http://wot.motortrend.com/2012-ford-...ge-121711.html

The big upgrades for Ford’s full-size pickup were performed last year, but the Blue Oval still has a few mild improvements planned for the 2012 F-150 lineup.

FX Appearance Package: Though the FX2 and FX4 trim levels were originally designed to lend the F-150 a sporty exterior look, the all-new FX Appearance Package takes things to the next level.
Available with any exterior paint color, the new option group tosses in a number of black-colored exterior accents, including emblems, grille insert, headlamp surrounds, smoked rear tail lamps, and a chromed exhaust tip. New six-spoke, 20-inch wheels are also part of the package, and they’re also treated to a black finish.
Inside, the Package adds perforated black leather seating surfaces with red backing, black dash accents, and brushed metal trim accents. A new FX Luxury package adds heated and cooled front seats to the mix.


Tanks For The EcoBoost: The twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 debuted last year on select F-150 trims, and is essentially unchanged for 2011. That said, Ford is increasing the fuel tank size on EcoBoost 4×4 models from 26 to 36 gallons, reportedly in response to customer input. Given the truck’s 21-mpg highway fuel economy rating, this theoretically allows an F-150 so configured to travel as far as 756 miles before refueling.


Powertrain Tweaks: Unlike last year, the 2012 model year brings no new additions to the F-150 engine portfolio, but engineers have tweaked a few things elsewhere in the driveline.
For starters, an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case is now standard on 4×4 XL, STX, FX2, XLT, and FX4 trims in lieu of the previous manual transfer case. Other trim levels aren’t forgotten; in fact, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models now gain an electronic two-speed transfer case that sports an automatic four-wheel-drive setting. Additionally, a number of the limited-slip differentials previously available with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and the 5.0-liter V-8 have been replaced with electronic locking rear differentials, even on 4×2 models.
Ford is also proud of the fact it now offers neutral tow capability on all 4×4 models, allowing any 2012 F-150 to be flat-towed, but we think more drivers will regularly use and appreciate the new Hill Start Assist feature, especially in hilly terrain. The system, which is standard across the board, holds the brakes for a full two seconds after the driver lifts off the pedal, preventing the truck from rolling backwards when launching on an incline.


Model Mix: The number of ways one can order an F-150 is still close to infinite, but there are two new possibilities for 2012. XL and XLT models now offer a new light-duty 163-inch wheelbase option with the SuperCab, while XL, XLT, and Lariat Crew Cab models are now offered in a 157″ wheelbase with a heavy-duty payload option.

 

A few of the guys at work have upgraded to 2011 models, but none of them have bought a V8. Those new V6s are extremely impressive. I may look for a used one here in a few years if the durability is as good as they claim. The FX4 with the 20" wheels in white or grey is gorgeous.

 

I've read quite a few articles, and the v6 ecoboost seems worth it. It'd probably be the route I'd chose. Great numbers.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/04...liter-v-6.html

 

^ How does the curves on the chart above compare to the vehicle speeds per gear?

It looks like if you need low-speed grunt, you'd be much better off with the V8. Looks like the V6 turbo-power doesn't start until 3k rpm.

 

I'd take the 5.0 over the turbo V6 anyday.

I've driven a couple Ecoboost F150's and I wasn't really that impressed, just like I wasn't that impressed after driving an EcoBoost Lincoln MKS (pretty much same car as an SHO)

And the greater expected reliability of the 5.0 is just icing on the cake.

Plus, if I really want power, I could always slap a supercharger onto that 5.0 ... there's plenty of room under the hood ... almost like Ford designed that engine bay for a nice big twin-screw to sit on top of the 5.0

 

For most, the practical use of 1,000 rpm to gain efficient use of the motor's torque is to lay the foot down 1/2 an inch more to hit 3k. It's not meant as a racer plus, not everyone hauls 5 tons. To top, it out puts +45 peak tq... But yes gearing and speed would be a good visual.

The 5.0 is in it's infancy, not perfect. But definitely a strong piece that will carry Ford.

Turbo upgrades exist for the ecoboost as well, if power is the question. But stock to stock is never the less the quickest engine in the f150.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/09...-6-part-1.html