The new Atlas Concept that Ford Motor Co. unveiled at Detroit this past week revealed several interesting technologies that altogether could save fuel (active grille shutters, active wheel shutters, a drop-down air dam, and power running boards) and be useful to serious truck users (dynamic hitch assist, hidden cargo ramps, and a point of view camera). And it also suggests a new, even brawnier Super Duty–influenced look for the future F-150.
What remains in looking ahead to Ford’s future trucks are questions about greener powertrains, advanced materials, and the platform itself. Will Ford migrate to an all-aluminum or mostly aluminum structure, or one with more lightweight materials? And what about electrification? And if it’s committed to expanding the mileage and capability of its EcoBoost V-6, as it also mentioned for the Atlas, what about a hybrid or plug-in hybrid F-150?
Those are questions we asked VP Raj Nair, Ford’s global product development chief, out on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show.