Happy Thursday everyone, Big_Blocker here with an interesting piece of news that was just released today by Ford. The news surrounds the release of a new variation of the 2009 Ford F150 toted as the Superior Fuel Economy edition. Ford claims that by using several advancements in aerodynamics and fuel systems, the F150 SFE is capable of 8% better fuel economy than the 2008 F150. To read how Ford achieved this as well as some of my opinions on the new SFE F150, hit the jump.

As gas prices go up, those who seek pickup trucks as their primary means of transportation are increasingly looking for ways to save at the pump. Ford knows this and thus has designed an F150 with fuel saving in mind. Designated the F150 Superior Fuel Economy edition, Ford claims mpg of 15 city and 21 highway. But how did Ford achieve this increase? First, they started off by dropping a smaller displacement 4.6 L V8 onto the K-member to reduce weight and gas guzzling. A newly developed 6-speed transmission is mated to the V8 to help keep the revs down and the shifts smoother. The 6-speed is said to have been engineered so as to deliver crisp responsiveness in the lower gears and a smooth power band in the high end. Another first for the SFE is the use of a 3.15:1 rear gear that helps the truck cruise down the highway while keeping the revs low. To round out the package, low resistance tires are standard on all for corners if the SFE option is ordered. Only available on the F150 SuperCrew and XLT 4×2, the SFE package will be a no-cost option with the chrome package ordered. The sleeker more aerodynamic design is said to have played a large part as well (overall aerodynamics are improved on all editions of the 2009 F150 resulting in improved economy and include refinements of the front valence, tailgate and rear of the cab).

Of course, with this drop in power and lower rear end, the SFE drops its towing capacity down from 11,300 pounds to 7,500 pounds, however if fuel is what you are looking to save and you don’t need to tow anything too massive, this may be the truck for you.

Now, what do I think about the SFE edition? Overall, I think that Ford is taking a big step in the right direction. Unlike the hybrid trucks which I feel are pieces of sh*t, options such as the SFE edition F150 still give those who own trucks an option to still have the practicality of a truck while maintaining some efficiency as well. Being a truck owner myself and having to deal with miserable mileage, I would not hesitate to look into a newer truck (provided I had money) that could give me V8 power and hauling capabilities while at the same time delivering 21 mpg (which I think is a little inflated but what isn’t). With gas prices going up, I see that Ford may sell a good amount of these SFE F150’s in the future and that other makers will follow suit if they haven’t already.

Hope you enjoyed this look at a new trend in trucks, Big_Blocker out. (There was to be a new Muscle Car of the Week today but after reading this I felt it was more important and the MCotW will come in the next few days)