Ford has finally pulled the covers off its revamped 2018 F-150 pickup. This mid-cycle refresh brings a new set of front grilles, new headlights, new taillights, and upgraded powertrain options, including a 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel. Yep, the F-150 is now an oil-burner!

Though Ford was very coy with details regarding the powertrain improvements, it has revealed that all but the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is getting big improvements for 2018. This includes an all-new 3.3-liter gasoline V-6 that replaces the base 3.5-liter V-6; an updated 2.7-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V-8, and the addition of the 3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6. Don’t think Ford’s premier gasoline engine is getting the shaft – the 3.5-liter EcoBoost entered its second generation in 2017, making it just under a year old.

Ford did not provide horsepower, torque, fuel economy ratings, or pricing for these new engines, but the base 3.3-liter is expected to make the same 282 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque as the outgoing 3.5-liter. We expect fuel economy is the main change here. Every engine besides the base 3.3-liter now comes with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Nothing was mentioned about the previously announced hybrid powertrain, however.

Technology wise, the 2018 F-150 is now available with the segment’s first adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go functionality and an available Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. Ford catches up with General Motors by offering 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot for the first time, and there’s also a new, high-end B&O PLAY audio system available. Ford’s SYNC and SYNC 3 now offers FordPass with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The F-150 continues to offer its 360-degree camera system, line-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert. Added to the system from the 2017 Super Duty is Ford’s trailer tow technology, which allows the system to monitor the blind spots of a trailer up to 33 feet in length.

As for aesthetics, the F-150’s new grille is larger and statelier. Several design deviations bring different looks to the various trim levels. The Sport Appearance Package on the Lariat trim, for example, brings that slick monochromatic theme. The interior, on the other hand, does not receive changes for 2018.

We will bring all the details in a full review after the Detroit Auto Show, but for now, continue reading for more information.

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