Ford’s new aluminum-bodied F-150 truck more gas efficient

Ford revealed the EPA label ratings for the F-150 at an event in Dearborn, Mich. Friday. There are multiple variations of the truck, depending on engine, cab configuration and whether the truck is 2- or 4-wheel-drive. Each change creates a different fuel economy figure.

Overall, the trucks achieve between 5% and 29% better fuel economy compared with the current model.

“It’s a significant achievement in 2015 to be able to reduce the curb weight by as much as we have,” said Raj Nair, the global product development chief. “There is still is a lot of upside available” in terms of further increasing fuel economy. He said Ford is likely to introduce a hybrid F-150 by 2020 and Ford is working on a 10-speed transmission withGeneral Motors Co. that will be used on the truck in the next few years.

The boost in fuel economy is needed to help Ford meet rising regulatory standards and the company executives felt that lowering the weight through use of aluminum gave them the longest runway to achieve improvements through 2025. The investment in aluminum body structures likely exceeded $3 billion and led to the construction of two aluminum sheet mills to supply the new truck. The new aluminum-bodied F-150 pickup mated with a new 2.7-liter, turbocharged V6 can achieve 22 mpg overall and 26 mpg on the highway, the best of any gasoline-fueled, full-size pickup available.

The truck started regular production last week and Ford begins delivering it to dealers in a few weeks. It is 700 pounds lighter than the current model because of its aluminum body and high-strength steel frame. The lower weight improves fuel economy, but more important it allows Ford to use a smaller engine to power it. It also gives the truck improved handling, braking and acceleration, more towing capability and the ability to put more weight in the truck bed.