Ford’s success with the F-150 pickup is something that’s giving all its rivals some serious issues. The harder they try to catch up, the further ahead the Blue Oval takes it.
There’s a recent rumor about the next change. After turbocharging with EcoBoost and changing the American view on performance and efficiency they’re about to come up with a new twist.
According to some inside sources, Ford is currently looking into the possibility of replacing steel with aluminum for the construction of the body.
Switching from steel brings several benefits. Most important among them will be the fact that aluminum is considerably lighter than its counterpart.
The weight drop could give the Ford F-150 a diet of around 700 pounds. That makes a difference. I mean it really makes a difference.
You could get 25% improved fuel economy, you could get an extra 700 pounds of load capacity, you get better acceleration and yet you get the same care and attention on the cost side.
Despite a chance at initially costing more, the savings over time will more than make up for it. Finally, there’s the tricky condition of insurance.
It will keep Ford from opting for a full construction and it will give the competition some serious analysis work to do.
Ford is currently straying from coming out in the open about this big plan for the F-150 pickup for a very simple reason: they’re not completely sure it’s going to happen.
Probability is high but it’s still not a certain thing. We hope it becomes one as losing weight is always something welcome in cars.
