We were expecting that the 2015 Ford F-150 would get the revamped 3.5 L EcoBoost from the new Lincoln Navigator, but as FoMoCo has announced the specs for the premium next generation F-150 engines, the 3.5 L EcoBoost offers the same power levels as the 2014 and older models.
On the other hand, the 5.0 L V8 that has proven to be the less popular engine option in the 2014 F-150 has gotten a pretty significant improvement that we did not expect, now packing 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque. This is just an increase of 7 lb-ft of torque, but the 2015 F-150 now offers an extra 35 horsepower – making it the strongest new F-150 in terms of payload capacity.
The good news for those prospective 2015 Ford F-150 buyers who want the 3.5 L EcoBoost, this twin turbo V6 with 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque is still the toughest towing vehicle in the half ton lineup with a maximum capacity of 12,200 lbs. This makes the EcoBoost’d F-150 the best towing vehicle in the class.
We have asked in the past which 2015 Ford F-150 you think is the best option, now that we know the power figures for the new and improved 5.0 L V8, we want to know whether you which premium engine you would pick. Would it be the 5.0 L V8 with the greater payload capacity of the stronger towing 3.5 L EcoBoost?
Nitto Tire (www.nittotire.com) develops performance tires for all uses, including racing, off-road and street. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities in both Japan and the United States, Nitto provides innovative and high-quality performance tires for the most demanding automotive enthusiasts.
Family of F-150s photo courtesy of forum member gomango05.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
