Ford Shakes Up 2021 F-150 Lineup With New Tremor Trim
Ford’s updated 2021 F-150 half-ton pickup truck will be getting a new off-road model: the Tremor, an unsurprising name choice given the relatively recent additions of Tremor packages to the and mid-size . In the F-150’s case, it comes as a SuperCrew F-150 with the 5.5-foot bed and is powered by the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. That sounds a little like the current F-150 Raptor, doesn’t it?
Equipped Like a Baby Raptor
Well, not quite. While the previous-generation Raptor also used the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, it was much more of a purpose-built desert-running machine, while the Tremor aims to be more of a jack of all trades and an upgrade over the available FX4 Off-Road Package, at least according to Ford.
Upgrades include a retuned suspension and revised front hub knuckles and upper control arms, while the Tremor’s unique monotube front and twin-tube rear shocks have damping adjusted to be softer at low speeds, “with additional damping and control for more severe off-road events,” which is a delightful turn of phrase. The F-150 Tremor also gets a “Raptor-style” front bash plate.
Ford says the suspension tuning also increases ground clearance, and more is added by the Tremor’s 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires, for a total of “more than 1.5 inches” of additional clearance, according to a Ford spokesperson. The big tires also widen the Tremor’s stance by an inch.
Ford says the Tremor has approach, breakover and departure angles of 27.6, 21.2 and 24.3 degrees, respectively, compared to a regular 4×4 SuperCrew short-bed F-150’s angles of 24.3, 20.0 and 25.3 degrees. Rear suspension travel is improved by 1.5 inches and front travel increases an inch.
A locking rear differential is standard, and Ford says a Torsen limited-slip front differential will have “late availability.” Higher trim levels will also get a transfer case Ford says is similar to the Raptor’s.
Off-Road Tech, Too
Ford isn’t making the Tremor an analog off-roader, however. Ford’s Trail Control — a low-speed, off-road version of cruise control — is available and can be paired with the Tremor’s standard hill descent control. Other tech goodies include things like Trail One-Pedal Drive. That works much like one-pedal driving in an electric vehicle: Press the accelerator pedal to move forward and lift the pedal to brake. Trail Turn Assist, another available feature, can apply the brakes to the inside rear wheel in low-speed turns and reduce the truck’s turning radius. An available 360-degree camera system helps drivers see obstacles, and the front camera view includes guidelines to indicate the front wheels’ track.
Rugged Looks
Besides the wider stance and knobby 33-inch tires, the F-150 Tremor gets unique 18-inch matte-finish wheels, a new hood design, a blacked-out grille with an Action Orange horizontal stripe and Action Orange tow hooks. In back, there are two more orange recovery hooks, and the exterior badging also has orange accents.
Action Orange is present in the interior, as well, including on the dashboard and seats. Ford also added six overhead-mounted auxiliary switches to control off-road accessories like a winch and extra lighting, the latter of which Ford says can be installed at the dealership.
Towing and Payload, Too
The F-150 Tremor can still tow and haul, too, with a maximum payload rating of 1,885 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 10,900 pounds. Both figures are down a bit from a comparable non-Tremor F-150, which has a max payload of 2,100 pounds and max towing of 13,900 pounds. However, that’s still quite a bit more than the 2020 Raptor’s 1,000 and 6,000 pounds, respectively.
Where Does This Leave the Raptor?
Well, we don’t know yet. Ford hasn’t officially announced a Raptor version of the newest F-150, but we’re hoping it will answer the challenge laid down by the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX and its 702-horsepower, Hellcat-derived V-8. Rumors have swirled that the next Raptor will get a version of the Mustang Shelby GT500’s V-8, and making the new F-150 Tremor a “Raptor lite” seems to lend those rumors credence. We’ll have to wait and see.
Pricing and Release Date
Pricing for the 2021 F-150 Tremor is not yet available, but it will likely be announced closer to its anticipated on-sale date of summer 2021.
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