Future Truck: 2009 Ford F-150

There’s no more important vehicle to Ford than its F-150 pickup. With sales off 11% in 2006, and all new full size pickups from General Motors and Toyota heading to dealer lots, it’s make or break time for the F-Series and Ford’s financial future. The 2009 Ford F-150 has to be a homerun.

Rumors say to expect a beefed up triple bar grille that’s more aggressive than the current truck, but not as strong as some F-Series enthusiasts believe it should be for a truck that’s been the number one selling vehicle in the US for 30 years.

A sneak preview of two versions of the next gen F-150 was granted to a select group of workers and journalists late last year as part of Ford’s “Showroom of the Future” event which took the wraps off many upcoming Ford cars and trucks expected between now and 2010.

New powertrains options will emphasize power along with fuel economy and will feature a six speed automatic transmission for the V8 lineup and possibly a new 4.4-liter 1/2-ton diesel engine option.