IL Insider: 2009 Ford F-Series

The Ford Motor Company will spend an estimated $1.7 billion to overhaul its F-series pickups for model-year 2009.

It's not a full ground-up redesign, but the 2009 F-150 will get a bold new face with the Blue Oval's signature three-bar grille as well as revised side panels and rear end. Perhaps the biggest change is a much larger crew-cab variant, which is getting a 6-inch stretch and a fold-flat rear seat, IL has learned.

Developed under the code name P415, the '09 F-series may be shortchanged in the powertrain department, according to suppliers, who say Ford won't have either a diesel engine or a gasoline V6 available when the revised trucks begin production about 12 months from now.

Ford is developing its own 330-horsepower 4.4-liter turbodiesel V8 for the F-series, but insiders say the engine may not be ready until model-year 2011. A gasoline V6 isn't expected until model-year 2010.

Also delayed is the much-ballyhooed "Boss" 6.2-liter V8 (known earlier by the code name "Hurricane"). The big 425-hp gasoline V8, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and earmarked especially for commercial users, has been pushed back until model-year 2011, according to suppliers. The engine is expected to employ such advanced technology as twin turbochargers, direct injection and cylinder deactivation, to provide the optimum combination of performance and fuel economy.

When the face-lifted F-series is introduced in fall 2008, only three gasoline V8s are expected to be offered: two- and three-valve versions of the 4.6-liter V8 and a three-valve 5.4-liter V8.

Although Ford currently offers a 355-hp 6.8-liter gasoline V10 and a 325-hp 6.0-liter PowerStroke diesel from Navistar International as options in its Super Duty pickups, neither engine fits into the light-duty F150.

The new F-series will be available in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. The four-door model is said to be roomier than the Dodge Ram Mega Cab and larger than the Toyota Tundra Crew Max.

The F-series cabin gets an extensive makeover, with new instrument panels, consoles, seats and door trim. Ford's truck interiors continue to move upscale in appointments and quality, and the '09 model should raise the bar a bit further.

Industry watchers expect to see the 2009 F-series officially break cover in January at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.