2015 Ford F-150 unveiled

jus2shy wrote:
The problem with the 700lbs number is that I keep hearing that's the most heavily optioned vehicle that loses that much weight. Average weight loss across the line seems like it'll be a bit smaller. I'm sure most of the magazines will be taking the trucks to the scale and comparing them to similar previous model trucks to see how true Ford's statement is on the trucks and just how far that applies.

As for highway fuel economy, I'm under the impression that aerodynamic drag is a bigger factor than weight, since an object in motion tends to want to stay in motion. However it looks like Ford is pulling the same stops that RAM did employing active aerodynamic shutters in the grille. Ford has always had a superior rear cab shape in my eyes as well, only truck maker to actually sculpt the back of the cab to try to direct air more strategically.

As to the LED argument, in 2010 Ford switched from a mechanical fan drive to an e-fan setup. Again, this was because the mechanical fan always had parasitic drag but an e-fan could be turned on only when needed, removing the parasitic drag from the crankshaft. All trucks have a smart charging system now a days that helps keep engine drag low when the power isn't really needed. Saving drag on the alternator will also save fuel. It's all these little improvements that add up to the bigger picture of fuel economy savings. Personally, I am really curious how that Ecoboost 2.7 will work in the real world and if it will eclipse the Ecodiesel or not. This stuff is always fun to watch :).

Actually, since the weight loss is tied mostly to the cab/bed sheetmetal, options will hardly affect the weight loss # between similarly equipped '14 models vs. '15. Crewcabs are probably the most popular cab configuration, and they are the ones that will see the ~700 lb. loss. Regular cabs and supercabs will see less weight loss that's true.