Ford’s best-selling truck, the F-150, is about to become just another vehicle when it comes to the pandemic as its debut is being pushed back a week to June 25 — and it’ll be done online.
The 14th generation of the pickup is just the latest high-profile vehicle to be forced into an internet debut due to the coronavirus, but that won’t lower the interest level on the 2021 model, which has been seen in full camo a few times now.
The new truck start arriving at dealers during the fourth quarter of this year, Ford officials confirmed recently. Additionally, the production schedules for each of the two plants that manufacture the F-150 were leaked, according to FordAuthority.com. The Dearborn Truck plant starts building Oct. 12 while the Kansas City plant begins Nov. 9.
(Ford follows Tesla, Rivian with plans for all-electric F-Series truck.)
The new model is getting to some expected updates, like an updated front end and likely tailgate. Under the hood, the new truck will offer buyers a variety of V6 powerplants, including a 2.7-liter, a 3.5-liter, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel, and a 3.3-liter.
All will get an option for a small electric motor to provide some extra oomph. The 5.0-liter V8 is expected to return again and all of them will be connected to a 10-speed automatic that should help with fuel economy.
However, the electric motor is rumored to be ready to serve double duty, acting as a generator that can be used in the great outdoors. Some might consider this a prelude to the all-electric F-150 the company’s teased in recent months.
(Feel the Earth move? Ford shakes things up with 2020 F-Series Super Duty Tremor.)
What many will be waiting on is if the automaker will show off a new Raptor or will off-road fans be forced to wait to see what it looks like — or if the company plans to simply continue with the current model until it gets the next-gen up-and-running problem free.
For the interior, there are some changes coming, starting with a larger infotainment screen to better compete with the massive option in the Dodge Ram. Additionally, the truck may come with a stow-away shifter that folds flat at the push of a button allowing for flat surface on the center stack, the FordAuthority.com suggests.
The new model will be easier to update electronically speaking. Ford’s Product Chief Hau Thai-Tang recently revealed that it will be able to receive over-the-air updates.
(First Drive: 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat.)
Buyers can place orders for the new truck starting July 15, according to multiple reports. Pricing has been revealed, but the 2020 model starts at $28,745 and blow past the $70,000 mark with add ons. The average price of a 2020 model is $51,588, according to Kelley Blue Book.
