Ford F-Series (twelfth generation)
The twelfth generation of the Ford F-Series is a light-duty pickup truck that was produced by Ford from the 2009 to 2014 model years. Initially slotted between the Ford Ranger and Ford Super Duty in size, the F-150 became the smallest Ford truck in North America following the 2011 withdrawal of the Ranger (in North America). The final generation of the F-150 produced with a separate body design from the Super Duty trucks (F-250 to F-550), the twelfth generation again adopted an all-new chassis and body, also marking an extensive transition to  the powertrain lineup. Alongside the all-new model design, the new generation started a model shift for the F-150. In all but the most fleet-oriented trim levels, Ford introduced higher-quality interior materials and features. In the United States, the Lincoln Mark LT was repackaged as the highest-content Ford F-150 Platinum trim (a Mark LT based on the twelfth generation was designed, exclusive to Mexico). For 2010, the SVT Raptor was introduced as the highest-performance F-Series truck; in contrast to the previous Ford SVT Lightning trucks, the Raptor was optimized for off-road performance. In North  America, the twelfth-generation F-150 was assembled by Ford at its Dearborn Truck facility (Dearborn, Michigan) and its Kansas City Assembly facility (Claycomo, Missouri). In December 2014, production of the model line ended, with Ford introducing the thirteenth-generation F-series. Design history. Ford revealed the 2009 F-150 design at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Development began under chief engineer Matt O'Leary in November 2003 under the code name "P-415", after P-221 production began in June 2003. General design work was done under Patrick Schiavone into late 2005, with further exterior changes taking place during late  2006 to the tailgate design and wheel lip arches during a development hiatus. The final design freeze later took place by early 2007. Production of the series began in October 2008 at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant. Ford originally planned to expand the F-Series platform by reintroducing the F-100 as a midsize truck. Known internally as P525, the F-100 would have served as the global replacement for Ford Ranger in 2010 or 2011, The project was ultimately shelved, with the company developing the Ranger T6 as a global midsize truck and in North America, Ford focused on developing  fuel-efficient powertrains such as the EcoBoost V6 and the 6-speed automatic transmission for the F-150. The 2009 F-150 featured a larger and more flexible interior, an updated three-bar grille, and additional choices of trim levels. The chassis included lighter-weight, high-strength steel for better fuel economy and safety and improved payload and towing capacity. For the first time in the history of the F-Series, a V8 engine was standard in all models; no 6-cylinder was available. All F-150s included an automatic transmission as standard equipment, as a manual transmission was no longer available. Regular  cab models were once again produced with standard-length doors rather than two short, rear-opening doors. All Flareside models in 2009 were made with new badging on the previous generation's boxes and were discontinued at the end of the model year when stock had run out, echoing a similar situation in the first year of the eighth generation. The interior was more luxurious and offered more features than previous-generation trucks. The Ford Sync system became available for the first time, including both Bluetooth functionality, and USB and auxiliary inputs, and a premium Sony audio system was also  available for the first time on higher trim levels. The center stack was also redesigned to integrate the audio system and climate controls into a single unit (the base XL model still included a separate AM/FM radio unit with an auxiliary audio input as standard equipment). The instrument cluster was now the same in all trim levels of the F-150 (and now included a tachometer as standard equipment), although the gauge facings still varied by trim level. For the 2010 model year, the SVT Raptor off-road truck was introduced. Initially available as a SuperCab with a 5.5-foot  box, it was available with either a 320 hp 5.4L V8 or an optional 411 hp 6.2L V8 from the Super Duty line. The standard wheel diameter on FX4 models was enlarged to 18". For 2010, the F-150 saw minimal changes, although the warning chimes were changed to match the rest of the new Ford lineup. The keyless entry remote design was also changed, and now offered integrated remote start (previously, opting for remote start would require an additional, single-button remote), as well as an integrated key. Also new for 2010 was the new MyKey system as standard equipment  on all F-150 models (excluding the base XL, where the MyKey system was an option). The MyKey system allowed for parents of younger drivers, as well as fleet operators, to configure one of the vehicle's ignition keys as the vehicle's MyKey, and could limit the vehicle's top speed, mute the vehicle's audio system until the driver's seatbelt was fastened, limit the maximum volume of the audio system, and provide both audible and visual warnings whenever a predetermined speed was reached. When the MyKey system was enabled, a message would appear on the instrument cluster display  screen, denoting "MyKey Active, Drive Safely", to remind the driver to drive responsibly. 2011 marked a major upgrade to the powertrain lineup. In the interest of increasing fuel economy, both versions of the 4.6L V8 and the 5.4L V8 were discontinued. In their place were a 3.7L V6 and a 5.0L V8. Between the two engines was an all-new 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6. Dubbed "EcoBoost", the 3.5L V6 produced 365 hp. Also for 2011, the instrument cluster was redesigned, and a new "premium" instrument cluster was introduced with a 4.2-inch (4.2") color LCD "Productivity Screen" that included "Truck  Apps" that provided information such as approach and departure angles, altitude, current 4WD system status, and other important information. The base XL trim received new styled steel wheels as standard equipment, replacing the older, five-spoke styled steel wheels that were carryover wheels from the Ford F-Series (eleventh generation). For 2012, the F-150 sported a ten-grade lineup (XL, STX, XLT, FX2, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Harley-Davidson and SVT Raptor). For 2013, the F-150 received minor changes such as 3 new grilles (replacing all 4 previous grilles), new optional 18-inch, 20-inch, or 22-inch wheels , Sync with MyFord, MyFord Touch navigation system, new power-folding and telescoping trailer tow mirrors (taken from the 2011 Super Duty models), high-intensity discharge headlamps, 3 new color options (Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic), new Alcantara seats in the FX Appearance Package, black or pecan leather in Platinum, the return of the Limited model (directly replacing the Harley-Davidson trim level), and the 6.2-liter V8 being made available in XLT, FX2, and FX4 (SuperCab and SuperCrew only). For 2014, a special edition called the Tremor was introduced, essentially an EcoBoost-equipped FX2  or FX4 truck in a regular cab model with a 6.5' bed, a special FX Appearance Package, a flow-through center console with bucket seats and a 4.10 rear gear final drive ratio. Also new in 2014, the STX trim level also became available on SuperCrew models with the 5.5' box. In addition, an STX Sport package was added for 2014 including 20" wheels, black cloth seats, and black exterior accents. Powertrain. Three engines were offered with the 2009 redesign: a revised 5.4 L 3-valve Triton V8 that is E85 capable with an output rating of and of torque , a 4.6 L 3-valve V8, and a 4.6 L 2-valve V8. The 3-valve 5.4 and 4.6 liter V8s were mated to Ford's new 6R80E 6-speed automatic transmission while the 4R75E 4-speed automatic transmission was carried over for the 2-valve 4.6 L V8. The 4.2 L OHV V6 engine, which had been available, was dropped due to the closure of the Essex engine plant where it was produced. For the 2011 model year, an all-new engine lineup was offered. Two of the engines, a 3.7 L V6 and a 5.0 L V8, both  based on the 2011 Ford Mustang engines, both offer E85 flex-fuel capability. The 6.2 L V8 used in the 2011 Ford Super Duty was made available with the F-150 Platinum, Lariat, SVT Raptor, Harley Davidson and "Lariat Limited" Editions (only approximately 3700 made). Finally, the 3.5 L direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 was offered in the F-150 starting in early 2011. All engines were paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission (6R80). Electric power-assisted steering was made available on all engines besides the 6.2. Since 2008, the Ford F-150 has towing and hauling capacity of 11,300  lbs and 3,060 lbs, respectively. Safety. The 2009 Ford F-150 featured front-seat side impact airbags and Ford's Safety Canopy System for the first and second rows as head protection in the event of a side impact. It also featured Ford's exclusive ADVANCETRAC RSC (Roll Stability Control)--an electronic Stability control and anti-rollover safety feature also available in other Ford vehicles, from the Fusion to the Expedition. The F-150 comes standard with AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control, front and rear row side curtain airbags, and front row torso side airbags. Safety Ratings can be found here (https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings). Concepts. At  the 2008 SEMA show, four 2009 Ford F-150s were unveiled: the F-150 Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor, the FX-4 by X-Treme Toyz, the F-150 by Street Scene Equipment, and the Hi-Pa Drive F-150. The Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor was built in a DeWalt theme. The FX-4, also called Fahrenheit F-150, was built for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The Street Scene Equipment version is a lowered truck built with performance and style. The Hi-Pa Drive F-150 was powered by 4 electric in-wheel motors rated over and over torque combined. Ford SVT Raptor. For 2010, Ford introduced the F-150 SVT  Raptor, the third F-Series truck developed by Ford SVT. In line with the previous SVT Lightnings, the Raptor was the highest-performance F-Series truck, including modifications to the chassis and powertrain. In sharp contrast to the street and track-oriented Lightning, the Raptor was developed as a street-legal version of a desert racing vehicle. Distinguished by its "FORD" grille badging, the SVT Raptor is fitted with a redesigned wide-track suspension, allowing for much longer wheel travel; other electronics optimized its traction both on and off-road. Powered by a 411 hp 6.2L V8 from the Super  Duty trucks (a 310 hp 5.4L V8 was offered in 2010), the Raptor was the most powerful version of the F-150. Initially offered as a SuperCab, the Raptor was also offered as a SuperCrew 4-door. Chinese copy controversy. In 2014, Chinese company Jiangsu Kawei Automotive released the Kawei K1, which appeared to be nearly identical to the Ford F-150. When interviewed by Fox News in 2014, a Ford spokesman said they were aware of the Kawei and their legal counsel was investigating how best to address the matter.