My guess is that Ford is going to offer a work-bed configuration with built in storage boxes similar to the one that will be offered on the Ram. Just a guess.

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/auto...dge/page3.html

 

That's right... old news. And, as far as ugly, it seems very practical for the right guy. I think XL and XLT work trucks are uglier.

 

For anyone who cared enough about the new F150 to look, Ford already showed the availability of the mid-box for the 2009 F-150 in that PDF brochure of theirs.

So it's not that. Hopefully something to do with the engine lineup, perhaps talk of better MPG for those who use their trucks a lot for work? More HP? Who knows...

 

Where can I find this PDF?

 

http://media.ford.com/events/2009FordF150Kit.pdf

 

More news is less than a week away. I'm guessing it's going to be something about increased towing and payload.

 

FWIW, the current issue of Truck Trend says that 2009 ALL models will boast towing capacities ABOVE the competition with ALL cab configurations, and also keep the highest payload rating, as well. We'll see.

They also say the 5.4L will have 310hp and 365tq. Whooopeeee.

 

Was it pickuptruck.com that said that beginning mid year 2008, all light duty trucks will be tested under the same conditions and situations to decide payload and towing capacity? Right now its derived from the manufacturer. I wonder how this will effect how each truck stacks up to each other.

 

I hope this part is true: ABOVE the competition with ALL cab configurations

As long as the 6.2L is within a years reach, I don't care what the 5.4s #'s are. I will drive significantly better with the 6 speed alone.

w/o the 6.2L the tow rating will NOT be higher. The two are related.

 

I found on Google News a mention in the Wall Street Journal that Ford is going to keep the buzz alive for the F-150 at the Chicago Auto show by touting a new technology that....but the rest of the article was cut off after that.

 

In the brochure I picked up at the DC Auto Show, it states they added high-strength steel to the frame so it will tow better, the new 5.4L 3-Valve V8 is now Flex-Fuel ready. They also went with a new frame that is lighter and stronger.

Power Kid, I think you wanted to know what's in the Max Tow Package. At least one of the items is a class IV hitch. The mirrors are MANUAL telescope/folding. The 6 speed tranny will include a two/haul mode, and of course there is the factory integrated brake controller. I bet trailer sway control is also included as one of the 8 points. Hauling: it just says the payload capacity is massive.

It also says that the cab is 6 inches longer on the SuperCrew (in the second row) and it has the flat floor.

7 trim levels, 3 engines, 4x2 or 4x4, 3 cab styles, 3 box lengths, 2 box styles (those of you wondering about styleside... sounds like it will be there), 13 exterior colors (6 new colors), huge array of wheels, multitude of interior colors, and vinyl, cloth or leather trim.

Pretty much all that was released on the 13th. I think there might be some answers to some questions above. Then again, I may have just restated what we already know.

 

when is the chicago show.. what day will they release info???? ect.?

 

Wednesday, Feb. 6
8 a.m. Chicago Auto Show/MAMA Breakfast
9:15 a.m. General Motors
10 a.m. Acura
10:45 a.m. Chrysler LLC
11:30 a.m. Volkswagen
12:15 p.m. American Suzuki
1 p.m. Ford
1:45 p.m. General Motors
2:30 p.m. Hyundai
3:15 p.m. BMW
4 p.m. Bentley
4:30 p.m. MotorWeek Awards

Thursday, Feb. 7
8 a.m. Porsche News Breakfast
9:15 a.m. Mitsubishi
10 a.m. Volvo
10:30 a.m. YES!
11:15 a.m. International

 

I'll be here at 1:00 on Wednesday for the update.

 

I hope they show the reg cab xl and tell us what options we can get for poor people like me. I would like to know how much they will cost as well. The wait is killing me.