2015 Ford F-150: good sport

The 2015 Ford F-150 is similar to a Mustang. It seems impossible, or even impossible, but the "connection" between the two is not so inexplicable, albeit very beautiful.

The transmission technology for the Mustang and F-150 were created in unison and that becomes strikingly obvious when the best selling truck enters Sport Mode.

Sport Mode allows F-150 to mirror the performance of the Mustang, especially as it matches engine RPMs during a downshift in anticipation for a tight corner. The electronics calibration for such a feature comes directly from the infamous pony car.

The 2015 Ford F-150 received a complete re-design with a plethora of changes – none as arguably prominent as the aluminum body. The weight savings enhances all aspects of performance for the F-150, especially with the six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2015 Ford F-150 and Mustang were developed on similar schedules. As a result, power-train engineers often drove both on durability testing trips.

It was only a matter of time before the responsive transmission of the Mustang met the benefits of an aluminum body.

Sport Mode changes shift frequency, allowing F-150 to hold lower gears longer. There is less shifting for a more enjoyable and thrilling ride through sweeping roads and dusty trials. Straight line acceleration is quicker and quite noticeable when doing two back to back runs – one in normal and the other in sport mode.

Sport Mode vividly brings out the Ford F-150’s power band.

Tow/Haul Mode also enhances the F-150’s driving dynamics. Like Sport Mode, the shift points are changed through Tow/Haul Mode to better accommodate the driver when hitched to a trailer.

Under acceleration, the truck holds higher RPMs, further up the power range. Upshifts are limited when climbing a hill but when cresting it, engine braking is then enacted to help maintain a healthy, safe speed.

Sport mode is standard with every Ford F-150 engine and can be activated in two-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive automatic, and four-wheel-drive high settings.

Push Tow/Haul twice. An amber S shows in the lower-right portion of the tachometer.

Hold on and enjoy!