Back in May, the New England Motor Press Association named the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 its Official Winter Vehicle of New England. That's quite an honor coming from a part of the state that has been battered by snow and ice each of the past couple of winters.
“For years, the F-150 proved itself as a solid workhorse for New Englanders,” said Craig Fitzgerald, president, New England Motor Press Association. “But the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 puts it in another class completely. With outstanding fuel economy, a world-class interior and EcoBoost V6 engine, you’ve got a combination that beat the worst storms during the worst winter in New England’s recorded history.”
Voters from the New England Motor Press Association look for vehicles that offer the best combination of winter-specific features and options, along with those dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable and competent all-weather driving. Members spent months driving hundreds of contenders from nearly all vehicle manufacturers. This marks the first time F-150 has captured this coveted award.
Key features that have helped the 2015 F-150 stand out
Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every 2015 F-150 features up to 700 pounds of weight savings. The 2015 F-150 can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds. Plus, it offers available four-wheel drive, and is the only light-duty truck with an available snowplow prep kit for every cab (Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew.)
In addition to an all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost and the improved 5-liter V8, the F-150 offers customers a complete lineup of powertrains to allow them to tailor the truck to best meet their needs. An all-new normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 has debuted and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine has returned in 2015.
Looking ahead to 2016
As far as snow plowing is concerned, the 2016 F-150 will be identical to the 2015 model, points out Mike Levine, Ford's truck communications manager. However, there is one potential indirect benefit. The 5-liter V8 can be prepped for CNG (compressed natural gas) for 2016, which would require an extra fuel tank in the cargo box or below if the customer operates as bi-fuel. This extra weight might help reduce ballast needed otherwise to plow.
Also in 2016, Ford's all-new 2016 F-650/F-750—ideal for heavier-duty snow removal operations—will offer an available 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine for the first time on the F-750, providing medium truck customers will a lower-cost engine alternative to diesel.
Speak to your Ford dealer or visit Ford Trucks for more information as it becomes available.
