The Ford Trucks of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

The 2010 model year brought us few changes to America’s best selling truck but with the news of the new engines coming to the F-series, the Ford trucks display at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show was amazing. The display featured a few 2010 model year Ford trucks alongside a couple 2011 Super Duty’s showing off the capabilities of the new 6.7L PowerStroke diesel. There was a “cut-a-way” version of the new 6.2L V8 gasoline engine next to a new PowerStroke, also cut up to show off all of the innovative features to the new F-Series engines for 2011. There will also be a 5.0L V8 similar to the one found in the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and an EcoBoost V6 like the one found in the Taurus SHO but each of those engines were showcased in their model-specific areas.

Next, to show off the advantages of Ford’s driver assists, there was a “virtual driving” booth that strapped you into a seat with driving controls in front of 3 flat panel monitors; giving the auto show goers the chance to experience driving the F-Series trucks in a variety of situations both with and without driver assists.

Finally, the key feature of the Ford trucks display was the vehicles with every variant of the F-Series displayed with the exception of the F450, although having an SVT Raptor to climb around in is always a nice addition. Ford also had a new Explorer Sport Trac included for the public days.

F150

The 2010 Ford F150 has not had many changes since the 2009 model year so at the Detroit Auto Show, it was all about showing off the quality of the 2010 models. A blue F150 FX4 showcased the off-road capabilities of the 2010 F150 and a black Platinum edition showed off the luxury side of the 2010 Ford F-Series. Ford also used the F150s to display a handful of their “convenience options” like the bed extender and rail system, the rear step built into the tailgate and the spring loaded side steps. The F150 models at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show were still fitted with the 4.6L and 5.4L V8s but for 2011 we can expect an EcoBoost V6 to be the base model engine followed by the new 5.0L V8 and finally the 6.2L is expected to be the premium engine option for next year.

F250

Ford offered up a black 2010 F250 with the luxurious King Ranch package and a 6.4L PowerStroke but near the cut-a-way engine display there was also a bright red 2011 F250 SLT-FX4 at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Much like the 2010 F150 models, the F250s use the same engines as the 2009 model year with the base engine being the 5.4L V8, followed by the 6.8L V10 and the 6.4L PowerStroke Diesel. For 2011, those engines will no longer be offered as the base engine will be the new 6.2L gasoline engine and the new 6.7L PowerStroke diesel is the premium engine option for the 2011 F250s.
The red 2011 F250, powered by the new 6.2L gasoline V8 also features the refreshed front end with the enlarged headlights and fog lights moved towards the outside of the vehicle. Also, the side badging of the 2011 Super Duty is similar to that found on the F150 models with the model and trimline designation in the sharp chrome fender badge. The 2011 F250 also receives the bolder grille with the two center bars protruding out away from the edges, where the current models have a smooth transition around the grille.

F350

The 2010 F350 was not on display but like the smaller of the Super Duty models, the F350 was well represented by 2011 models at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. There was a pair of the 2011 F350 models; one wearing a two tone white and beige scheme and displaying the newest installation of the King Ranch package and the other sporting a utility box and a Dewalt tools black and gold scheme ““ both equipped with the new 6.7L PowerStroke diesel.

The white 2011 F350 on display was more like a luxury truck than a work truck with leather and wood grain filling the interior thanks to the King Ranch and Lariat package. On the outside, much of the chrome seen on the red F250 is gone with a body colored grille frame and beige bumpers matching the lower body color. The King Ranch edition does retain the prominent twin chrome bars across the center of the grille and the sunken in “Super Duty” across the front of the hood is a featured across the lineup.

The Dewalt Contractor Concept was a popular attraction during the entire show as it is like every man’s dream truck. They started with a 2011 Ford F350 XLT Crew Cab 4×4 with an 8′ bed, modifying the stock bed with the ultimate side-entry tool boxes, a work space with a vise and even an overhead hoist to lift things into the bed. Inside, the Dewalt Contractor Concept is equipped with the Ford Work Solutions and Tool Link package to keep track of the tools out back and to keep the driver and passenger comfortable a custom Katzkin leather package finishes the interior.

F550

There were no 2010 F550 models and no production ready 2011 models but there was one great looking show truck based on the 2011 F550. Finished in a bright red scheme, Ford brought out the fire department ready “2011 Super Duty F550 Fire Fighter”. This truck, like the F350 Dewalt Contractor Concept, is fully decked out to show off the vehicles capabilities with the help of the new 6.7L PowerStroke diesel. Ford started with a 2011 F550 XLT Crew Cab 4×4 and added on an emergency rescue box with plenty of room for storing all sorts of medical and safety equipment. Along the front end, a bull bar, heavy duty winch and even an emergency fire hose connection adds to the versatility of this Fire Fighter concept. A light bar and decal package finish off the exterior look of this purpose built F550.

SVT Raptor

The 2010 SVT F150 Raptor brought back a performance truck from Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, although it wasn’t the reincarnation of the SVT Lightning that many had been hoping for. This new performance F150 was built for serious off-road performance rather than the street and strip performance abilities of the Lightning. The 2010 Raptor comes equipped with a slew of suspension improvements to allow the SVT F150 to go pretty much anywhere ““ and get there in a hurry thanks to the 5.4L Triton V8. Late last year Ford began offering the new 6.2L V8 with 411 horsepower and 434lb-ft of torque in the Raptor and we can expect that in 2011 we may start seeing 5.0L powered Raptors as Ford moves away from the 4.6L and 5.4L in favor of the new engines.
This Raptor, like most you will see, is finished in Molten Orange Tri-Coat and finished with the dark wheels and the $1075 Raptor graphics package but the 2010 Raptor also comes in white, black and flame blue metallic. Inside, the 2010 SVT F150 has the same Molten Orange reflected throughout the seats and dash with leather upholstery giving the truck a luxurious feel inside of the rugged Raptor.

For an in-depth look at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show from the Detroit Autos Examiner click here.