(continued)
This year, many F-150 models can newly be customized with special options like
the XLT Chrome Package, which adds 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels, five-inch
chrome tubular running boards, leather-wrapped steering wheel and chrome exhaust
tip. The Lariat Chrome Package adds chrome mirror caps and door and tailgate
handles. A new XL Décor Group includes cloth seats and chrome bumpers, as well
as carpet and air conditioning to dress up the F-150’s economical version. A new
20-inch wheels is available for FX4, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch trims.
Tall-shouldered and proud, the F-150 profile features a self-assured, “planted”
stance. The bold front end conveys strength with quad-circle-styled headlamps,
designed in clusters, and incorporates a wrap-around fascia treatment that
communicates refined sophistication and precision. The front doors feature
Ford’s signature stepped-down truck beltline.
Inside, F-150 boasts passenger comfort and head-turning style. Three different
instrument cluster designs give each series a distinctive look. All models,
including the base version, feature an upscale two-tone instrument panel.
The flow-through center console gives customers the option of two captain’s
chairs with a floor shifter on FX4 and Lariat models. The floor shifter, another
F-150 first, is a sophisticated design, detailed in warm steel and chrome.
Vehicles equipped with a 40/20/40-split-front-bench seat have a different
instrument panel center stack optimized for middle-passenger legroom.
The F-150 offers the industry-first modular overhead rail system that allows
owners to customize interior storage options to suit their individual needs.
With it, occupants may easily snap in additional modules, such as first- aid
kits, toolboxes, flashlights and two-way radio holders.
Powertrain and Chassis
The 300-horsepower Triton three-valve V-8 engine powers the 2006 Ford
Harley-Davidson F-150; a specially tuned exhaust system delivers a throaty
rumble. Besides its 22-inch wheels, this truck includes a performance sport
handling suspension that’s tuned to deliver a more precise driving feel.
Customers now also have the choice between 4x2 and all-wheel drive, with the
capability to handle more challenging driving conditions and road surfaces –
ranging from dry pavement to winter weather. The new all-wheel-drive system
continuously monitors the wheel speeds and throttle position to determine the
appropriate amount of power to send to the front of the truck to help prevent
slip.
The mainstream F-150 offers three engine choices for 2006: a 4.2-liter V-6
engine, a 4.6-liter Triton V-8 and the top-of-the-line 5.4-liter, three-valve
Triton ä V-8.
The 5.4-liter Triton ä V-8 engine is designed with three valves per cylinder,
variable cam timing and a host of other features that provide increased power
along with a quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency. It delivers 300
horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 pound-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm. Later in the
model year, a flex-fuel version that can use up to 85 percent ethanol will be
available.
Segment-first torque-based electronic throttle control uses driver input from
the accelerator pedal to actively modulate the torque at the drive wheels. The
technology produces a seamless and consistent engine response, improved fuel
economy and enhanced integration of vehicle systems, such as the transmission,
variable camshaft timing, vehicle speed control and idle speed control.
Engineering advances in the F-150 lead to exceptional handling, ride and
quietness. The fully boxed frame with hydroformed front rails is the strongest
in its class and reduces shake and shudder on rough roads. The liquid-filled
engine mounts or “hydromounts” on V-8 engine installations attenuate much of the
engine's noise and vibration before it can reach the passenger compartment.
A rack- and-pinion steering system – the largest and strongest ever used on a
Ford vehicle – was engineered to provide improved steering response.
Both 4x2 and 4x4 models use coil-on-shock, long-spindle, double-wishbone front
suspension with cast aluminum lower control arms – a first in the pickup truck
segment. The suspension reduces unsprung weight to help provide better ride and
stability on choppy, broken surfaces.
The Hotchkiss-design rear suspension has been optimized with rear shock
absorbers placed outboard of the frame rails – a segment exclusive – for a
smoother ride and improved control of body lean. The shock position also
provides better control of axle “skipping” and “skating” that can happen on
washboard-type surfaces.
Safety and Security
The strong hydroformed front frame rails are built to help manage crash forces.
In an impact, these areas of the frame are designed to collapse in an accordion
fashion, dissipating energy before it reaches the passenger compartment.
As a result, F-150 is the only pickup in its class to earn NHTSA’s 5-star rating
for driver and right-front-passenger frontal crash rating and receive a “Best
Pick” in frontal offset crash testing performed by the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety.
The F-150’s portfolio of safety features includes the Ford Personal Safety
System â and occupant-sensing technology for the first-row passenger. Whether
it’s a pair of work gloves, a child or an adult sitting there, the technology
determines if the air bag should be on or off. (Always wear safety belt and
secure children in the rear seat when possible.) The frontal air bags offer
multiple deployment levels that tailor inflation force to the severity of the
crash, the driver's safety-belt use and the driver's seat position as determined
by a sensor mounted to the seat track.
Four-wheel vented-disc anti-lock brakes are standard. This year, 4x2 V-8 models
can be ordered with Traction Assist to improve acceleration and stability on
slippery surfaces.
Major Features and Options
XL includes: Argent front and rear bumpers, black grille and front fascia,
interval wipers, 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, (SuperCab) AM/FM audio
system, black vinyl floor covering, interior map lights and vinyl
40/20/40-split-front seat with manual driver lumbar support.
STX adds: Body-color front and rear step bumpers and grille surround, air
conditioning (Regular Cab), AM/FM audio system with single CD player and cloth
40/20/40-split-front seat with manual driver lumbar support.
XLT adds: Chrome front and rear bumpers, black honeycomb grille insert, remote
keyless entry, power exterior mirrors, automatic headlamps, carpeting and floor
mats, power locks and windows, privacy glass, outside temperature and compass
display and premium cloth 40/20/40-split-front seat with manual driver lumbar
support.
FX4 adds: Body-color front and rear bumpers (with monotone paint) or Dark Shadow
Grey front and rear bumpers (with two-tone paint), black “bar style” grille
insert, wheel-lip moldings, 18-inch machined cast aluminum wheels, keyless entry
keypad, black leather-wrapped steering wheel, black rubber off-road floor mats,
sport cloth 40/20/40-split-front seat with manual driver and passenger lumbar
support.
Lariat adds: Chrome (monotone) or Arizona Beige (two-tone) front and rear
bumpers, chrome grille surround with Light Arizona Beige honeycomb insert, power
heated side mirrors with integral turn signal, 18-inch bright aluminum wheels,
electronic automatic temperature control, rear window defroster, carpeting and
floor mats, message center with trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel
with duplicate controls, power-adjustable driver’s seat and leather-trimmed
seating surfaces.
Selected options include: Mechanical or automatic shift-on-the-fly
four-wheel-drive, skid plates, limited slip axle, 35.7-gallon fuel tank, fog
lamps, two-tone paint, various appearance upgrade packages, power-adjustable
pedals, reverse sensing system, six-disc CD changer, audiophile audio system,
heavy-duty payload package, trailer tow package, snow-plow prep package, work
truck package and rear-seat entertainment system.
Ford F-150 History
1900 Henry Ford builds his third vehicle – a truck
1925 Ford’s first factory-assembled pickup sells for $281 and features cargo
box, adjustable tailgate, four stake pockets and heavy-duty rear springs
1928 Ford introduces Model A Open Cab Pickup and AA Chassis
1932 All-new Model B pickup and Model BB truck chassis debut with the famous
“flathead” V-8
1948 F-Series is Ford’s first all-new, post-war line of vehicles, ranging from
the half-ton F-1 to 3-ton F-8
1953 Ford introduces F-100 pickup, replacing F-1
1965 Twin I-beam front suspension improves ride quality
1975 First F-150 goes on sale
1980 Ford redesigns F-150 with a more finished cab and options to improve
comfort
1988 F-150 offers a new 4x4 SuperCab model
1994 Driver’s side air bag becomes st andard
2004 All-new F-150 earns more than 30 awards since introduction, including North
American Truck of the Year
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