It’s been roughly two years since the introduction of the all-new, 14th-generation Ford F-150 for the 2021 model year, which quickly racked up favor with customers and earned a wide variety of accolades. The best-selling, light duty pickup has been in high demand and relatively short supply almost since its launch, as FoMoCo continues to grapple with ongoing supply chain issues, including but not limited to the well-publicized microchip shortage. With 2022 F-150 retail orders now closed, many are wondering when Ford will open order banks for and start producing the 2023 Ford F-150, which will represent the third year of the current-generation truck.
According to sources familiar with Ford’s go-to-market plans, order books for the 2023 Ford F-150 are currently scheduled to open July 18th, 2022. Meanwhile, production is set to begin on October 10th, 2022 at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant and October 31st, 2022, at the Kansas City Assembly Plant.
It’s worth noting that these dates are subject to change, especially given the ongoing supply chain issues including but not limited to the ongoing microchip shortage. Both the Ford F-150 and Ford Super Duty, amongst other Ford models, have been impacted by the shortage in recent months, forcing Ford to scale back production and temporarily idle plants.
As for the 2023 lineup, it will gain the new F-150 Rattler as an entry-level, off-road-oriented offering. The new Rattler package will slot below the F-150 Tremor and F-150 Raptor as a budget-friendly and off-road capable option. Based on the entry-level XL trim with the FX4 Off-Road Package, the Rattler will include expressive style inside and out plus exceptional off-road prowess to give adventure-seeking customers a unique combination of capability and value.
Features of the upcoming F-150 Rattler include mechanical and exterior enhancements. On the mechanical side, the package will include hill descent control, specially tuned off-road shock absorbers, plus electronic rear-locking differential for enhanced traction and greater confidence over tough terrain. A set of skid plates to protect the mechanical bits will be present and accounted for, as will Hill Decent Control and Rock Crawl Mode for enhanced traction over rough terrain.
On the outside, the Rattler will be easily identifiable thanks to bold exterior features such as painted 18-inch aluminum wheels, F-150 Rattler badging on the fender vents, rattlesnake-inspired graphics and a dual exhaust system. The ensemble will ride on a set of rugged all-terrain tires that ensure versatility and capability. Finally, a set of unique interior accents will make for distinctive style.
In addition, the lineup will add the new flagship F-150 Raptor R, which will mark a return of V8 power with Ford’s supercharged 5.2L Predator V8. We spied the first Ford F-150 Raptor R prototype back in April 2021, and then caught the Raptor R almost completely uncovered earlier this week.
It’s also plausible that the entire 2023 Ford F-150 lineup will feature the new Android-based infotainment system as a new tech upgrade over the 2022 and 2021 models. This system will reportedly offer a robust lineup of third-party apps, in addition to having better integration with Google Maps and other Google services.
Source: Ford Authority
