And talking about the new CO2 emissions regulations, how to you think a pick-up like the Ford F-150 will obey this regulation? Not very well; that’s for sure. But, no worry, if you really like pick-ups, but also care about the environment, Ford announced they start working on a smaller pick-up, based on the F-150, called F-100 and set to be launched in 2011.
The next generation F-1150, set to be launched in 2012 will also focus on "weight savings and manufacturing flexibility". It will be built on the body-on-frame platform, and the same one, with a few modifications will be used for the F-100.
The F-100 is expected to be just under 9/10ths the size of the 2009 F-150 - a form factor that the 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra was roundly criticized for not too long ago. But that was before U.S. fuel prices skyrocketed to over $3.50 a gallon for regular gasoline and demand for half-ton trucks began to dramatically shrink. F-150 sales have fallen 15.5% through April from 2007 levels.
Engine choices are said to include naturally aspirated and ’EcoBoost’ twin turbo gasoline direct injection V6 engines and one V8 gas motor. We’re also hoping Ford offers its 2010 4.4-liter light duty diesel V8 as an option. The engine mix will be critical as Ford seeks to meet 2015’s 28.6 miles-per-gallon CAFE target for light duty trucks that was recently established by the federal government.
