Having had its look previewed by the Atlas concept, it was the technical side, the interior and other production model details that we were waiting for from Ford’s presence at the North American International Auto Show 2014, where they will soon reveal the all-new F-150 pickup truck. They call it “the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever.”

Weighing up to 700 lbs (~320 kg) less than the outgoing model, it rides on an all-new steel frame on top of which sits the high-strength aluminum-alloy body.

There’s also a new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine on offer that “features a lightweight, compact design to deliver the same power as some mid-range V8s.” It comes with Auto Start-Stop as standard and completes the range comprised of the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, the EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 and the 5.0-liter V8 – turbocharged models get active grille shutters that maximize either cooling or aerodynamic efficiency.

New tech is also on offer: 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps, LED headlights and tail lamps, trailer hitch assist, smart trailer tow module, in-cab high-wattage power outlets (400W, 110V) and a next-gen tailgate step “which is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use.”

The passenger compartment has been updated too, with a new modern design complimented by modern touches such as the 8-inch “productivity screen” located in the instrument panel – it can be customized to show a variety of relevant parameters and/or grant access to frequently used functions/apps too. SYNC with MyFord Touch, hill start assist, MyKey, rear view camera, reverse sensing, trailer brake controller and extendable tailgate step complete the list of tech features.

Safety is another area where the new F-150 is more advanced than its predecessor. It has second-row inflatable seatbelts, Curve Control (helps in high-speed cornering), radar-guided adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

By Andrei Nedelea

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