Manufacturers love to keep us guessing. They try to keep secrets from us, and we fight tooth and nail to get the info out as soon as possible. Somewhere in the middle, you get to read about the vehicles just around the bend or concepts that point to what's coming around the next two or three (or four) bends. Here's a look at the future, as near as we can tell. Look for more in-depth coverage on our Web site (www.trucktrend.com) and in upcoming issues.
2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150
2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150
Going back to its roots, the next Ford Harley-Davidson truck will be based off the F-150 platform. This limited-edition vehicle will sport 22-inch rims, low-profile tires, smoked windows, high-gloss paint, and accent pinstriping. The H-D SuperCab F-150 will be offered in conventional rear-drive or with a new all-wheel-drive system. Inside, four unique captain's chairs will sport a die-cast Harley-Davidson bar-and-shield logo embedded in the aniline leather seats.
Of course, the interior will have a serialized nickel plate identifying the vehicle with an exact production date and number. Lurking under the hood is the solid 5.4-liter Triton V-8 with three-valve heads and 300 horsepower. Conspicuously absent is a supercharger, something the last SuperCrew Ford H-D F-150 offered (basically a detuned Lightning motor). Ford expects to sell approximately 10,000 of the specialty vehicles at a premium package price hovering around $5000.
| Base price | $37,000 (est) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, AWD, 4-door, 4-pass pickup |
| Engine type | 90-deg V-8, SOHC, 3 valves/cyl |
| Displacement, ci/L | 330/5.4 |
| SAE net horsepower, hp @ rpm | 300 @ 5000 |
| SAE net torque, lb-ft @ rpm | 365 @ 3750 |
| Transmission | 5-speed auto |
| Curb weight, lb | 5200 |
| GVWR, lb | 7200 |
| Towing capacity, lb | 8500 |
| Payload, lb | 1700 |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 9.0 (est) |
| EPA city/highway, mpg | 14/18 |
| On sale | Fall 2005 |