F-150 Drive Event today

[Sgt Beavis]

Just a heads up for those that don't already know. You can drive a 2015 F150 today at the Harley Davidson dealership in Corinth, TX. You should sign up at https://www.f150drive.com/events-home.aspx but I was told walk ups were ok. Apparently some free gift is given after the drive. I'm betting it is a t-shirt like they gave away at the Mustang Bucket List event..

I'm going to be there at 11 this morning so you can avoid me..

[fordracing19]

They had 5 or so new F150s at McCoys building supply in Gainesville yesterday. I would of liked to stop but we were delivering a cater.

[Sgt Beavis]

There were a few big take aways I took from driving a 2.7EB XLT and 3.5EB King Ranch. The first was that these trucks are definitely bigger than the current model. Maybe two inches wider on the inside. The center arm rest is much wider than on my FX2. There is also more space between the wheel wells in the truck bed. I don't know how much but is was significant.

Both models I drove were 4x4s, yet the 2.7EB felt like it has more balls than my 5.0. It only has 5lbs less torque than my 5.0 and of course the truck weighs quite a bit less. The Rep driving with me claims he was getting 23mpg on the 4x4. The 2.7 is a very quiet motor in this truck VERY quiet. The truck also has start/stop for the engine. Its actual functionality wasn't noticable at the two stoplights we waited at. On the downside, it doesn't have that pleasing V8 sound when you get on it.

Ride in the 4x4 was significantly better than my 4x2. That was impressive.

Styling wise, I had thought the new F150 was a lot like the current model except for the front. However on closer examination you can see that the body is much more sculpted.

Little things I noticed and liked:
1. You can now get heated rear seats.
2. Cargo space under the rear seats is a bit better organized.
3. AC outlets are in the front and back now.
4. I'm 6'2". Putting the front seat most of the way back still left me with pleanty of rear seat room.
5. I didn't spend a ton of time in the rear seat, but if felt more comfortable. The middle head rest is smaller and doesn't block your view of the rear any longer. The other head rests can be folded down.
6. The back up camera has a zoom function to make it easier to see your tow hitch. It also has guide lines that curve when you turn the wheel to show where you are going. My wife's Mercedes has this but it was the first I've seen it on an F150.
7. Response from the touch screen appears to be much improved.
8. The current F150 has a fish eye mirror on the drivers side. The new one has it on both sides. It also gives you blind spot alerts if you get that option.
9. The rear tailgate has a button for an electronic release instead of a handle. The gate is also spring loaded. You can unlatch it and let it go. The gate will simply glide open gently. There is apparantly a remote open feature but I didn't try it out.

There is more but I've already gone on too long. Suffice to say, it is a damn nice truck. I was wondering if it was worth it to consider upgrading from my 2012. It was good enough to make me start thinking about it. If they put $5000 or more on the hood, and I decide to not get another Mustang, I think I'll do it.

[fordracing19]

My 2012 has the lines and zoom for the camera.

[Sgt Beavis]

My 2012 has the lines and zoom for the camera.

Gotcha. Mine has it in the mirror, so no dice...

[fordracing19]

That's where mine is. When in reverse you can change the zoom and other options using the steering wheel controls.

[lowthreeohz]

My 13 has it in the mirror but also has zoom and the colored lines

[Sgt Beavis]

Does the 2014 have a center line that bends as you turn the steering wheel to show where you are going?

BTW, one thing I didn't get to check out, but wanted to, was the camera system that shows you all sides of the truck. They had that on the King Ranch but they kinda rushed us through it because so many people were in line to drive the 3.5EB.

One other thing about the 3.5EB. It didn't sound like crap like it did when I bought my 2012. It had a nice sound to it that was closer to the 5.0. IMO, it still isn't worth the $1000 up charge if you don't tow alot. The 2.7EB is a real value. I love my 5.0 but it would definitely go with the 2.7 in a future truck.

One other thing I'm wondering about is the expected release date of the 10 speed auto tranny. IMO that would be worth waiting for.

[Torinoman]

My 2011 Limited has heated rear seats