There was a rental car company that played heavy on the fact that they were number two in market share, so they had to try harder. The idea being that number 1 doesn’t have to try as hard. Fortunately the Blue Oval Boys never saw that commercial, so they keep trying harder while still being the number one pickup truck in sales. For 36 years. While it takes a lot of effort and great product to get to number one, it often takes even more effort to stay there as everyone is targeting #1. Through the years, Ford has managed to build the right truck at the right time, whether that is a work truck that can take a beating doing construction, being a ranch or farm work truck with towing capacity, and now as a luxury family style vehicle suitable for a date night. Although there is no diesel option for the F-150, there are four engines that are available, three cab configurations to choose from, along with three different bed sizes. Add in nine trim levels that include the base XL, a sporty STX, an upgraded XLT, the off-road inspired FX2/FX4 models, a western luxury themed King Ranch Edition, the stylish Lariat, the luxurious Platinum model, the top of the line Limited, and it becomes even harder to argue that there can’t be a F-150 configured for almost everyone. Now the sport truck segment gets a modified short wheel base regular cab based on the FX2/FX4 package called the Tremor.
For 2014, the F-150 does get a new grille treatment, which is then blacked out for the Tremor as part of the sport truck style. There is a flat black graphic that runs off the hood and back down the body lines that creates a lowered looked by paralleling the round black running boards. The special badging and graphics also follow the black and red color scheme. The Tremor also has door handles and wheel lip moldings that are painted to match which continues to develop the sport truck look.
To back up the performance look of the 2014 F-150 Tremor package, under the hood of the review vehicle is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that has twin turbos to develop 365 horsepower near the 5,000 rpm level while the available 420 lb-ft of torque shows up at 2,500 rpm. This engine is backed by a six speed automatic that feeds to a 4.10 gear that gives the Tremor a nice hole shot. This combination also provides a 6,700 pound towing capacity when properly equipped, as well as being rated at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined as tested.
On the interior, the sport truck look continues with bucket seats that have a combination of leather and suede materials in basic performance black with large red piping on the seats and the over-sized head-restraints to match the red stitching on the steering wheel. The brushed metal trim and accent points are part of the sport truck style, while the dash should be familiar to F-150 followers. There is a 4.2-inch cluster screen in the gauge pod that can be configured from the steering wheel controls. The center stack monitor provides access to the convenience controls, the rear view camera, the navigation system, and it is home to the SYNC with MyFord infotainment system. The Tremor does add a passthrough center console that will hold a small laptop or even two tablets, while there is room behind the seats for overnight bags, small suitcases, grocery bags or even small cargo.
Trucks were originally designed as work vehicles that could tow a trailer or haul material. Over the years, trucks have emerged as daily drivers, grocery getters, and even a few race trucks. A strong aftermarket has also developed to provide upgrades and custom touches as trucks have become main stream. For the Blue Oval fan, it is now possible to have a sport truck from the factory that is built ‘Ford Tough’. As the only F-150 that is equipped with a turbocharged V6 matched to a 4.10 rear axle and electronic locking differential – the 2014 Tremor is prepared to haul … ‘stuff’.
For more on the Ford F-150 Tremor, visit your local Ford dealer or online at www.ford.com.
