Ford made a big splash at the Detroit auto show in January when it introduced its redesigned, mostly aluminum F-150 pickup truck. Now, the automaker is sending the truck, which it says is 700 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, around the country to give journalists and dealers a closer look.
Ford brought the new trucks to a parking lot near MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last week, along with a stripped-down frame and separate aluminum body for display purposes. The aluminum construction is novel. The body panels are not only lighter than steel panels, but also a thicker gauge.Representatives at the display said the new metal was stronger and, unlike steel, won’t rust.
The steel frame features an extra cross member for added rigidity, Ford says, and was dipped in an electrically applied rust preventive coating after being galvanized.