I have no idea (and hope this is not true) but Edmunds has stated that the "new" 2009 F-150 is just a facelift. I am attaching the article. I hope this is not true as it state no diesel till 2011, and the Boss is delayed as well
Edmunds - Straightline

Full article

 

It doesn't really need a full redesign just a facelift and more powerful engine options. In this case, 1 out of 2 ISN'T a good thing.

Wish I could find the article Ford put out to its dealers/salespeople to "battle" against Dodge's MEGAcab. They claimed people didn't care about second row seat space/size/comfort. Looks like someone is eating his words.

 

Two things:
I'd call that a pretty dang good facelift that will totally change the body style.

And they might wanna check their facts.

 

If you go over to blueovalforums a guy named Igor has alot of inside info on the F-150 and he said that the boss is gonnna debut in the 2009-1/2 model year which would be febuary and he also stated that the 4.6 liter will get the 3-valve treatment that the explorer got which should bump it up to around 290-300 hp and apparently the 5.4 will be the top enging choice until the 6.2 liter BOSS debuts in Febuary 09'. As dissapoined as I am in this news I still plan on trading my truck in next year for the the new refreshed F-150 even if it doesn't have the 6.2 Liter BOSS in it.

 

It doesn't take an Edmunds article to see it's the same platform. I mentioned this when the first spy shots came out and posted the same impression. Its obivous its the same underlying platform. That's not a bad thing. The frame and drive-train are stout and more than capable enough - outdoing the competition, the basic interior layout is great, etc.

Ford needs to address:
1. Brakes
2. Power
3. Economy

Those items don't require a ground-up redesign.

 

I'm more concerned on the engine choices not debuting till '11. I will buy a diesel when I buy my mext vehicle, and the F250 is too big for my needs. I am a Ford guy (always had great luck with them), but seeing that GM and Nissan will have a Diesel in the next 1-2 years, and ford not for another 3-4 years kills me. Especially since Ford is the leader in Diesel sales in the truck market. I do agree that a face lift is not a bad thing, but to me, engine/drivetrain and brakes as have been mentioned before are critical. Being that there will not be a Diesel/Boss kills me (BTW I like to keep cars till they die or or at least 7+ years old, so I do rack up the mileage... hence why a diesel would be nice.

 

I seriously doubt Ford will debut a new F150 without adding a more powerful motor to combat the Tundra & co. They already have a 6 speed auto in the Expy, so that will probably make the jump to the '09. My guess is a 350hp 5.4 as the top motor until the Boss is ready. We'll know some of this in January.

 

its moving to the T1 platform.. sharing with the expedition.
it is getting a 6 speed auto.
3.7 v6, 4.6v8 (the 292 hp version) and 5.4 at first (maybe a slight power increase).
2009 1/2 6.2 boss debuts, 2010 4.4 diesel, twin force 3.5 v6 sometime in there
2011/12 twin force boss. Yes, a direct injection twin turbo 6.2 liter v8.

At least, thats what I've gathered on blueovalforums.com and some other places.

 

Captain, did you read that article? It said no V6 for a few years.

 

Igor at blueovalforums is A LOT closer than the article.

 

why are they ditching the 4.2 V6 for a smaller 3.7 V6?

 

It's no 4.9L six. LOL

Could be that the old technology (isn't this the last of the Cologne engines?) has followed it's course and time to move on.

The 3.7L is modern, produces more hp and torque doesn't it? And, I have a feeling that Ford is trying to provide more reliable equipment and rebuild it's image in the public eye. My opinion of the 4.2L engine is not too favorable, in any case. And I don't think a great many buyers favor another trip to the shop. Just my opinion guys...

 

I'd like to see the specs on a 3.7 V6. I have a hard time believing they would be much better than the 4.2 V6. I believe the 4.2 is the last OHV engine Ford offers in the F150 so maybe they're moving to a 3.7 DOHC or something. The 4.2 had some problems back when it was introduced but is a good motor now.

 

Well considering the 4.2 is rated @ 202hp and 260 torque, a 3.5 is rated @ 265hp and 250 torque. I would imagine a 3.7 would be even higher.
I know what the engine/trans options are going to be but they could change between now and launch so you will have to wait until Jan. 2008. And that ain't that long. (:

 

Well they need to do something to address their engine choices with the F150 because if they wait until 2011 for the diesel i know that yota or gm will rush a diesel to production before ford gets one out which would suck.