Ford’s F-150 launch plans are taking shape, with the brand trademarking both the F-150 Tremor and F-150 Lightning in Australia as it prepares an assault on the pick-up truck segment.
In March, Ford confirmed plans to launch the F-150 in Australia in just two trim levels in 2023 – the XLT and Lariat, with both drawing 298kW and 678Nm from Ford’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost petrol V6 – to take on the Ram 1500. The F-150 will be imported into Australia in left-hand drive, before being remanufactured for our market by RMA Automotive Holdings (not dissimilar to the Ram 1500, then).
But a series trademark applications in Australia suggest those models are just the beginning, with the Ford registering the names F-150 Tremor and F-150 Lightning in Australia on May 11. Both applications are currently under reviews, and act as the first step in securing a new nameplate for our market.
In the Ford F-150 Tremor’s sights are everything from the Ram 1500 to the Toyota HiLux and even the Ford Ranger Raptor, with the off-road focused tough truck acting as a kind of baby Raptor that’s more than ready for the tough stuff.
Under the bonnet is the same EcoBoost petrol V6 paired with a 10-speed auto, but they are joined by increased ride height, a slightly wider track, off-road focused shocks and springs, and extra underbody protection in the form of new skid plates. You also get tougher All-Terrain tyres, recovery tow hooks and a locking differential.
The F-150 Lightning needs no introduction, with Ford’s all-electric pick-up arriving with a dual-motor powertrain delivering 318kW (standard range) or 420kW (extended range), and a monster 1051Nm of torque. You can expect a driving range of between 370km and 483km, and a sprint to almost 100km/h in around 4.5secs.
In March, Ford flagged its interest in the Lightning, with Ford Australia boss Andrew Birkic telling CarsGuide he was “open” to the model launching in Australia.
“Look, [we] absolutely love the Lightning, it’s incredible, we love it … but really, we need to just ensure we take the appropriate steps and that’s what we’re trying to do,” he said.
“We’re always open, we’re always looking and that’s what we have to do.”
There are big things ahead for Ford in Australia, then. And we mean that literally.
Keyword: Ford goes BIG on F-150: Monstrous F-150 Tremor and all-electric Lighting registered for Australia in warning shot to Ranger and Toyota HiLux