Does anyone know if the two-tone paint scheme will still be available on the XLT when the 2018 refresh comes around?
Also, does anyone know why for the Naturally Aspirated V6 offering; Ford had decided to replace the 3.5 liter Naturally Aspirated V6 with a newer 3.3 liter Naturally Aspirated V6?

 

Can't help you with why that engine was replaced, but I do know that the 2 tone paint schemes can be had on XLT models. Two weeks ago I ordered a 2018 XLT and 2 tone was available for selection.

 

I haven't heard the reasoning for the smaller motor, or why we went away from the 3.7 which is still used in the Transit for that matter. I'd be willing to bet it has to government stuff of some sort. Possible for EU market? I know the F150 isn't big overseas, but registration cost in other countries if often based on displacement, so possibly they're working on getting the trucks global ready? That's complete speculation, and IDK if the change even makes a difference.

 

This is just a guess. I think the 3.3 is going to be in the Ranger so it's being fielded in the f150 first. Pretty much the same power, but there will always be a loss of lower end torque to to the smaller displacement in a NA engine. With only ~3% or so of sales being the NA V6, it will have no effect on sales.

 

Did you get an ETA on delivery of the 2018? Probably 12 weeks or so is my guess.

 

That would put delivery right around October 1 (if ordered today).

 

I'm going to drive one at a demo day on July 16th. Then I'll probably order one around Labor Day, hoping for some rebates/deals. I expect I'll probably get it about end of October.

 

Just say no to two-tone paint jobs and/or pin stripes.

 

YES - Build date is 07/24/2017.

UPDATE:

Today 07/03/2017 I received an ETA of 08/21/17

 

Totally agree on the pinstripes. I am sort of ambivalent about two-tone paint; sometimes it works and sometimes it really doesn't work.