There is nothing quite like slinging mud in Texas when you’re behind the wheel of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 armed with an EcoBoost V6. Right off the bat, the 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 is a completely different animal over last year’s F-150. The military-grade, all-aluminum body and upgraded steel frame remove about 700 lbs from the previous model – and that’s VERY apparent when you’re slinging mud.
The 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 has the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost from last year. Making 365 horsepower and 420 lbs-feet of torque, the “big” EcoBoost winds up quickly and never leaves the 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 in sticky mud. We wanted to get our paws on a new 2015 Ford F-150 with the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque off road, but we never had the opportunity.
Unfortunately, we were tightly controlled throughout the entire press event. It was problematic to stop and film, which is what we kind of need to do in order to get the good stuff. Fortunately, we did get just enough wheel time in the 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 to ascertain what changes were immediately apparent. Less weight, stiffer frame, better power-to-weight ratio… yea, all of these things were awesome.
I was particularly impressed with the way the V6 shrugged off hard stabs at the accelerator mid-climb. It spools up rather than blurts out power. As fun as ripping all four free and kicking up dust, being able to apply that power in a linear fashion is better for wheelin.’ Less weight made it (a lot) easier for the 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 to use its power to push with less drama.
I’m sure light weight has positive applications with efficiency – but that’s no concern of mine or yours off road. Besides, Ford won’t announce it’s EPA numbers until November 2014. Something tells me, it’s more fuel efficient.
As for the rest of the 2015 Ford F-150 FX4, according to the Ford employees/minders, it has a similar suspension/off road upgrades to the old FX4. When asked about the next Raptor; well, most of the Ford people just smiled or changed the topic. The idea of a lighter, more efficient Raptor is mighty pleasing to off road hogs like me.
Unfortunately, an all new SVT Raptor hat might take a year or two. Still, this 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 can get the job done and it’s innovation will blow some minds.
worldwide.
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY to our youngest reader – – JORDAN!
