Due out in 2009, Ford's newest F150, will have the new Ford signature three-bar grill similar to the SuperDuty. The SuperCrew will be 6″ longer to make it more competitive in terms of rear seat space. Most of the weight reduction will come from the chassis. Ford states that the new F150's chassis will be stronger and lighter than the current truck. It is suspected Ford will use thinner, stronger steel and more aluminum. Most importantly the newer, lighter truck will achieve better gas mileage across the board using Ford's current 5.4 and 4.6 V8's (1-2 mpg's max).
Ford's "Ecoboost" Engine
In 2010, one year after the re-design, Ford will release a mid-sized diesel as well as a gas turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) engine named "EcoBoost". Ford's F150 diesel will be about 4.5L in displacement and we're guessing it will have 250 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy above 20mpg (city or highway). The EcoBoost engine won't replace the 5.4 V8, but it will most likely eliminate the need for the 4.6L at some point.
The new F150 will also offer a "trailer sway mitigation system" that uses the new standard Roll Stability Control to determine if the trailer is moving the truck and respond accordingly. Ford will also offer a back-up camera and a trailer hitch step system similar to the SuperDuty on the new 150.
Comparing The Engines
Ford hasn't suggested they're going to add a more powerful gas engine to the F150, meaning that the Toyota Tundra will maintain it's supremacy in terms of horsepower and towing. Ford's new F150 diesel will probably be rated to tow more than 11,000 lbs, but it will directly compete with the new diesel Tundra, which should also be rated at more than 11,000. It's anyone's guess to see what these trucks are rated to pull, but 12,000 lbs seems like the limit. It will be interesting to see who builds both of these diesel engines, as Ford's relationship with Navistar is ending and it's still unclear if Toyota will use a diesel from Isuzu, Hino, or one sourced internally.
Toyota's Response to the "Ecoboost " Engine
Originally, it was thought Toyota would produce a hybrid version of the Tundra, but it is known that the Tundra Hybrid is dead. As for the F150's new Platinum edition, it seems like the Tundra Limited has that covered. Both manufacturers will probably offer rear heated seats, some sort of entertainment/information system, special colors, interiors, etc. Nothing revolutionary, but nice nonetheless. Ford will probably maintain their lead here.
Conclusion
It's anyone's guess what Toyota will do to improve the Tundra - most likely it will be minor adjustments and updates designed to alleviate some of the Tundra's problems.
The last time the Tundra and F150 were compared, the Tundra was safer and more powerful than the F150. The Tundra had more standard safety equipment, a better tow rating, more horsepower, bigger brakes, and better overall performance. While Ford will finally be adding standard Roll Stability Control, there's no mention of improving the 5.4's power or tow rating, or improving the braking system.
Ford states that the new F150's chassis will be stronger and lighter than the current truck. It is suspected Ford will use thinner, stronger steel and more aluminum. Most importantly the newer, lighter truck will achieve better gas mileage across the board using Ford's current 5.4 and 4.6 V8's (1-2 mpg's max).