Merlin Ford Lincoln

The 2011 F-150 returns with three cab styles: the three-passenger two-door regular-cab; the six-passenger four-door SuperCab with small, rear-hinged back doors; and the six-passenger SuperCrew crew cab with four conventional side doors. Cargo boxes should continue in 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8-foot lengths and will be available with a fold-away bed extender, movable dividers, and deployable bed and tailgate steps. Appearance, of course, will get fancier as you ascend the model ladder. Expect the 2011 line to mirror 2010's, beginning with the workhorse XL model. Up next would be the volume-selling XLT models, with sporty STX and off-road-fortified FX4 editions available, as well. Luxury duties should again be handled by Lariat, King Ranch, and top-of-the-line Platinum models. The Platinum has a satin chrome grille with fine-mesh inserts, heated front and rear seats, and cabin accents of real wood and aluminum. Ford's SVT high-performance division will again field the Raptor, a regular-cab F-150 modified in the fashion of an off-road-racing truck. F-150 interior décor spans cloth-upholstery Spartan to stitched-leather sybaritic. All models have slightly retro-style instrumentation and a monolithic central stack of climate and audio controls that also hosts the 6.5-inch screen for the available navigation system.

It's a question of when, not if, Ford will introduce its EcoBoost V-6 to the F-150 lineup. This fully modern dual-overhead-cam 3.5-liter uses two turbochargers and direct fuel injection. It debuted for model-year 2010 in several Ford/Lincoln products, notably the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and 2010 Lincoln MKS sedans and 2010 Ford Flex crossover SUV. In those applications it makes 355-365 horsepower with 350 pound-feet of torque at around 1500 rpm. Speculation is that it'll pack 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet in the F-150. The idea is to furnish V-8 power with V-6 fuel economy. Ford sources say it the twin-turbo V-6 weigh something like 175 pounds less and be 15-20 percent more fuel efficient than the 2010 F-150's top engine choice, a 320-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8. Ford maintains the EcoBoost V-6 is suitable for moderately heavy towing duty, too. High tech means high cost, however, so the EcoBoost is likely to be the uplevel 2011 F-150 engine. The base choice would be Ford's new dual-overhead-cam 5.0-liter V-8. Dubbed 'Coyote,' this naturally aspirated engine is also slated for duty in the Ford Mustang. In the F-150, look for power ratings similar the EcoBoost V-6, but with conventional V-8 torque characteristics. Some reports suggest the 2011 F-150 may also become available with Ford's new 6.2-liter V-8. All these engines will likely use a six-speed automatic transmission. Introduction of the EcoBoost V-6 and the two new V-8s would represent a fully new engine lineup for the F-150. That roster for model-year 2010 consisted of three V-8s: a 248- and a 292-horsepower 4.6-liter and the 320-horsepower 5.4. Torque topped out at 320-pound feet on the 4.6s and 390 on the 5.4. Towing and payload ratings for 2011 should approximate 2010's maximums of 11,300 pounds and 3,030 pounds, respectively. All 2011 F-150s will again come with anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes and Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system. Two-wheel drive (2WD) will be the default setup, with all models available with a part-time four-wheel-drive system (4WD) that includes low-range gearing but is not intended for use on dry pavement.       

Features: The 2011 Ford F-150 can be outfitted to help you work and play. On-the-job conveniences include an in-dash computer with Internet access and a wireless mouse and printer. Ford's optional Tool Link uses radio frequency identification (RDF) to inventory and track tools and equipment stored onboard. Optional metal steps slide from beneath the sides or rear of the truck for easier bed access and the tailgate can be fitted with a fold-up handle to assist entry. Towing is enhanced with available integrated trailer-brake control and with sway control that automatically applies selected brakes or modulates engine power to calm wayward truck/trailer motion. An available rearview camera helps the driver aim during trailer hitching. The available Ford/Microsoft Sync System provides hands-free control of cell phone and audio functions and can furnish turn-by-turn directions, sports scores, and movie times. The available voice-activated navigation system can display real-time weather maps and localized fuel prices. USB iPod connectivity and 5.1 surround-sound audio also are available. Standard on most F-150 models is MyKey, Ford's teen-driver-safety programmable ignition key that limits top speed to 80 mph, audio volume to 44 percent of maximum, and sounds persistent reminders of unbuckled seat belts. All F-150s come with head-protecting side curtain airbags for all seating rows.

View the new Ford F-150's in our inventory at Merlin Ford Lincoln in Saskatoon .