I just happened to see a new F150 ecoboost on the road. Question: what was Ford thinking when they offset the front license plate assembly to the side of the front bumber. It looks absolutely TERRIBLE. This would definitely be a deal breaker for me. It looks really bad...like a mistake happened on the assembly line!

I've read people having issues with the blonde wood grain on the lariat and this and that about it (I actually think it looks good but anyway...back to the license plate thing)...but this license plate being on the side of the front bumper on ecoboost models, well, that is just plain craziness. It's just plain horrid looking.

 

i just saw one today and i thought it was a screw up by the dealer! i cant believe it was factory. it reminds me of the 90s e-series vans...yuck.

 

This was posted over on pickuptrucks.com

2011 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Front License Plate Mounting

The 3.5L EcoBoost engine on the F-150 includes a charge air cooler (CAC or intercooler assembly) that sits directly behind the opening in the middle of the front bumper. Unrestricted airflow to the CAC is essential to ensure maximum performance from the engine. For this reason, where front license plates are required, 2011 F-150s equipped with the EcoBoost engine will have a front left bumper cover that includes license plate mounting features.

Do not install a standard license plate mounting bracket in the middle of the front bumper opening as this will restrict airflow to the intercooler assembly.

If front license plate mounting is desired on vehicles not equipped with this type of bumper cover, order part number BL3Z-17E811-AA which includes both right-hand and left-hand bumper covers. This modification is not a warrantable item.

SSM 21734, which includes similar information directed at Service Departments, was released on Wednesday, February 9, 2011.

 

While I've read a number of posts both here and in the EB forum on this matter, I can't imagine that anyone could consider a license plate mount to be a deal breaker.

I consider this as giving the truck it's very own identity. A badge of recognition if you will.

 

I'm with you on this one Tim as it being a way to identify a EB. Especially if one happens to be in the rear view mirror and closing on you quickly!

 

I'm glad I live in a state where front plates are not required!

It wouldn't be a deal breaker for me though.
If only all those other people would quit buying MY winning powerball tickets.....

 

i didn't consider it a deal breaker and upon seeing them in person, i could really care less. It looks fine. For anyone who doesn't like it, buy and F150 with another of the 3 motors available, i'll enjoy my EB with my offset front plate.

 

The offset license plate doesn't bother me a bit. What really bothers me is the big hole in front of the Inter Cooler. There is no screen or grill to deflect any large rocks that will surely come flying in and put a hole in it.

Will ford cover the blown engine under warranty when this happens?

This was not very well thought out and it seems rushed to market.

 

The engine wouldn't be damaged from not having an intercooler. The denser, cooler air in to the engine allows it to put out more power. But hot air won't hurt it at all. That's to say "IF" the intercooler got damaged.

 

Good question.

I think the tires are not protected well either. I mean, they are just rolling on the ground unprotected from all the nasty things that can puncture them. Must be a design flaw! I wonder if they'll cover those under warranty should some object completely out of the manufacturers control happen to damage them...

 

It wasn't a deal-breaker for my wife and I.

It is somewhat distinguishing, like the mid-90s GM fullsize trucks with the 6.5L diesel. Those trucks had two square openings in the front bumper which was an easy way to identify the engine under the hood of that truck.

I'll be sure to post up a lot of pics when our truck is delivered. I guess my EcoBoost with its ugly, off-set, front Texas license plate will be making your eye twitch! LoL

 

Every F150 going back at least as far as 1997 has a similar hole in the front bumper. The only protection is the license plate (if you have one). I haven't read anything about people having issues with radiators getting punctured by road debris. I wouldn't expect anything different with the intercooler on the 2011 trucks. If it was a problem 2009-2010 owners would be having issues.

 

Does anyone have a picture of the new Ecoboost with the license plate on the side? Just curious to see what it looks like.

 

There's no plate installed in this picture, but the mount is there:
2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V-6 Photos and Additional Engine Details - PickupTrucks.com News
Third pic down.

 

Thanks...that gives me a great idea of what it looks like. Not a deal breaker to me just something different.