bed is a smart solution for Ford Super Duty customers who want to better protect their most important asset – the pickup box," said Tom Aubrey, Ford F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "Like the entire truck, Tough Bed stands up to the most stringent durability standards including those required by the U.S. Military – that definitely makes it 'Built Ford Tough.'."

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), installation of spray-in bedliners grew from 27 percent in 2004 to nearly 34 percent of all pickup trucks in 2006, and will continue to grow at a steady rate to nearly 40 percent in 2008.

Developed in partnership with PPG Industries, Tough Bed exceeds the standards of today's typical aftermarket spray-in bedliner solutions. This military-grade coating has been through the government's toughest blast mitigation testing to determine whether the material can with stand the force of a bomb blast. It has performed equal to or better than other protective coating systems at one-third the thickness.

The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision, high-pressure, automated sprayer to ensure one smooth, even coat at a very low film thickness unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bed liners.

The finer application ensures that the bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box in addition minimizing unnecessary weight. Tough Bed does not compromise Super Duty's class-leading cargo capacity or the installation of aftermarket assets such as tool boxes, tonneau covers and truck caps. The uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance.

The special bedliner material formula is immune to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and will not fade or chalk. It also protects against physical damage to the pickup box such as gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. It is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile factory limited warranty.
All F-Series Super Duty models are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

[Ford]

Ford claims to have re-engineered the number three crossmember, allowing it to provide more torsional and lateral rigidity, providing the extra strength needed for the increased rating. And we're not surprised Ford is crowing about it: With the importance of contractor and work-truck sales in the face of a diminishing consumer pickup market, capability is again going to be the deciding factor in a lot of truck purchases. [PickupTrucks.com]

There's been some speculation as to just what engine would be used, either the 6.2-liter or the 5.4-liter V8. But, since the truck was seen pulling into a Roush building, we're pretty sure it'll have a blower on it. Of course, this obviously all depends on if the truck even sees the light of day. Remember, Ford has already delayed the 2009 F-150 for two months due to slumping sales. [Inside Line]

Here's the thing, we've seen vehicles like this sort of 6/4 scale pick-em'-up truck plenty of times before. Remember the ridiculous Alton? Or this F-650 from SEMA? Or how about this piece of overcompensation? Then there's the rigs from International. And don't even get us started on our buddy Ironhide, the GMC TopKick. We're just trying to point out that maybe the German turners at Geiger didn't exactly have the timing right on bringing this to the market.