Ford introduces F-150 Tremor: world’s first EcoBoost sport truck

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About a week ago in Detroit, Ford took the cover off a new truck; designed for the sport truck enthusiast and boasting V8 performance, V6 fuel economy and a launch-optimized 4.10 rear axle with electronic locking differential.  This is the first time that a short wheel base truck with a regular cab has been specified with an EcoBoost engine.

2014 F-150 Tremor

The Tremor has the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine with 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel with 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm, twin  independent variable camshaft timing for improved performance and fuel economy and up to 90% peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm.

EcoBoost enging on Ford F-150 Tremor

I know that we will never see a Raptor with EcoBoost, but this is an option for someone who wants more economical performance in a regular cab sport truck.  Pricing wasn’t available but I suspect it will be competitive with similar sized trucks featuring top-of-the-line interiors and full-connectivity.  Everything mentioned is standard.

While not yet published, Ford shared with me that tow capacity will be 7,700 lbs. for the 4X$ and 8,000 lbs. for the 4X2.  Payload rates are 1,370 lbs. and 1,520 lbs. respectively.

Unique Tremor exterior graphics

On sale this fall, the Tremor has an FX appearance package which defines its claim as a sport truck.  Although we didn’t have a chance to drive the vehicles on display, we did have the opportunity to climb through them, sit inside and enjoy the attention to detail that has been a hallmark of Ford’s special edition trucks.

Everything comes standard on the Tremor

Everything comes standard on the Tremor with no selections to be made by the customer.  That’s just fine, however.  The choices made by Ford’s designers are top notch.  On the exterior there are flat-black accents, 20-inch flat black wheels, dynamic body graphics and black badges with red lettering.

Black leather seating with red trim

On the interior, Ford has utilized an array of materials that scream deluxe.  I look forward to getting behind the wheel and seeing all the features on the inside, including MyFord Touch powered by SYNC which is standard on this vehicle.  Responding to the concerns of consumer who objected dramatically to the previous iteration of this conductivity/entertainment and navigation system, Ford has made a substantial leap toward user friendly controls.  On the Tremor, for example, these controls are designed to accommodate truckers in work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack.

At the Tremor introduction in Detroit

The Tremor is not for everyone, as Ford acknowledged in its press briefing.  It is, however, a vehicle that fills a niche for which the company has not had an entry.  With its flash, dash and excellent fuel efficiency, I suspect it will do well.

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