NU Trucks

Since we did a good job back in January 2007 to determine what the 2009 Ford F-150 might look like (well, at least one version), we take our crystal ball again (Mark, you make you 're ok with it?) for a speculative look ahead to the next F-150.

Although there are major changes and improvements, the Ford F-150 2009 is a brand new truck. It's more like a strong kick-off a three-year journey that will completely transform American vehicle best-seller by the time of the next generation 2012 F-150 arrives.

The latest rumors and official information say the F-150 will receive three new engines in 2010 - an injection twin-turbo 3.7-liter V6 EcoBoost gasoline direct (GDI) motor, a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated "BOSS" V8 and a 4.4-V8 diesel. When the engines arrived, we expect the legacy of two and three-valve 4.6-liter V8 gas will be retired.

Think Ford F-150 2009 has a long hood just to make the truck look tougher? Nope, there's also a new version of the muscular twin-turbo V8 BOSS on the way 2011 is going to need all the space it can get to accommodate its larger profile.

The promise of gasoline and diesel engines further improvement in performance and fuel economy. But the engines will not be enough to put the F-150 on course to hit the tough new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) law, which requires an average fleet range of 35 miles per gallon in 2020.

Ford North American Design Director Peter Horbury, told Automotive News that the F-150 design team is also trying to figure out how to make the truck more aerodynamic - including "active aerodynamic elements" that function as the truck is in motion and a casual A pillar, similar to the current Nissan Titan.

The F-150 2012 will be the all-new sheet metal, and we expect major changes to the structure weight savings and manufacturing flexibility (more on this article again).

Note the vents on the top of the hood in the bottom of the table to help cool the twin-turbo EcoBoost BOSS V8. We also expect an automatic retractable tonneau cover to help air gently on the bed, especially when the bucket is empty.

Ford F-150 buyers said they want their trucks to look tough. That's why the company has strengthened outside the F-150 2004 when he moved along the lines of 1996 to 2003. Will swoopy aerodynamics and fuel economy regulations trump "toughness"?