In the music world the term “to break America” signifies success. Gaining widespread acclaim in the massive, and highly competitive, American market means that whatever you’re peddling has been hugely successful. Stretching the music comparison, if there was an automotive equivalent of the Lil’ Nas X’s all-conquering hit Old Town Road, then it would be the Ford F-150.
Already America’s best-selling pickup truck, approximately half a million F-series fly out the dealerships every year, making it by far the most popular vehicle of its class. But like Lil’ Nas X’s 14-times platinum tune, it is not just on US roads that the truck has found popularity. Whether you are a rancher in Texas or a surfer heading to Dubai’s Kite Beach, this ultimate luxury pickup is a favourite.
The first Ford pick-up trucks were called the Model TT and dated back to 1917. They came into production as the vehicle that could deliver rugged value and consistent innovation. The vehicle started to segment in 1948 with first generation of F-series models, ranging from the F-1 all the way to the F-8. Today the fourteenth generation of the F-Series is a far cry from the Modell TT, drenched in luxury leather and state of the art technology, there is even something called the Pro-Power Onboard – which is essentially an integrated power generator that can light up a lumberjacks’ night.
When it comes to what’s under the hood, the brand-new F-150 boasts the best-in-class towing and payload capability as well as all-new 3.5-litre PowerBoost hybrid powertrain – the segment’s first ever full hybrid. In total there are four engines to choose from, three V6 options, and a naturally aspirated V8. We drove the all-new PowerBoost full-hybrid, the electric engine adds instant torque to Ford’s 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, and Ford say it will do a cool 1,100km with a full tank. The combined output of the electric motor and the combustion engine produce 430hp and 772 nm of torque. Zero to 100kph takes a smooth 5.4 seconds
As you step into the F-150, the rugged outer shell is transformed into a luxury experience, with plush leathers and high-quality materials all around. The Platinum and Limited variations feature Max-Recline seats that can fold flat to nearly 180 degrees, giving you that Business Class comfort, in a Truck! Not to mention tech that rivals US’ neighbours across the Pacific. The 12-inch centre screen and infotainment system with wireless connectivity allows the driver to configure an array of settings, everything from truck-specific graphics and animations to selectable drive modes and off-roading data.
