DALLAS – Ford announced a number of updates for its 2012-MY F-150. Ford said the new pickup features several driveline updates and other technologies designed to improve and refine the driving experience.

New drivetrain updates include replacing the 2011-MY F-150’s electronic shift-on-the-fly with a two-speed automatic 4x4 system for the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels. The system still offers four high and four low modes, according to Ford, but now provides a 4x4 mode. If the truck detects it’s losing traction, it immediately transfers torque to the front wheel.

Another new feature on the 2012-MY F-150 is Hill Start Assist, which helps keep the truck from rolling backward at a stop. Ford said this makes feature makes it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill, for example when towing. When the driver presses the brake pedal, if the vehicle’s sensors detect that it’s on a slope, the system activates automatically. The system holds brake pressure, and the truck stays stationary on the slope for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal.

Ford said the addition of neutral tow capability on all 4x4 trucks means customers can now flat-tow an F-150. An available electronic locking rear axle replaces most of the limited-slip offerings on the 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L engines. It is now available in a range of axle ratios, and is offered on 4x2 models.

Ford said the engine options are the same as on the 2011-MY F-150. Each new engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and include the following options:

3.7L four-valve Ti-VCT V-6
5.0L four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V-8
6.2L two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V-8
3.5L Ti-VCT EcoBoost