Ford F-150 STX in Corpus Christi, TX

The newly redesigned F-150 has a new look as well as extensive mechanical changes. All trims now have a larger, more imposing front end, modeled after Ford's Super Duty Trucks, and a taller, chunkier appearance throughout. The F-150's interior has been rounded out a bit but is still as durable as the exterior. Three different cab configurations (Regular Cab, Super Cab and Super Crew), three box options (67 inches, 78.8 inches and 97.4 inches) and seven different trims are available to fit the specific needs of pickup users. The F-150's engine lineup consists entirely of V8s. The base 4.6L 2-valve engine makes 248 horsepower at 4750 rpm and 294 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. A 4.6L 3-valve engine produces 292 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 320 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. At the top, there's a 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8 with variable cam timing that is capable of delivering 320 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 390 pounds-feet of torque at 3500 rpm. The 4.6L 2-valve engine comes mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The other engines come standard with a new, more responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford says that the 2-valve engine gets the same fuel economy as the V6 that it replaces. Throughout the line, buyers have a choice of rear wheel drive or 4-wheel drivetrain. The F-150 is offered in a total of seven trims: the basic XL "workhorse", the sporty STX, the off-road-oriented FX2 and FX4, the mid-range XLT, the luxury-appointed Lariat, the luxury-appointed King Ranch and the new, very upscale Platinum. There are over 50 combinations of trims, lengths, engines and other features that are available for the F-150. The F-150 features numerous standard safety features, including driver and front passenger airbags, Safety Canopy side curtain air bags, dual stage front seat-mounted side air bags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and SecuriLock passive anti-theft system. Available safety options include Ford's Post Crash Alert System, SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad, MyKey programmable parental control vehicle key, a rearview camera system and an integrated trailer-brake controller. The 2010 F-150 has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Also of note for 2010 is the F-150's interior, which is caters well to those who spend much of their work day in their truck. More than 30 storage areas are now available inside, and the longer center console now has enough space for two laptops or plenty of file folders. Large buttons and switches are ergonomically designed and within easy reach and view of the driver. A USB port and auxiliary MP3 player input are conveniently mounted on the dash. Two 12-volt outlets are located on the dash and center console. Standard equipment and options run the gamut. The base XL trim has vinyl upholstery and a vinyl floor and features air conditioning, tilt steering and AM/FM stereo. On the other end of the spectrum, the Platinum trim get 20-inch, 16-spoke polished aluminum wheels and a satin chrome grille with fine mesh, along with brushed aluminum interior panels and ash wood grain panels for the dash. Noteworthy options at the top of the range include voice-activated navigation with a high-contrast 8-inch display screen (up from a 6.5-inch screen), Sirius Travel Link, Ford SYNC and a 700-watt, 10-speaker Sony surround-sound system. Thirteen different wheel designs are offered across the lineup, along with several special paint schemes. The special licensed Harley-Davidson truck comes as a Super Crew and features the 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8 engine. The truck also includes 22-inch polished, forged aluminum wheels (yes, 22-inch), chrome twin-tip exhaust, blacked-out headlamps, smoked tail lamps, deployable running boards, and an exterior color called Lava, a deep maroon paint with 3-metal flake. Harley-Davidson badging and stitching is prominent throughout the truck. The much-anticipated Raptor SVT Raptor debuts with the redesigned 2010 F-150 model year. The SVT Raptor is designed for intense off-road use, and sports many unique features, including a 7-inch-wide track, cast-aluminum SVT front control arms to provide extra strength and track width, a massive front skid plate, and a distinctive grille with the Ford name carved into it. It also features a vented hood, functional hood extractors, fender extractors and visible specially-tuned FOX Racing Shox, the only internal bypass shocks on a street truck. The Raptor features an auxiliary switch board on the center console, making aftermarket customization easier. Standard equipment also includes Electronic Locking Rear Differential, Hill Descent Control, and an off-road mode, which engages a third throttle map and shift schedule for improved off-road performance. The Raptor, like the Harley Davidson F-150, will also be a Super Crew and comes with the 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8 engine. Later in the model year, a 6.2L V8 engine will be available on the Raptor.

For 2010, the F-150 is reworked to be one of the most technologically advanced trucks on the road. It will also be available in a new variant: the Raptor SVT, a high-performance truck with unique sheet metal and an aggressive look. New across the Ford lineup for all work vehicles is the optional Ford's Work Solutions, a new system for people who use their trucks for work. It includes an in-dash computer with high-speed Internet, wireless mouse and printer; Tool Link, a radio-frequency tracking system that allows for real-time inventory of tools and equipment; Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system; and Cable Lock, to secure large equipment in the cargo area. Also new for 2010 is the availability of MyKey, a programmable vehicle key exclusive to Ford. It allows parents to program the vehicle so that when a minor is driving, top speeds are limited to 80 mph, an alarm rings at speeds of 45, 55 or 65 mph, the audio system goes mute until the safety belt is buckled, and volume can be limited to 44 percent of maximum volume. It can also activate a persistent Belt-Minder chime and a traction control system that limits tire spin and cannot be deactivated. It is available on all trims except the base XL.