Derodeo

Seems to me to be very much a concept. Looks nice but is Ford willing to sacrifice the moonroof entirely? I doubt it. Wheel shutters? A complete gimmick, just imagine what would happen in mud/snow. OTOH grill shutters make a lot of sense - but that's going to mean some kind of eco-boost design change.

Maybe someday Ford will realize how valuable console space really is and do away with the console shift. A convenient place to rest your hand is all that space waster provides. Put it on the column or even on a dial.

For all the tech improvements mentioned, where's the passive entry and keyless start? Adaptive cruise? Hell, where's the heated steering wheel? Features that have been around on some of Ford's other vehicles for a very long time. When is that new 8+ speed transmission coming?

Atlas just seems like a quick concept whipped up to counter some of the new GM truck hype. Not that they probably needed to bother.

AricsFX

iTrader: (3)

Have you been in an f150 with the console shift? the center console is plenty big. Not super duty big, but it is for sure not small. If you dont like the console shift then get an XLT or STX.... The gm trucks are ugly as hell. Ford could have done nothing and will still be ahead of the design curve. Government Motors wont ever get my business again, especially the way that silverado looks.

the 2007-13 silverado was outdated when it came out. I had an new body 07, and it was extremely lacking in the quality arena.
Don't even get me started on dodge...

Cleanmaxx Brian

You need a new Ram...it has every feature you just asked for!

Hunttman01

Its a truck. Not a luxury SUV...

sgtpatiolantern

I don't know if I like the idea of an 8 speed transmission. I'm not sure if I am all that crazy about 6 speeds to be honest. When towing heavy loads the six speed is downshifting rather often, and the 8 speed would be downshifting all the time. I liked the old 4 speed automatics. Arguably they don't provide as good fuel mileage, but they weren't shifting so often.

Derodeo

Well it doesn't have adaptive cruise quite yet - they wrote the feature into a preliminary version of the 2013 owner's manual and then dropped it.

But yes, I would already have ordered an 8-speed CC long box Laramie if it wasn't for one rather important fact. The Ram has a pathetic payload rating for any truck that is reasonably well equipped. And unlike Ford, there are no optional add-ons to increase it to a reasonable number. I'm talking a crew cab Longhorn shortbox with 808 lbs maximum payload sticker on its door. The long box version I expect will be around 700. Not even enough to haul around 4 adult passengers let alone their gear and something in the box.

I don't know why Ram keeps their GVWR so low and didn't utilize their new air suspension to help increase payload. In effect they have designed the perfect poseur full size truck for city use. I need a truck for work purposes and as an everyday driver.

Ram is also experiencing major electrical issues due to the all-new electrical wiring bus and severe shortages of parts for popular options so that "limited availability" always seems to be some part of every order. Still they are selling very well (#1 seller of light trucks in Canada right now) and they are the leaders in new truck technology.

Butters_33

iTrader: (1)

I disagree. I like to rest my arm on the center box, with my hand resting on top of the console shifter. And even with the console shifter you still have plenty of space for odds and ends in the four cup holders and the tray in front of the shifter.

I drove a 2012 Laramie this fall for a two week period and it had the full console, and the shifter on the column. It wasn't a bad setup by any means, but I found my hand just hanging there with nothing to rest it on. And all you gain is a gaping box when the console shifter would normally be.

Guess I'm just used to the console shifter after so many years of having one. My first truck was an '04 Lariat that I bought in '07. Since then all of my vehicles have had a console shifter and I love it!

09dreamer

Am I the only one who stores hanging folders in the console? Ford was first with this idea - then everyone else copied. I like the center console. lack of one screams XL to me, and I've been there, done that.

borjeb

I use my console for folders. I don't know what I would do without it, well I would have a big paper mess. I deal with alot of paperwork for work on a daily basis. I have a folder for recycling/looking up later if need be, folder for receipts and papers I need to keep for records, one for paperwork to be handed in, and one for my ticket books and safety meeting books. Everyone drools over it whey they realize it is built for that.

masmith1553

Amen brother, Amen!