2011 Ford F-150 Sport (Los Angeles, CA)

2011 Ford F-150 Sport

There are now four different engines offered on the F-150 a 302-hp 3.7L V6 a 360-hp 5.0L a 411-hp 6.2L V8 and a 365-hp 3.5L turbocharged V6. All four come hooked only to a 6-speed automatic transmission with tow haul mode and they can be had with either rear- or 4-wheel drive. There are also several cab lengths and Regular SuperCab and SuperCrew cab styles.The latter of the four engines--the EcoBoost turbo V6--is the star of the lineup-- it produces V8 levels of power but with V6 fuel efficiency. Peak torque for the EcoBoost V6 is 420 pound-feet that starts as low as 1 700 rpm and models with this engine are rated at a best-in-class 11 300 pounds and a best-in-class payload of 3 060. What s more this engine which Ford will be promoting as an alternative to step-up V8 models from competitors runs just fine on regular unleaded gas.Both the new 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8 engines incorporate Ti-VCT variable valve timing which harnesses oil pressure directed with electronically controlled solenoids to quickly change engine timing as needed for more power or better fuel economy. As a result they produce impressive power and torque while also posting fuel economy improvements over the engines they replace. The base V6 returns EPA ratings of up to 16 mpg city 23 highway while the 5.0L Coyote V8 is rated at 15 city 21 highway. The 6.2L V8--still the likely choice for those who have to tow heavy loads for long distances--gets 12 17 mpg.F-150 trucks are purchased for such a mind-bogglingly wide range of uses ranging from simple construction work to weekend haulers to cowboy commuters and those who use their rigs as a family vehicle so Ford offers a very wide range of cab bed and trim levels to fit almost everyone.Ford s SYNC interface is available throughout the lineup the feature allows an easy Bluetooth-based voice-command-driven interface with phones and smartphones and allows other features such as traffic reports news and weather. For those who truly work out of their trucks Ford is again offering a Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer with among several noteworthy features a tracking system for tools.The F-150 lineup now includes ten different models including XL STX XLT XLT Custom FX2 FX4 Lariat Lariat Limited King Ranch Platinum and Harley Davidson F-150. Base XL models have vinyl seats manual windows and wind-up windows but they do include air conditioning and an AM FM stereo. The STX adds keyless entry cruise control and power accessories while the XLT gets a little more of a dress-up with fog lamps a chrome grille and upgraded wheels. On the XLT you can option up to the V8 but the Lariat includes it along with some of the features of a luxury vehicle including power-adjustable pedals leather upholstery SYNC and Sirius Satellite Radio. Lariat Limited and Platinum models add even more luxury including remote start power seats ventilated seats and wood and leather trim. The Lariat Limited also gets huge 22-inch wheels. Harley-Davidson and King Ranch models put it over the top in luxury with a moonroof heated second-row seats a navigation system and special badging. The Harley Davidson model of course bows to its motorcycle namesake in appearance while the King Ranch s interior is swaddled in top-caliber hides.If you want a truck that s equipped more for sport you should go for the FX2 FX4 models which include a power driver s seat SYNC telescopic steering adjustment blacked-out trim 18-inch off-road wheels and a power inverter. There s also a separate even more intense off-road machine the F-150 Raptor--featuring the 411-hp 6.2L V8 plus a long-travel off-road suspension skid plates wide fenders and special electronic off-road controls.