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From YourSITE.com Press Pass 2004
“Our vision was to forge a new direction for the market, building decisively on Ford’s Tough Truck heritage and creating a product that would alter the expectations of pickup customers. The new F-150 does that with the courage of a leader, launching a new era of Built Ford Tough.” — Chris Theodore, Vice President – North American Product Development, Ford Motor Company WHAT’S NEW FOR 2004
2004 FORD F-150 LAUNCHES A NEW ERA OF BUILT FORD TOUGH The dominant force in pickups has just upped the ante. Now, as it celebrates more than 85 years of truck experience and 55 years of legendary F-Series accomplishments, Ford is again redefining America’s truck. The all-new 2004 Ford F-150 creates a bold first impression as it extends Ford’s tradition as America’s Tough Truck leader. It creates an even bigger lasting impression when its doors are opened to reveal a revolutionary interior design with refinement, comfort and spaciousness unparalleled in a truck. The combination of Tough Truck capability and refinement sets a new standard for the industry. Toughness. Strength. Pulling Power. Fuel Economy. Safety. Interior spaciousness. Refinement. Driving dynamics. Stability. Functionality. Cargo capacity. Comfort. Style. Ford pioneered the pickup, gave it the first V-8 engine and Crew Cab and went on to create a brand that is synonymous with truck leadership. Tough, capable and powerful, the F-Series has been the best-selling full-size pickup for 25 years as of December 2002 and the nation’s favorite vehicle for 20 years running. The Ford F-Series is America’s truck. Comprehensive 3-cab, 3-box, 5-series lineup F-150 now offers the industry’s widest variety of body and trim configurations. Customers can specify the pickup box according to load length and box style, with more choices than ever before. Additionally, all cab configurations now feature four doors for ease of access. The lineup includes: • Three cab choices— • Regular Cab, a single row of occupant seating and rearward-swinging access doors that reveal a behind-seat stowage area up to 13 inches wide. • SuperCab, a two-door extended cab version featuring a second row of seating accessed by two rearward-swinging doors. • SuperCrew, a crew cab that features two rows of seating and four forward-swinging full-size doors. • Three box lengths and two box styles – • Eight-foot, 6 1⁄2-foot, and 51⁄2-foot box lengths are offered. In addition, the F-150 SuperCab 5 ½- foot box is a new offering and a full-size pickup truck exclusive. • Two different box styles, Styleside and Flareside, are available. • Five distinct series offerings – • From the workhorse F-150 XL to the refined F-150 Lariat, the 2004 F-150 lineup has the truck to meet a variety of customer wants and needs. The five series – XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat – each reflect insight into unique customer needs.
All-new Tough Truck design is sophisticated, assured The all-new F-150 exterior is designed to be confident, powerful, fresh and refined. Drawing on design elements from the current F-150, the F-Series Super Duty lineup and the Mighty F-350 TONKA concept, the new truck’s taut, boldly chiseled shape resonates Ford Tough Truck tradition. “Creating an all-new F-150 was about asserting the toughness and truck capability of the leader,” said Patrick Schiavone, design director, Ford Tough Trucks. “We definitely wanted to push the design to a new level, to move the excitement needle up a notch. The result is a shape symbolic of strength with an underlying tone of sophistication that really gives this truck aspirational qualities,” Schiavone said. Tall-shouldered and proud, the new F-150 profile features a self-assured, “planted” stance achieved through widening the front and rear tracks more than 1.5 inches. New larger standard wheel and tire combinations reside in straightforward circular wheel arches that visually communicate power.
The bold front-end design conveys strength and symbolizes the powerful engine range. It features new quad-circle-styled headlamps designed in form-follows-function clusters, and incorporates a new wrap-around fascia treatment that communicates refined sophistication and precision. A bold bumper with integral foglamps, when equipped, and tow hooks (on 4x4 models) complete the look. Enhancing the truck’s visual strength is its high beltline, which draws attention to its chiseled, powerful flanks and a roofline reminiscent of chopped-top custom street trucks. A more vertical tumblehome (the inward bow of the side windows) balances the visual weight of the lower body while allowing nearly flush side glass, a mark of refinement. The doors adopt the Ford signature stepped-down beltline – a feature that aids outward visibility while providing an athletic rake that dynamically links the front and rear of the truck.
More room for people The passenger compartment of the Regular Cab and SuperCab body styles is 6 inches longer, giving customers greater interior spaciousness. Regular Cab models feature industry-first rearward-swinging access doors that make it easier to reach a behind-seat cargo area that is large enough for golf clubs, toolboxes or five-gallon paint buckets. Each access door features an integral window that contributes to the airy, spacious interior feel of the new F-150. SuperCab occupants can enjoy first-in-class rear door power windows (on XLT, FX4 and Lariat) as well as an optional power sliding rear window. The clean look of the F-150 Styleside box is available in all three box lengths – 8-foot, 6 1/2-foot and 51⁄2-foot. F-150’s new 61⁄2-foot Flareside box – formed of inner steel panels and sheet molded composite exterior panels – is available on STX, XLT and FX4 models. The stylish Flareside harks back to historic Ford models with deeper, fender-like wheel flares and a unique tailgate design that flares outward at its upper edge for a “spoiler effect.” Tailgates for both box designs incorporate Ford’s new Tailgate Assist, an innovative and segment-exclusive feature that reduces opening and closing efforts.
Revolutionary new interior design The 2004 Ford F-150 interior sets new standards for craftsmanship and refinement. It reflects Ford’s attention to detail and provides enhanced occupant comfort, reduced interior noise and more feature content. “Truck owners spend more time than ever before in their vehicles, both for work and personal use,” said Jim Smithbauer, F-150 design manager. “We designed the new F-150 interior to give them the comfort, craftsmanship, versatility and features they want and deserve. The look is very modern, precise and industrial, and it’s executed in an honest, straightforward way.” Designers adopted a modular approach when creating the F-150 instrument panel. Bold vertical bands gave the design team tremendous flexibility to adopt different colors, textures and materials to customize the look of the instrument panel. All models, including the base version, feature an attractive two-tone instrument panel. Designers created three different instrument cluster designs, which combine with other elements to give each series a distinctive look. For example, the FX4 cluster evokes images of classic aviation while the Lariat features chrome-ringed gauges that match other chrome interior elements, including the door handles. Functional round air registers are trimmed in chrome on higher-specification models and are dimpled for fingertip-controlled opening and closing. The new F-150 interior introduces a flow-through center console, giving customers the option of two captain’s chairs with a floor shifter on FX4 and Lariat models. The floor shifter, another F-150 first, is a sophisticated design, detailed in warm steel and chrome. Vehicles equipped with a 40/20/40 split-front-bench seat have a different instrument panel center stack optimized for middle passenger legroom. The new F-150 marks the debut of another industry-first – a modular overhead rail system that allows owners to customize interior storage options to suit their individual needs. It is standard equipment on XLT, FX4 and Lariat SuperCab and SuperCrew models. The brushed aluminum rail system is integrated into the headliner and extends from behind the rearview mirror to behind the second row of seats. The forward end of the rail features a dome light console and a large storage bin module. The system – with integral power supply – allows owners to easily snap in additional modules, such as first aid kits, toolboxes, flashlights and two-way radio holders as they become available from Ford or the aftermarket. Already available on XLT, FX4 and Lariat SuperCrew is an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The new, differentiated F-150 family In order to meet the needs of key customer segments, Ford developed five distinct models for the new F-150. Each series provides new attributes and comfort and convenience features – many of which are firsts in the full-size segment. “In essence, we are reinventing the rules in the full-size pickup market,” said Doug Scott, Ford Division truck group marketing manager. “We built on our heritage, listened to customer feedback, and developed a totally new approach that allows us to appeal to the full-size truck market and provide individualized versatility and character.”
F-150 XL – The XL personifies the pickup’s role in building America. It is the workhorse truck that gets the job done, and can get down and dirty with hose-out floor functionality. The XL is available in both Regular Cab and SuperCab models with a choice of vinyl or cloth interior. The Regular Cab configuration is equipped with Ford’s new rear access doors, which open up a more spacious area behind the 40/20/40 split-bench seat for stowage. The XL boasts a bold, forthright grille design; tailgate-assist; and larger, standard 17-inch steel wheels. New features also include standard tilt steering wheel and a center display system in the instrument panel.
F-150 STX – The F-150 STX provides work truck capabilities in a sporty, stylish package. STX, powered by the 4.6-liter Triton™ V-8 engine, is available in Regular Cab or SuperCab body styles and features body-color bumpers and 17-inch sporty cast aluminum wheels. STX comes equipped with a standard 61⁄2 -foot Styleside or an optional Flareside box, and the SuperCab model also offers a 51⁄2 -foot Styleside box option. Owners of the new STX can opt for an available audiophile sound system with AM/FM radio and 6-disc CD changer with subwoofer.
F-150 XLT – Versatile enough to carry people and cargo, the XLT series is ideal for a wide array of uses – ranging from hauling to recreation. XLT is available in all cab variations and, depending on cab choice, all three Styleside box lengths and Flareside configurations are available. XLT features an optional Silver two-tone paint finish, unique grille treatment and standard 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. Premium cloth is featured on the standard 40/20/40 split-bench seat or optional dual captain’s chairs, and a chrome instrument panel accents add distinction. The XLT features Ford’s new overhead rail system and foglamps on 4x4 models. For SuperCab and SuperCrew models, XLT’s standard second-row power windows are a segment first.
F-150 FX4 – The new FX4 is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts who believe four-wheel-drive capability is a critical lifestyle element. It combines off-road capability with a bold and distinctive individual statement. FX4 models are available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew body styles. Customers have a choice of box configurations: 61⁄2-foot Styleside, 61⁄2-foot Flareside or the new 51⁄2-foot Styleside, depending on cab choice. New optional 18-inch machined cast aluminum wheels, body-color bumpers, a distinctive grille and a new available Dark Shadow Gray lower two-tone exterior paint treatment complete the package. Inside, FX4 has unique “warm steel” accents on the instrument panel, center console, doors and steering wheel. Its aircraft-inspired instrument cluster, “carbon mesh” accents and chrome-ringed air registers further refine the look. Optional captain’s chairs can be specified in either sporty cloth or sporty leather, and come with a segment-first, flow-through center console with floor shifter.
F-150 Lariat – The ultimate in truck refinement, the F-150 Lariat combines truck toughness and comfort, geared to buyers who view their trucks as a reward for achievement. Lariat owners use their trucks for a multitude of purposes from everyday driving and road trips, to towing boats or travel trailers. Many depend on their trucks for towing but want comfort and refinement. The Lariat features optional premium heated dual power leather captain’s chairs with the unique flow-through console and floor shifter or a standard 40/20/40 leather split bench seat. The instrument panel and center console contain finely crafted stitched surfaces in Medium Pebble or Ebony, augmented by woodgrain touches on the doors and instrument panel center stack. Lariat’s instrument cluster also is unique, with cream-colored gauges ringed in chrome to complement the chrome-ringed air registers and chrome door handles. The steering wheel has built-in controls for key audio and climate control functions. Other special Lariat features include an in-dash message center, electronic automatic temperature control and power-adjustable memory seats and pedals. An available Beige lower two-tone paint treatment, chrome bumpers and a unique grille, along with 18-inch bright aluminum wheels accentuate the exterior.
Superior Driving Experience The all-new Ford F-150 provides an entirely new driving experience in a full-size pickup. The steering is crisp and direct, the ride is plush yet controlled, the braking is strong and assured, and the cabin is quiet. Ford has applied its expertise in driving dynamics to the best-selling vehicle in the world, and the result is a pickup truck that is responsive, confident while towing and robust and capable off-road. The new F-150 has been designed to achieve exceptional handling, ride and quietness due in part to a solid and stable fully boxed frame with hydroformed front rails. The frame is approximately nine times stiffer in torsion and approximately 50-percent stiffer in bending as the already robust backbone of the current truck.
The entire frame is fully boxed to form a closed “box” section rather than the traditional “C” rail design, and hydroforming was used for the sections of the frame rails that bear the loads of the front suspension. The result is increased stiffness and stronger attachment points for the brackets that attach the body and suspension to the frame – and minimal shake and shudder on rough roads. With a driving feel that is designed to be plush yet connected to the road, F-150 has a front suspension system that readily absorbs bumps but stands strong against steering forces. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models use new coil-on-shock, long-spindle, double wishbone front suspension with cast aluminum lower control arms – a first in the pickup truck segment. The suspension reduces unsprung weight to help provide better ride and stability on choppy, broken surfaces. Advanced bushings – soft in response to road impacts but stiff to cornering loads, with ride tuning and handling tuning optimized independently – contribute to the improved ride and handling. Engineers targeted crisp steering response with new features including “gripping” bushings and double ball-type joints instead of rubber bushings in the stabilizer bar system. The front shock absorbers are mounted inside the springs, allowing four-wheel-drive models to use coil springs instead of the traditional torsion bars, permitting more precise suspension tuning and commonality across the lineup. The design also moves the shock absorber closer to the wheel for approximately 25-percent greater mechanical advantage, which allows for more precise shock tuning.
The Hotchkiss-design rear suspension has been optimized with rear shock absorbers placed outboard of the frame rails – a segment exclusive – for improved control of body lean and a smoother ride. The shock position also provides better control of axle “skipping” and “skating” that can happen on washboard-type surfaces. Rear leaf springs are now 3 inches wide (20 percent bigger than the 2002 F-150 and the same width as on the F-Series Super Duty lineup) to help reduce sway during cornering and considerably improve towing stability. A rack-and-pinion steering system that is the largest and strongest ever used on a Ford vehicle was engineered to provide improved steering response for the new F-150. It is more robust than the recirculating-ball system used on the current F-150 and has less operating friction. Both measures contribute to the precise steering response that makes the new F-150 driving experience spirited and confidence-inspiring. “Steering response was a top priority for our dynamics team because this is where the vehicle communicates very directly to the driver,” said Frank Davis, F-150 chief program engineer. “The new rack-and-pinion steering, increased system stiffness and reduced friction all play their part in delivering a superior driving experience.” In addition to its class-leading dynamic performance, the new F-150 steering system also makes for a relatively tight 46-foot turning circle on SuperCab models with the 61⁄2 -foot cargo box, which beats comparably equipped competitors, most notably the Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The new standard four-wheel disc brakes are larger and more powerful while providing better feel. The rotors are larger and thicker, and the calipers are larger and even more robust – 60 percent stiffer – for enhanced stopping power and better brake pedal “feel.” Four-wheel anti-lock brake control (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are standard. The vented front discs have twin-piston calipers and are 330 millimeters (13 inches) in diameter, an increase of 22 millimeters (0.87 inches), or about 7 percent. The vented rear discs, with single-piston calipers, have a diameter of 348 millimeters (13.7 inches), an increase of 14 millimeters (0.55 inches). Increasing rotor size provides more surface area for brake pad contact and better heat dissipation for more consistent braking performance in stop-and-go driving or while towing.
The F-150 suspension is designed to contribute to braking assurance, resisting body dive and counteracting natural toe-out forces under braking to provide the driver predictable, consistent stopping performance. While the most dramatic improvement in the F-150 driving experience comes on-road, Ford has steadily improved off-pavement performance. Four-wheel-drive models use the proven manual- or electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case of the current F-150 and a selection of optional limited-slip rear axles. In low range, electronic throttle control allowed engineers to incorporate a dedicated accelerator response strategy for better control of torque in the most challenging and slippery conditions. Off-road braking performance was the subject of careful tuning. On loose surfaces like gravel, F-150 engineers were able to improve off-road stopping distances by approximately 13 percent. For the most serious off-road enthusiasts, the F-150 FX4 provides skid plates, specifically tuned shock absorbers, optional LT tires and a standard limited-slip 3.73:1 rear axle.
More to come on the 2004 F-150 soon - watch for it!
All text and images courtesy Ford Motor Company. Ford, the Ford emblem and Triton are registered trademarks of the Ford Motor Company.
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